Samin Nosrat, a renowned culinary personality, has released her eagerly awaited second book, 'Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share With People You Love.' This new publication emerges in the wake of her previous triumph, 'Salt Fat Acid Heat,' and its accompanying Netflix series. Nosrat's latest endeavor reflects a deliberate shift in her life's trajectory, moving towards a more grounded existence centered on community engagement and personal fulfillment. The book offers a collection of traditional recipes, interwoven with personal essays that delve into her evolving perspective on fame and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Through her culinary explorations and introspective writings, Nosrat inspires readers to find joy and connection in everyday rituals.
Celebrated Chef Samin Nosrat Unveils 'Good Things,' Reflecting on Fame, Community, and the Joys of Simple Pleasures
In July, the vibrant streets of New York City's West Village witnessed a significant culinary moment as Samin Nosrat, the acclaimed author and chef, arrived at the popular sandwich spot, Salt Hank. Her visit marked not only a return to the neighborhood but also a preamble to the release of her highly anticipated second book, 'Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share With People You Love,' published by Random House. Nosrat, still basking in the glow of her book launch dinner with esteemed food critics like Helen Rosner, indulged in Salt Hank's famed French dip sandwich, playfully comparing its rich flavors to French onion soup.
The immense success of her 2017 cookbook, 'Salt Fat Acid Heat,' and its subsequent 2018 Netflix adaptation, catapulted Nosrat into widespread fame, presenting her with a myriad of opportunities. Yet, she found herself seeking solace from the pressures of celebrity, especially during the tumultuous period of lockdown. This introspection led her to a profound realization: rather than chasing grand societal changes, she could make a tangible difference within her immediate community. She began volunteering at a local high school that serves recently arrived immigrants and refugees, embracing the philosophy of cultivating a "good garden, a good walk, a good street, and a good neighborhood" as a form of positive transformation.
Nosrat's journey of self-discovery also involved a conscious effort to make her personal life more private. She found joy in quiet evenings with her girlfriend, a fellow writer, prioritizing personal connection over the demands of public life. This shift led her to avoid the glitzy restaurant scene, where she often felt pressured to maintain her public persona. Nosrat openly acknowledges the disorienting experience of transitioning from an "invisible brown girl" to a highly visible and beloved public figure, grappling with the altered perceptions of those around her. She is now actively working to redefine her relationship with the unpredictable nature of fame.
'Good Things' showcases a technical evolution in Nosrat's culinary approach, featuring her first collection of traditional, multi-step recipes. These include perfectly balanced salad dressings, fluffy meatballs, focaccia, and a moist chocolate cake. Drawing inspiration from literary figures such as Raymond Carver, Annie Dillard, and Iris Murdoch, the book is infused with Nosrat's characteristic humor, warmth, and wit. While earlier drafts contained more personal essays, Nosrat chose to channel her experiences into broader reflections on attention and time, navigating the challenges of balancing a demanding career with significant personal milestones, including the loss of her father and a new romantic relationship. Each recipe, deeply connected to her personal history and culinary development, tells a unique story.
A core theme of 'Good Things' is the importance of presence and intentional hospitality. In an essay titled “Small Gestures of Hospitality,” Nosrat recounts a birthday party for a 10-year-old friend, Orion, highlighting how the act of cooking transcends mere preparation, becoming a small part of a larger exchange of shared experiences and chosen family. Many of the book’s recipes are thus designed to foster connection and minimize pretense, encouraging hosts and guests to mingle and enjoy each other’s company. Nosrat also weaves in narratives from her upbringing as the daughter of Iranian immigrants in San Diego. A vivid memory of visiting her grandparents' home in Iran, with its apricot trees and citrus orchards, revealed to her that many culinary traditions she attributed to European influences were, in fact, deeply rooted in her own heritage.
Following their culinary tour, Nosrat and the interviewer concluded their West Village excursion with Greek yogurt at Culture and an assortment of delicate cakes and teas at Te Company. During their conversation, the interviewer shared a deeply personal revelation: Nosrat’s first book had played a crucial role in their recovery from an eating disorder. Nosrat received this with profound grace, embodying the supportive and understanding persona for which she is widely admired. As she looks ahead to promoting 'Good Things,' Nosrat emphasizes her commitment to setting healthier boundaries and practicing self-compassion, a sentiment that undoubtedly resonates throughout her new book and promises to inspire its readers.
This insightful exploration of Samin Nosrat's latest work, 'Good Things,' offers a compelling narrative on evolving personal values in the face of public acclaim. Her journey underscores the profound impact of community and self-care, illustrating how a focused approach to 'the good life' can enrich both personal well-being and creative output. Nosrat's emphasis on intentional living and genuine connection, as reflected in her new book, provides a powerful reminder that true fulfillment often lies in the cultivation of meaningful relationships and the appreciation of simple, heartfelt gestures. Her story encourages us to seek deeper understanding not just in food, but in our interactions with the world and with ourselves.