Curated Cuisine is a monthly series examining all things edible, from the chefs cooking the food to the writers reviewing the recipes. Meet the people shaping the food industry, both lsocal and national and enjoy a post-show bite inspired by the conversation.
Tamika Francis, founder of Food & Folklore, moderated a conversation with James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author and TV personality JJ Johnson, about his new cookbook "The Simple Art of Rice: Recipes from Around the World for the Heart of Your Table.”
Johnson is most recognized for his fresh and innovative approach to African Caribbean cuisine. His culinary philosophy centers on showcasing the diversity and richness of the African diaspora while also challenging traditional ideas about what these cuisines can be. He is the founder of the fast casual franchise FIELDTRIP, with four locations in New York City. Johnson believes some of the most dynamic cultures are linked to rice, and with America being a diverse nation, we all grew up within a "rice culture." Hence, the slogan “Rice is Culture '' at FIELDTRIP. Through his expertise, restaurants and cookbooks he continues to unite communities and show the world that rice isn’t just a staple, it is the backbone of culture.
This event is co-produced by Boston University Metropolitan College Programs in Food & Wine.
About “The Simple Art of Rice”
The Simple Art of Rice is a celebration of rice and the many cultures in which this life-giving grain takes pride of place at the center of every table. The recipes are influenced by these global flavors from Asia to Europe, Africa to the Americas and feature many of the world's favorite dishes. With Danica Novgorodoff, award-winning author Chef JJ Johnson takes readers on an informative and exciting culinary adventure that will help anyone master the art of cooking rice.
From iconic savory dishes like Liberian Jollof and Poppy William's Red Rice and Beans to sweet finishes like Champorado, The Simple Art of Rice has a rice dish for every kind of meal and occasion, including nourishing comfort foods and dishes that can be made quickly to transform a weeknight dinner into a feast. The book also features a fool-proof method for turning out perfect rice every time, as well as fascinating information on the role that rice has played in culture and history.