Jane Grigson Trust Nominated!

Last month, I was honored to be shortlisted for this incredible award, celebrating both the indomitable Jane Grigson as well as first-timer writers whose books on food have been commissioned but not yet published.

Tonight we find out who wins.

No matter what happens this evening, I really am just so thrilled to have been shortlisted. I am thrilled and grateful that I get to tell my story, my family’s story, my culture’s story- and the story of oft-overlooked people, cuisines, cultures and histories in this upcoming book.

In some ways, it’s hard to imagine that the 15 year old who, despite her initial trepidations, fell in love with China and couldn’t/wouldn’t cook to save her life, would end up an erstwhile trade lawyer immigrant in the UK, writing about the connections, the shared food, flavor, history and ingredients that have flowed between China and the West, across the storied so-called “Silk Roads,” and recording, creating and cooking the foods of these regions with gusto. And, in other ways, it all makes perfect sense, a culmination of so many things in my life; so many roads have led me right to where I sit today. And I could not be more grateful, happy and content.

Thank you @janegrigsontrust and esteemed judges. Thank you @carmstrong_1 and @dklivinguk . Thank you Emma and @madeleinemilburn

No matter who actually wins, (and at the risk of sounding overly cheesy) I really do feel like I’ve already won.