Why We Cook: Women on Food, Identity, & Connection

An inspirational and powerful book that celebrates women's stories and trailblazing achievements in today's culinary world, with personal essays, recipes, Q&As, illustrated quotes, and more from over 100 women in the world of food (restaurateurs, sommeliers, food producers, activists, writers, professional and home cooks).

Join the conversation with more than one hundred women restaurateurs, activists, food writers, home cooks, and professional chefs, including Carla Hall, Ruth Reichl, Julia Turshen, Dorie Greenspan, Priya Krishna, Leah Penniman, Rachel Khong, Osayi Endolyn, Bonnie Tsui, and many others—all of whom are changing the world of food.

Featuring essays, profiles, recipes, and more, Why We Cook is curated and illustrated by author and artist Lindsay Gardner, whose visual storytelling gifts bring nuance and insight into their words and their work, revealing the power of food to nourish, uplift, inspire curiosity, and effect change.

About the Author

Lindsay Gardner is an illustrator and mother of two daughters (her favorite sous chefs). Her watercolor and gouache illustrations have appeared in cookbooks and editorial projects, advertising campaigns, and stationery and interior design collaborations. This wide-ranging artistic sensibility makes her a gentle interrogator of the world around her. Her food art has appeared in Cookie Advent Cookbook (Chronicle, 2016), Pies, Fries & Ice Cream (Chronicle, 2016), and The Rituals (Chronicle, 2019). You may have also seen her work in Uppercase Magazine, Architectural Digest, StyleCarrot, Decorist, and Vogue, among others. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, she's been fortunate to live in the beautiful and vibrant locales of Oakland and San Francisco, CA, Chicago, IL, New York, NY, and Middlebury, VT.