104: Cookbook Criticism with Leslie Brenner

Molly and Kate dive back into the topic of cookbook reviews as they chat with Leslie Brenner, an experienced critic, journalist, editor and consultant in the food media space. Leslie shares how she got into food writing, the inspiration and motivation behind her website and why she focuses on the home cook. She speaks on the mental and physical toll of restaurant reviewing and why she sees cookbook reviews as important before explaining her process and the mechanics involved as well as the rule she abides by while bringing a critical eye to the work. She talks about the role voice plays, the red flags she looks for and what she wishes authors would do before sharing the upcoming cookbook trends and titles she is excited to see in the marketplace.Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea NguyenEditor: Abby Cerquitella Mentions Leslie BrennerWebsiteInstagramCooks Without BordersCooks Without Borders NewsletterCooks Without Borders Instagram Episode 84: Do We Need Cookbook Reviews? Crave by Ludo Lefebvre Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the showThe Memory of Taste by Tu David Phu and Soleil HoTu Casa Mi Casa: Mexican Recipes for the Home Cook by Enrique OlveraFirst Generation: Recipes from my Taiwanese-American Home by Frankie GawNiçoise: Market-Inspired Cooking from France's Sunniest City by Rosa JacksonThe Bean Book from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen by Steven Santo with Julia NewberryMastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking by Joe YonanOur South: Black Food Through My Lens by Ashleigh ShantiLes Halles by Anthony BourdainOttolenghi Comfort by Yotam OttolenghiCrazy Water Pickled Lemons by Diana Henry