Exploring the Intersection of Food, Culture and Identity
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Michele, ‘The Hyphenated Chef’

by the hyphenated chef

I’m just a girl who can’t say no – to grape leaves or tamales or kimchi or korma or….you get the picture.

I’m also a reporter and food writer published in The New York Times, Gourmet (may it rest in peace), Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveler, Associated Press, National Public Radio and the other usual suspects.

But it’s my identity as a hyphenated American married to another hyphenated American (Indian guy) that drives my passion. I’ve lived and traveled around the world, from England to India, Prague to Hawaii, from Syria, Singapore and Seoul to Jakarta, Japan, and Jordan, eating, meeting and writing. For me, a “juicy” story is literal: the way Thanksgiving turkeys are cooked underground in Hawaii; Hawaii’s fascination with Spam and the festival that honors it.

Now those stories have spurred The Hyphenated Chef. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I do.

– Michele Kayal   

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9 comments

1 Satu { 11.12.09 at 1:03 pm }

Congratulations on the launch of your blog!! It looks terrific. Have fun at CIA conference and bring back good recipes–and then make them often for us at home.

2 Jenny R { 11.13.09 at 10:01 am }

Welcome to the blogosphere – it’s about time you joined us :-)

3 Kate N. { 11.13.09 at 10:57 am }

Michele,

This blog is such an inspiration. I look forward to keeping up with you through your travels and eating adventures! Congrats!

4 Abouna { 11.13.09 at 6:46 pm }

Congratulations for your new blog!
All the best!

5 Callyh { 11.20.09 at 7:16 pm }

Your site looks terrific! Congrats and keep up the fabulous cooking/reporting/eating.

6 Shey { 12.07.09 at 12:09 am }

Your blog is beautiful! I just read all of it and I’m ready for more! I’m all about the cultural fusions that you write about which is just another way of saying I love food in all forms!

7 the hyphenated chef { 12.07.09 at 8:50 am }

Shey, thank you so much. I’m so glad to have found a kindred spirit! Keep reading — more to come!!!

8 Lan { 04.27.10 at 2:23 pm }

Aside from the great topics and writing! Where are you getting all these juicy fotos? You know me, I’m all about eye candy.
And, how come you did not let your friends know about your new blog? Congrats on a wonderful page….it’s great to see you online.

9 the hyphenated chef { 04.27.10 at 2:41 pm }

Hey! I totally did send out a major laundry list email, which I’m SURE you were on!! But…..so glad you’re seeing it now. Great fun to do. Tell all your friends! (p.s. photos often from Wikipedia Commons, with credits to authors…) Where there are no credits, the photos are mine…