let them eat cake

The 'let them eat cake' Substack explores the intersection of food, cultural authenticity, and the value of culinary labor. It critically examines food systems, dining experiences, and cooking practices while challenging economic and traditional frameworks within the culinary world. Recurrent themes include the appreciation of underrated cooking techniques and the critique of modern dining trends.

Culinary Culture and Practices Economic and Social Aspects of Food Dining Experiences and Food Authenticity Culinary Labor and Value Innovative and Traditional Cooking Techniques

The hottest Substack posts of let them eat cake

And their main takeaways

perfectly normal

199 implied HN points • 28 Jun 19
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Pricing Hospitality Food Systems
  1. Minetta Tavern in New York offers a burger and beer for $37-45, a modern price for traditional items.
  2. The pricing of the burgers reflects the high cost of ingredients and the challenging work in the food industry.
  3. There is a movement towards collectively run restaurants like the one in Oakland, offering a different approach to food service.

statistically average chicken curry

179 implied HN points • 13 Sep 19
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Cookbooks Food Systems Recipes Culinary Traditions
  1. Every cuisine in Singapore has its version of chicken curry, but they shouldn't all be cooked the same way. Each household adds their own touches.
  2. Cookbooks like 'South East Asian Food' by Rosemary Brissenden focus on intentions and histories of recipes, not just measurements, preserving culinary traditions.
  3. Beyond recipes, these books offer insight into cultural contexts and differences in cooking styles across countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Still a necessity

179 implied HN points • 06 Sep 19
🍲 Food & Drink
  1. We follow our nose to find hidden artisanal treasures, like a soy sauce brewery in an industrial park in Singapore.
  2. Family loyalty and modernization collide in traditional trades, with younger generations re-imagining how to market age-old products.
  3. The intricate process of brewing soy sauce involves unique techniques passed down through generations, resulting in distinct flavors and characteristics.

career mandolines

179 implied HN points • 30 Aug 19
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Industry
  1. Repeal of the gainful employment rule impacted for-profit culinary schools, leading to closures, including the American franchise of Cordon Bleu.
  2. Professional cooking skills taught in real kitchens may differ from what culinary schools typically teach, emphasizing practical knowledge and efficiency.
  3. Using a mandoline safely requires technique and caution to avoid injury, as demonstrated by a story of a job applicant who cut himself in a kitchen.

offspring

39 implied HN points • 04 May 22
🍲 Food & Drink Food Delivery Grocery shopping Supply Chain
  1. The pandemic has accelerated the growth of 15-minute grocery delivery and farm-taxi companies serving urban areas.
  2. These services vary in pricing and structure, with one being venture-funded and the other more community-oriented.
  3. Differences in pricing are influenced by labor value, externalities, and capital intensity, affecting the potential for automation and resilience in the long run.
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no. 53: restaurants on the radio

39 implied HN points • 01 May 22
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Internet Technology Venture Capital
  1. Venture-tech has negatively impacted the US restaurant scene by funding delivery services, ghost kitchens, and virtual brands.
  2. The internet has a way of separating content from its physical origins and redirecting the financial flows that content generates.
  3. Technology has been changing the restaurant landscape significantly, impacting how restaurants operate and how they interact with customers.

no. 41: random uses of uppercase

79 implied HN points • 25 Apr 21
🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems Sustainability Government Policies
  1. The traditional hawker food industry in Singapore is facing challenges due to low prices and competition, leading to the emergence of 'hawkerpreneurs' who offer non-traditional dishes at higher prices.
  2. The government's efforts to incentivize young people to become hawkers may inadvertently promote a shift towards more commercialized and market-driven approaches in the hawker trade.
  3. There is a tension between the public's willingness to pay higher prices for 'modernized' hawker food from 'hawkerpreneurs' and their resistance to more traditional hawkers raising prices, highlighting societal perceptions and economic complexities within the hawker culture.

bitter and viscid

39 implied HN points • 13 Apr 22
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Industry Critics Comics
  1. Restaurateurs and critics use the term 'challenging' to describe dishes or restaurants that go against the dining public's preferences, like bitterness or gelatinous textures.
  2. Diners hold power over restaurants, as the food they order can challenge the norm and influence the restaurant scene.
  3. The concept of 'challenging' in food can be revealing and shed light on how diners and critics interact with different culinary experiences.

math in the middle, menu at the end

159 implied HN points • 26 Aug 19
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Industry Food Systems Wages Service Industry Menu
  1. Calculations for restaurant staff wages need to consider various factors like turnover and check averages to ensure fair payment.
  2. The idea of a sustainable wage for restaurant workers raises questions about pay disparities within the industry and the need for all service workers to receive fair compensation.
  3. The existence of table service in restaurants is supported by the tip credit system, with some states eliminating this system to ensure equal wages for all staff.

no. 43: too good to refuse

59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 21
💼 Business Real Estate Restaurants Urban Development Property Rights Economic Impact
  1. Property rights in real estate are distributed in ways that differ from typical property, with value determined by the surrounding environment.
  2. Restaurants play a significant role in gentrifying neighborhoods, contributing to their perceived desirability and financial value.
  3. Developers often provide incentives for restaurants to move in, as it can increase the overall value of the property and provide branding for the neighborhood.

Knowing how it's made

159 implied HN points • 30 May 19
🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems Recipes
  1. The food industry often focuses on humane treatment of animals, but neglects the well-being of workers
  2. There is a lack of transparency in food systems regarding labor conditions
  3. Consumer choices may inadvertently support companies with poor worker treatment practices

we're as disappointed as you are

139 implied HN points • 09 Aug 19
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Restaurants Baking Food Systems
  1. The author shares an announcement about doing a popup at a restaurant to make Peranakan food and mention a newsletter about monopolies and politics.
  2. The author expresses disappointment at not having an essay that week due to a hectic schedule but does share interesting links on various topics from trashfires to baked goods.
  3. The author wraps up the post with a heartfelt message thanking readers, encouraging support by sharing the newsletter, and offering to buy coffee for those interested in connecting.

no. 42: socialmedia megamerger superstar

59 implied HN points • 30 May 21
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Industry Consumer behavior Systemic change
  1. The social justice movement has shed light on the issues in the restaurant industry, particularly concerning working conditions and pay.
  2. There is a challenge in implementing significant changes in the industry due to financial constraints and the low profit margins in restaurants.
  3. Consumers play a crucial role in driving change by supporting restaurants that prioritize treating their staff well, but currently, there isn't enough focus on this aspect in the dining experience.

Bastard crustaceans and crusty bastards

159 implied HN points • 27 Feb 19
🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems Food Processing
  1. We are moving towards creating sustainable seafood like shrimp made from algae to address issues like overfishing and climate change.
  2. The food industry is focusing on synthesizing specific parts of seafood like peeled, headless, tailless shrimp to cater to what consumers in America prefer to eat.
  3. The evolution of food technology aims to provide accessible food experiences similar to traditional ones, but it also reflects a shift in societal values and priorities.

mushrooms, undoubtedly.

99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 20
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Hospitality Home Cooking
  1. The pandemic will deeply impact the restaurant scene in America, causing long-lasting changes in how businesses operate and how people dine out
  2. The aftermath of the pandemic may lead to new trends like a rise in delis, informal caterers, and pop-up restaurants due to economic challenges and shifting consumer habits
  3. There is potential for a major shift in the restaurant industry towards management agreements over traditional tenant-landlord arrangements, along with a possible migration of independent restaurants from major cities to small towns

There's a reason for the safety valve

139 implied HN points • 23 May 19
🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems Food Critique Food experiences
  1. The book 'Pressure Cooker' critiques the food pundits who suggest fixing diets before the economy, highlighting how structural obstacles impact people's ability to cook and eat the way experts recommend.
  2. Many individuals do not have the luxury of opting out of the conventional industrial food system, making them complicit in the human and environmental exploitation ingrained within it.
  3. Workers in the food system, including vulnerable families, often lack control over what they eat due to poor labor practices and structural injustices within the system.

A supposedly fun thing I keep on having to do

139 implied HN points • 15 May 19
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Farming Food Systems Newsletter
  1. Pig butchery involves careful preparation and techniques like scalding and sawing for meat extraction - showcasing traditional methods in the process.
  2. Tamworth pigs are a heritage breed known for their adaptability and taste, even though they are no longer widely kept due to challenges like difficult bristle removal.
  3. Butchery processes like sausage-making require specific equipment and organization, leading to a large-scale production and consumption scenario on the farm.

counterfactual pastry development

119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 19
🍲 Food & Drink Baking Cooking techniques Food Systems
  1. Different pastries have intricate details in their making process that significantly impact their taste and texture.
  2. Traditional recipes and methods influence food homogeneity across regions, but also limit innovation and variation.
  3. Innovations in pastry recipes can lead to improved taste and texture, challenging traditional norms and potentially creating new delicious options.

no. 46: come eat

39 implied HN points • 14 Nov 21
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Cuisine Recipes Cultural influence
  1. The author invites readers to enjoy food they have prepared at upcoming events in the Boston area.
  2. Food does not always have to be photogenic to be delicious, challenging the idea that all food needs to look good.
  3. The concept of food having a distinct single origin story is questioned, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of culinary traditions.

Lobby restaurant / lobby bar

139 implied HN points • 20 Feb 19
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Menu Review Drinks
  1. The post discusses the opening of a new food establishment called Bang Bar, which serves shawarma in a unique fast-casual concept
  2. It highlights the contrast between the traditional approach to food preparation and the modern, industrialized methods used at Bang Bar
  3. The story also shares a personal anecdote about the author's father enjoying a nostalgic drink at a unique bar in Singapore

a collection of breakfasts

119 implied HN points • 26 Jul 19
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Recipes Dining Experience Food culture
  1. The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel in Singapore underwent significant changes through ownership shifts and renovations, resulting in a more sophisticated cocktail-making process.
  2. Breakfast in Singapore includes diverse dishes like _ham chim peng_, _mee pok tar_, and Teochew _kueh_, reflecting unique local flavors and culinary traditions.
  3. The writer's newsletter, 'let them eat cake,' focuses on food systems and is a free labor of love, aiming to develop a platform as a writer by engaging with readers through social media and encouraging support.

In a word, no.

119 implied HN points • 22 Jun 19
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Industry Work Environment Labor Issues Mental health Hospitality
  1. It's important for employers in the restaurant industry to prioritize the emotional and mental health of their staff, even in ways that may seem unconventional.
  2. Simply paying employees better and providing health insurance can have a significant impact on reducing turnover and improving overall well-being in the workplace.
  3. Addressing the fundamental issues of low wages and stressful working conditions is crucial in creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for hospitality professionals.

Bigger than anyone better

119 implied HN points • 24 Apr 19
🍲 Food & Drink Bakery Ingredients Production Business
  1. The Balthazar bakery in New Jersey has grown significantly over the years, becoming one of the largest artisanal bakeries in New York, supplying many restaurants and cafes.
  2. Even at a large scale, the bakery faces limitations in sourcing flours and ingredients, having to rely on a few main suppliers for consistency and reliability.
  3. The bakery has seen a shift towards viennoiserie products due to increased demand for carbs at breakfast, emphasizing the importance of handwork over complete automation.

scientific progress goes "boink"

99 implied HN points • 19 Jul 19
🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems
  1. Some startups are automating restaurant services using machines, raising questions about the future of human roles in the industry.
  2. The automation in restaurants may reflect a broader cultural ambivalence towards the value of restaurant work and a shift in profit margins within the industry.
  3. There's a contrast in the vision of the future of dining out, with some advocating for robot-made food while others emphasize the human touch and hospitality in traditional restaurants.

home cooking

59 implied HN points • 01 Oct 20
🍲 Food & Drink Home Cooking Food Industry Food culture
  1. Riverside County in California implemented a new bill allowing microenterprise home kitchen operations, potentially changing the food scene for self-employment and equitable employment.
  2. The bill aims to provide economic opportunities for groups like women, immigrants, and people of color by enabling home cooks to benefit independently from their labor.
  3. This bill shifts power away from large restaurant groups by empowering individual cooks to work for themselves and gain direct support from diners.

Eating like you mean it

99 implied HN points • 02 May 19
🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems Food culture Restaurant Industry
  1. Observing people eat in public is an intriguing experience that can capture raw emotions.
  2. Eating is a fundamental daily activity that is often shared publicly, showcasing genuine joy and pleasure.
  3. Food and dining environments can deeply affect people and reveal societal dynamics, like the impact of cultural fabric in food halls.

With bread all sorrows are less

99 implied HN points • 17 Apr 19
🍲 Food & Drink Bread Baking Food culture Sourdough
  1. Bread holds a deep significance in our culture and is often underrated in the food industry.
  2. Artisanal bakers have a unique optimism and passion for their craft, creating a different dynamic compared to elite chefs.
  3. The rise of artisanal bread baking reflects broader changes in American food culture, posing questions about human involvement in food production and the balance between tradition and innovation.

Baking has no definite end point

99 implied HN points • 17 Apr 19
🍲 Food & Drink Baking Bakery Scale
  1. Baking is a continuous learning process without a fixed endpoint, allowing for ongoing growth and development in the craft.
  2. The evolution in baking has led to the United States excelling in various traditional bread types, while also exploring new creative avenues, like working with ancient grains.
  3. The relationship between bakers and flour has shifted towards more local milling and distribution, creating connections between farmers, bakers, and consumers, while highlighting the challenges faced by small bakeries in dealing with market fluctuations.

What's included?

99 implied HN points • 20 Mar 19
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Hospitality Pricing Food Systems
  1. Tipping in restaurants impacts the professionalization of the hospitality industry by altering how servers view themselves and their work.
  2. Tipping causes restaurants to underprice their products, erasing the true cost and undervaluing the work of the staff.
  3. Implementing all-inclusive pricing can lead to challenges in balancing wages between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, emphasizing the need for major changes in restaurant pricing expectations.

The fast food of the future

99 implied HN points • 13 Mar 19
🍲 Food & Drink Cookbooks Food Systems
  1. There is a strong scientific consensus that our current food habits are not good for our health or the environment, but changing them poses a challenge due to habits and taste preferences.
  2. Creating a shift towards a diet less reliant on mass-produced meat and sugar requires innovation in cooking and new culinary approaches, beyond what is currently offered by food corporations.
  3. Innovative cookbooks like the 'Superiority Burger Cookbook' are paving the way for a new kind of fast food that focuses on taste, simplicity, and changing the food system one step at a time.

Make it hot

99 implied HN points • 06 Mar 19
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Ingredients Beverages Food culture Recipes
  1. Hot sauces like Tabasco have interesting cultural and historical backgrounds, often reflecting imperialism and globalization.
  2. Chili sauces in Southeast Asia serve as both condiments and staples, providing pleasure and balance through complex flavors.
  3. Differentiating between cultures that eat chilies versus those that eat hot sauce reveals diverse approaches to spiciness and flavors.

no. 39: prices paid

39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 21
🍲 Food & Drink Newsletter
  1. The essay discusses the cost of hawker food in Singapore and its relation to fair pricing.
  2. The newsletter emphasizes independent journalism and the importance of supporting it, especially in Southeast Asia.
  3. The author highlights various themes in their newsletter, including the value of food beyond just content and the stories of cooks and bakers.

The local noodle vernacular

79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 19
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture Dining Experiences
  1. The author writes about the simplicity and charm of hawker food in Singapore, specifically focusing on the dish 'mee pok tah' that is humble yet delicious.
  2. The evolution of 'mee pok tah' and the choices made by hawkers reflect changing tastes, economic constraints, and a shift in cultural appreciation for traditional ingredients.
  3. Despite changes in hawker food over time, the essence and authenticity of dishes like 'mee pok tah' continue to hold cultural significance and spark discussions about preserving heritage in food culture.

Victims of taxonomy

79 implied HN points • 04 Apr 19
🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems Restaurants Food culture
  1. Restaurants often feel the pressure to fit into specific classifications to survive in the industry.
  2. Customer expectations sometimes lead restaurants to prioritize authenticity over flavor or quality.
  3. The American restaurant landscape tends to simplify and categorize eateries, potentially limiting creativity and variety.

no. 47: prices we're still paying

2 HN points • 18 Nov 21
🍲 Food & Drink Economic Impact
  1. Ensuring that most hawkers make enough to live on is crucial to preserve hawker culture across generations.
  2. The concept of a living wage, which goes beyond a minimum wage, is important in ensuring people can meet basic needs and be active participants in society.
  3. Calculating the cost of living for hawkers in Singapore, including factors like housing, savings, and taxes, is essential in determining fair pricing for hawker food.

no. 48: the bend in the shovel

0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 21
🍲 Food & Drink Inflation
  1. The updated hawkers' food pricing should increase to reflect a more accurate estimation of household budget needs in Singapore.
  2. Increasing hawker food prices by 27% could significantly impact the overall household income needs of most Singaporeans, particularly lower income groups.
  3. Hawker food prices have been kept low in Singapore through government subsidies, but a significant price hike is necessary for hawkers to maintain a standard of living reflecting the current economic landscape.