Consider This from NPR BONUS: Sohla El-Waylly on Race, Food and 'Bon Appétit'
Mar 21, 2021
Sohla El-Waylly, acclaimed chef, writer, and YouTube star renowned for her advocacy in food media, shares her journey after leaving Bon Appétit. She addresses the struggles of racism within the culinary industry and the importance of representation. The conversation touches on the complexities of cultural appropriation and societal perceptions of different cuisines. Sohla also reflects on her personal experiences with betrayal in culinary spaces and the emotional nuances tied to identity, while celebrating the joy of community through food.
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Cheesecake Factory Memories
- Sam Sanders and Sohla El-Waylly reminisce about the Cheesecake Factory.
- Sohla worked there as a hostess, describing it as a tough job due to its immense size and constant activity.
Food and Race
- Sohla El-Waylly discusses how cultural appropriation and representation intersect.
- She advocates for people of color to have the same freedom as white chefs in exploring diverse cuisines.
Assumptions and Expertise
- Sohla expresses frustration with assumptions about her expertise based on her appearance.
- People assume she specializes in Bangladeshi food, but it's the cuisine she knows least.