Episode 142: Deborah Madison (author, An Onion in My Pocket)

Deborah Madison has been a beloved figure in the American food scene for decades, first making her mark as chef of the seminal vegetarian restaurant Greens in San Francisco, and as author of such classic cookbooks as The Greens Cookbook and Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. In her new memoir An Onion in My Pocket, Deborah shares stories and reflections on her life and career to-date. It's a wonderful, evocative book that also tracks the American food revolution. For a rewarding way to support restaurants at this difficult time, please check out Restore, a new website offering curated products and exclusive events from chefs and restaurants. (It's supported by our promotional partner, S.Pellegrino.)Please consider supporting Andrew Talks to Chefs via our Patreon page–pledge $10 or more per month and gain access to bonus, patron-only episodes, blog posts, polls, and more. Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related information.(photo of Deborah Madison by Doug Merriam) THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!