Jon Gray is the co-founder of Ghetto Gastro, a 10-year-old culinary-and-arts collective from the Bronx that has the goal of nourishing the world while celebrating Black food and culture. Their debut book, Black Power Kitchen, is one of the most anticipated cookbooks of the fall, but it is way more than a collection of recipes, as Jon explains. He also shares some stories from his own life, the inspiration his mother has provided over the years, and how the culinary world drew him in. 

In the second half of the show, Jon talks about Ghetto Gastro’s expansion into the packaged food business with their Wavy Waffle Mix, Sovereign Syrups, and kitchen appliances with the line called CRUXGG that’s found everywhere from Target to Williams Sonoma. 

Don’t miss Part 2 of today’s show with Jon’s co-author, the award-winning writer Osayi Endolyn. Coming soon! 

Ghetto Gastro would love for you to buy a copy of Black Power Kitchen from a Black-owned bookstore, like The Lit. Bar in the Bronx. 

Check out our 2nd annual Cooks & Books festival line-up here, happening Nov. 5th & 6th at Ace Hotel Brooklyn! 

Our podcast is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.

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More on Jon: Instagram
More on Ghetto Gastro: Instagram, Black Power Kitchen