002: Immigrant Food with Krishnendu Ray

Krishnendu Ray is a sociologist and professor emeritus of Food Studies at NYU Steinhardt. His book The Ethnic Restaurateur is a study of the “feeding occupations” throughout American history and the ways in which we evaluate foreign cuisine. We take a look at migrant-owned restaurants and the cultural factors and stereotypes that have influenced our decisions about what we eat and the people who feed us. Krishnendu outlines the role of ethnic food in American culture in the past, present, and future. He draws upon his upbringing in India and his experiences as a gastronomy and anthropology scholar to present a compelling and cosmopolitan case for dining with not just an open mouth, but an open mind.