Voices From The Kitchen Personal Narratives from New York's Immigrant Restaurant Workers, edited by Marc Meyer

 

Publisher: Beacon Press

Expected On Sale Date: November 18 2025

Pages: 240

I reviewed a digital review copy from the publisher

Voices From The Kitchen is a moving book with personal stories from several immigrant workers in New York City's restaurants.

The people who tell their story in this book come from everywhere, but mostly from Central and South America; Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, Bangladesh and the Dominican Republic to name a few. They all tell their own personal story that starts back in their homeland, and how they came to the USA and how they started working in the restaurants. Some started at the bottom of the ladder bussing tables or working at the dishwasher, and many of the narrators later owned their own restaurant or became a chef. Some worked 2 jobs  and more than 40 hours per week to provide for their families. 

This is a book that is more actual than ever, New York City's restaurant simply can't function without the hard work and dedication of immigrant workers. The stories in this book makes that you get deep respect for their work, which is nothing more than the American Dream. I truly enjoyed this gem of a book!