3 Midweek Morsels: Food Oscars + Mom Day Sale + 5/10 SF Event

I couldn’t wait till Sunday to tuck this short note into your inbox. Celebrating Ever-Green Vietnamese’s one-year birthday was exciting, but this Tuesday, something extra incredible happened: the book made the finals list for a 2024 James Beard Award (JBA, the food world equivalent of the Oscars).

It was completely unexpected, which explains my bad morning hair in this impromptu video:

What I didn’t publicly share until now is this: I actually thought the JBAs had already made their announcement and had passed on Ever-Green Vietnamese. ¹

Somehow in my brain, the final nominees list was supposed to be announced on my husband’s birthday, April 19. Things were quiet that day, and honestly, there are so many strong cookbook contenders that I didn’t think I had a chance.

Ever-Green Vietnamese is a solid work that people are cooking and learning from. My mid-lifer’s aim to add wholesome, modern Viet foodways to people’s repertoires isn’t ‘sexy’ or virally popular. And, I champion tweaking the status quo’s Mediterranean Diet.

That was my rationale. BUT, I am happy to be wrong.

There are about 12 JBAs total, so it’s hard to get into the running. I’ve luckily been a finalist before, and never take things for granted. It may be the last time.

The JBA ceremony is in early June, but I’ll be on a research trip in Thailand and Vietnam. I made those plans weeks ago, and will dearly miss celebrating my friends and our accomplishments.

JBA is honoring many Asian titles, authors, and chefs. But overall, the range and diversity of ideas represented reflects a rainbow of perspective in food. Moments like this and texts like what

Hetty Lui McKinnon

and I exchanged in the video were beyond my expectations when I started writing.

Take a look at the Beard Foundation’s full list of media award finalists, chefs and restaurants, and American Classics! Cheer for your faves and discover new ones.

Mother’s Day Sale!

Above, from this morning, my mom cutting daikon for pickles. Cooking is hard but there is joy. We each need kitchen community and tips.

So, don’t miss out on the tofu train. Plus, access all the PTFS resources without anything stopping you. As motivation, you can join the crew with a 20 percent savings for 12 months, applicable to monthly or annual subscriptions. The offer ends on Monday, May 13.

Gift yourself, your mom, and/or a friend. Share it too. I don’t mind.

If you recently joined as a paid subscriber, check out the appreciation bonus.

Just added: 5/10 Event Asian Art Museum, SF

Bay Area friends — next Friday, May 10, I’m taking part in a special event with the authors of just-released Koreaworld, Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard. Theirs is a sensational book for modern cooks.

We’ll be discussing Asian food and culture, modern traditions, cooking, and how cuisine shapes culture. This Asian Art Museum event is ticketed, with a copy of Koreaworld, snacks, and museum admission included in the price.

Will Ever-Green Vietnamese be available for purchase? Unfortunately, no. But, if you bring your book(s), I’d be happy to sign it! ²

I’m the “surprise guest” listed in the Eventbrite ticket page.

Those are my 3 midweek morsels.

See you on Sunday,

Andrea

1. Thanks to all who’ve contributed positive EGV reviews at Amazon. Your generosity validates the work immensely. More than you’ll ever know! If you’re reading this and would like to add some nice words, I’d be delighted.

2. I’m always happy to snail mail a signed bookplate(s) to you. Just email me your address.