September 29, 2021

S3 Ep2: World Food: An Interview with Author James Oseland

1 hour 2 minutes

James Oseland is a multi-award winning writer, former editor-in-chief of the American food magazines Saveur and Rodale's Organic Life, and one of the most hailed arbiters of the international food world. His first cookbook, Cradle of Flavor, about the cuisines of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, earned him his first James Beard award. Jim has also been a filmmaker, actor, and fashion and music journalist, and his memoir Jimmy Neurosis is a vivid and heartfelt recollection of his early gay punk days.

Jim’s latest project, a series of books, World Food published by Ten Speed Press/Penguin, reflects his passionate curiosity about cultures and his ability not only to enjoy food but also to connect with the people who make it.

On the heels of the publication of World Food: Mexico City and the eve of the publication of World Food: Paris (October), Jim chats with Spice Bags about far flung places like Greece, Queens and Jakarta. What are his thoughts about writing, research, and respectful cultural appropriation? Where would he send someone in his recently adopted home of Mexico City? (It’s not a fancy restaurant.) Finally, he brings us back to one of his favorite places, which is the kitchen, and the process of chronicling the people who inhabit it.

Travelers, writers, eaters and readers: take some tips from James Oseland! We certainly have.

We recorded this episode remotely with James Oseland in Mexico City, so forgive the occasional, three-second delay.

World Food: Mexico City is sold in Ireland by Picado Mexican Pantry, 44A Richmond St S, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2

https://www.picadomexican.com/

For more about James Oseland and World Food

https://www.jamesoseland.com/

Monica Patino

https://delirio.mx/

On Greece:

https://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Far-Side-of-the-Mountains-Epirus/

Cradle of Flavor

https://www.amazon.com/Cradle-Flavor-Indonesia-Singapore-Malaysia/dp/0393054772