Episode 57: Tanya Holland

Not many chefs can boast a degree in Russian language and literature, but that was just one of the many accomplishments Tanya Holland achieved before gravitating to chefdom and gaining acclaim at her beloved Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland. While in Brooklyn for Star Chefs, Tanya found an hour to relate her journey from academia to the culinary arts; how her parents’ inclusive worldview helped shaped her own trajectory; her abiding interest in politics and diplomacy; and the ups and downs of running (and relocating) a restaurant. Fun fact: Tanya is also our third guest of the fall who appeared on Top Chef Season 15. Here's a thought: If you like what you hear, please tell your chef-fascinated friends, subscribe to Andrew Talks to Chefs (it's free) on iTunes or Stitcher, follow us on your favorite social media platforms @ChefPodcast, and/or rate or review us on Apple's podcast store. Thanks for listening! Andrew Talks to Chefs is powered by Simplecast 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!