num_pages: 310
description: When Lars Thorvald's wife Cynthia falls in love with wine--and a dashing sommelier--he's left to raise their baby Eva on his own. He's determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter--starting with pured pork shoulder. As Eva grows she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros each ingredient represents one part of Eva's journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that's a testament to her spirit and resilience. Each chapter in J. Ryan Stradal's startlingly original debut tells the story of a single dish and character at once capturing the zeitgeist of the Midwest the rise of foodie culture and delving into the ways food creates community and a sense of identity. By turns quirky hilarious and vividly sensory Kitchens of the Great Midwest is an unexpected mother-daughter story about the bittersweet nature of life--its missed opportunities and its joyful surprises. It marks the entry of a brilliant new talent.
language: English
title: Kitchens of the Great Midwest
publisher: Pamela Dorman Books/Viking