I’ve got some thrilling news! My cover story for The Christian Science Monitor has been selected as a James Beard award nominee under “Food Coverage in a General-Interest Publication,” a new category this year.
“The Big Stir” was the title on the cover of the July 11, 2011 magazine, but you can find it online under “America’s new culinary renaissance.”
Here is the complete list of nominees in this category:
Food Coverage in a General-Interest Publication 
Kendra Nordin
The Christian Science Monitor
“The Big Stir”
Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld
New York Magazine
“Taxonomy: A Falafel in Every Pita,” “Butternut’s Just the Beginning,” “The Greatest Thing Since …”
This was unexpected but gratifying when I remember the challenge of writing a 3,000 word story in less than month while keeping up with my full-time (non-food related) editing duties. But the story was irresistible: There is a dynamic and creative culinary renaissance sweeping America. Why is it happening now?
To get to the bottom of America’s current fascination with food, I visited culinary schools, like the Friday night I sat in on a couple’s cooking class at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts.
I talked to executive chefs in their kitchens, and sometimes in their restaurant garden, like I did the afternoon I interviewed Chef Ana Sortun (a rockstar!) at her Cambridge restaurant Oleana.
I quizzed sociologists and food authors. I crawled into an art installation in the back of a U-Haul featuring glow-in-the-dark food (great backstory on this if you care to ask me sometime).
Perhaps most important, I talked to many ordinary Americans who have taken up a spatula for the first time or who have sharpened their culinary skills to the point of becoming, in effect, sous chefs in their own homes. By exploring the roots of and reasons for the current food craze, I tried to give the story the kind of historical and explanatory context that yields insights into American culture as well as its palate.
I had a lot of help and guidance from my editor, Scott Armstrong. Our staff photographer Joanne Ciccarello – a foodie herself! – gave the story the visual treat that no food story would be complete without. And thanks to Gloria Goodale for her contributions from Los Angeles.
I’m thrilled to be included at the awards gala on May 4 in New York City. My family is even buying tickets!
Maybe I’ll muster the courage to introduce myself to Gabrielle Hamilton, who is also up for several awards, and tell her how much I loved “Blood, Bones and Butter” in person.
If you are still with me here, you might enjoy seeing the PDFs of the magazine spread. As much as I love the ease and accessibility of online publishing, nothing quite beats a story printed on glossy paper.
Kitchen Report 
I’m so freaking proud of you!!!! Take lots of pics at the awards dinner and meet whoever you want to meet. They should be summoning up the courage to introduce themselves and meet YOU :).
Ha! Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂 I may have to upgrade my iPhone for this …
Shoot, break out the big guns and bring a real camera, haha.
Well, my “real” camera is being held together with duct tape. Classy!
Kendra, this is so awesome and well-deserved. Congratulations!
Thank you!!
Kendra,
Congratulations! I just read the article. Your writing is inspired, informative and really flows.The layout and photos are gorgeous. I am so happy for you.
Kathleen
Thank you! Scott was a huge help.
Way to go Kendra! It was such fun to be a part behind-the-scene as you were researching and writing the story!!!
That was a whirlwind trip to Chicago! Thanks again for putting me up last minute.
our pleasure!
Yay, congratulations!!! And DO introduce yourself to Gabrielle Hamilton, after all, you are on the same level now, both award nominees. :o) And share with us the backstory of the glow-in-the-dark food, now I’m curious!
By the way, just found out the other day that you know Evelin! She is Sunday School Superintendent and I am Sunday School teacher here at 1st Rio. Small world. :o)
Thanks, Betina, I’m *hardly* in the same category as Gabrielle. It is simply my pleasure to know the works of these culinary writers and professionals. And please give my love to Evelin! Did you see her on my blog? Search for her name on my blog and you’ll see what happened the day she and Ana Paula taught me how to make feijoada!
Argh, forget that smileys here are : ) not : o )
WOW! How cool is this??? BIG kudos!
Bravo! I feel myself getting fatter… or thinner… wait, what’s going on?
Congratulations on your nomination, Kendra! Your article in the MONITOR truly was outstanding! Very organized, obviously well researched, and you proved your thesis!!!! I love your food blog too. I know your Mom plans on accompanying you to NY. She’ll keep me posted on the event! How very very very exciting.
Dot Hemmings
Congratulations Kendra! What a well-earned and greatly-deserved nomination! Your Kitchen Report is inspiring some of us to spend more time in the kitchen…and to enjoy exploring new veggies. Can’t wait to hear about your NYC Gala — and what’s on the menu!
[…] broadcast from the press lunch in Las Vegas in March I almost fell off my chair in surprise. My cover story for The Christian Science Monitor weekly magazine about the foodie renaissance in America had been […]