New York, N.Y. – NOVEMBER 1, 2019
What’s the recipe for elevating the representation of black chefs? Conversations usually land in the same place: exposure is the missing ingredient for connecting the next generation to jobs, networking, and educational opportunities. “Toques In Black: A Celebration Of Black Chefs,” answers that call. From chicken and waffles to foie gras brulee, 101 of America’s most talented black chefs share their personal experiences and recipes. Their compelling stories provide candid insights on overcoming long odds to become leaders in their profession. With photographs by the award-winning photographer, Battman, this is a book to be excited about and will be an inspiration to young people of every color.
“Toques in Black” hopes to build on rising successes and opportunities, and put chefs of color in line for running the line. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of black chefs and head cooks has grown from 10.3 percent to 17.2 percent in the past decade, and the number of jobs is expected to increase by 10 percent in next 10 years, creating more than 14,000 leadership positions. Proceeds from book sales will fully fund The Chef’s Connection Line Cook Program, a free, week long training and placement initiative that lands minority candidates jobs in leading restaurants.
The Chef’s Connection was founded in 2011 by New York City food photographer Alan “Battman” Batt, to share the artistry he found in the work of chefs from around the world. Its high quality content and insider point of view has made it one of the world’s leading culinary websites.
Battman considers the book the most rewarding he’s ever worked on, saying, “When I started researching, I thought I wouldn’t have enough chefs to do a book. Instead, I had to stop at a hundred.” Celebrity chef, Preston Clark, who’s featured in the book,comments, “I am honored to be in this book with all these great chefs. We have been waiting for something like this for a long time.” Toques In Black: A Celebration Of Black Chefs is priced at $39.99 (0-933477-75-9) and is available direct from the publisher at https://thechefsconnection.com/shop/hardcover-cookbooks/toques-in-black/..
