Food news antipasto

The #MeToo movement saw plenty of accusations of harassment in the culinary sphere, especially among back of the house staff. It seems that harassment isn’t the only problem in restaurant kitchens; bullying and toxic work environments seems to be commonplace. The latest restaurateur to be put in the hot seat is Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin. Anonymous complaints have labeled his restaurants as “toxic workplaces” with bullying and physical assaults rampant. Kitchin is not accused of any bullying behavior, but many of his senior chefs have been called out for actions such as throwing cookware.

This year we missed having the James Beard Foundation’s cookbook awards, a highlight we cookbook lovers look forward to each year. The JBF skipped its iconic cookbook awards in 2021 to perform a self-audit aimed at ensuring “a more transparent and equitable process for the future.” According to a recent blog post on the JBF website, the audit is focusing on a “code of ethics, composition of committees and judges, criteria for winners, and developing policies and procedures for unforeseen events.” As part of its recommitment to breaking down barriers in the culinary world, last year the JBF appointed Tanya Holland to its board of trustees, among other changes. Holland, who is spearheading the audit and overseeing other changes, is known for her contributions to the food and hospitality industry including well regarded cookbooks Brown Sugar Kitchen and New Soul Cooking.

In recent years, direct-to-consumer (DTC) cookware brands have flourished, aimed mainly at millenial shoppers. Among those is Great Jones, which makes enamel-clad cast iron cookware touted as being a lower-cost alternative to established brands like Le Creuset and Staub. In The New Yorker, Kyle Chayka explores this DTC model with a focus on Great Jones, which has lost all of its original employees and one of the brands’ co-creators, yet continues to market its cookware as ever before. Peering behind the perfectly-staged Instagram account, Chayka discovers not all is well with some DTC companies.

After weathering recent lockdowns, Australia is inching back to a more normal life again. If you are ready and able to explore, Australian Gourmet Traveller has the latest on July’s best events including highly-anticipated restaurant openings, festivals, and other food-related happenings, including a new premium wine delivery service.

Happy Independence Day to all of our US Members! Photo of Fourth of July pennant cookies from Bakerella by Angie Dudley