Kitchens of the Great Midwest: A Novel

A sweet and savory treat. People An impressive feat of narrative jujitsu . . . that keeps readers turning the pages too fast to realize just how ingenious they are.The New York Times Book Review, Editors Pick From the New York Times bestselling author of The Lager Queen of Minnesota, Kitchens of the Great Midwest is a novel about a young woman with a once-in-a-generation palate who becomes the iconic chef behind the countrys most coveted dinner reservation. When Lars Thorvalds wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wineand a dashing sommelierhes left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. Hes determined to pass on his love of food to his daughterstarting 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 Evas journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast thats a testament to her spirit and resilience. Each chapter in J. Ryan Stradals 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 lifeits missed opportunities and its joyful surprises. It marks the entry of a brilliant new talent.