I watch cooking shows a lot, but only as a spectator. So, I was intrigued the idea of eavesdropping on a conversation with a bunch of local food prep folks especially when it included chef Molly Broder (of Broder’s), cookbook author Beth Dooley, chef Tammy Wong (Rainbow Restaurant), and host, food writer, Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl all at the Mill City Museum. I was lucky enough to be invited my friend (author and DJ) Cyn Collins, who created a playlist for the night, which included a great mix of many Minnesota female artists and a number of songs about food.
The evening included a reception featuring food from Broder’s and Rainbow Restaurant. Very yummy. After, there was a panel discussion where the featured speakers talked about their foods, their businesses and their families and how each of these fed off each other. (Pun intended!) Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl’s humor and deep knowledge of food in the Cities grounded the program and gave a nice jumping off point for the guests.
Tammy Wong comes from a family of food. She works with siblings and their kids. She talked about doing delivery during the pandemic with her mother, who had memory issues. What a weird but lovely picture. Also, she spoke about the community around her and the business. Rainbow Restaurant is near where Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents. The feeling of community has only grown in the last couple months.
Molly Broder talked about her wild days before kids, which involved travel and tents. But what struck me was the story of her husband suggesting they take an Italian cooking class – in Italy and what a difference that made to her entire life. We’re all just one courageous decision from our future. Fast forward to her and her sons are taking over a business that has thrived over the years. But not without effort.
Beth Dooley talked about the power of stories in cookbooks. She teaches cooking, she knows cooking but what she learned early on is that people read cookbooks for the stories. Such an important lesson in anything we do and a reminder to make time for stories of the people around us and not to be afraid to share our own stories. Also, she has some very cool connections!
I didn’t get to meet all of the presenters, but I can tell you that Tammy Wong is at least as nice as her eggrolls are tasty!
Mostly Minnesota 