Sonidos de Islas
An exciting new audio project, my interview with Mark Bittman, and where you can see me next
Del escritorio de Von:
Dear Friends,
Thank you for subscribing to La Piña. Your continued interest in my work means so much to me.
Tonight (Thursday 3/14), I’ll be at Rizzoli Bookstore in Manhattan with Hawa Hassan. We still have a few seats left, so please RSVP. And tomorrow (Friday 3/15) please tune in to Good Morning America around 8:30 AM EST to watch me make lemongrass adobo grilled chicken and pineapple from Islas!
Also, I have something very special for y’all this week. It’s a feast … for your ears! Please consider sharing or signing up for a paid subscription.
De corazón,
Von
Listen to Islas
I’ve been a radio producer for over a decade now, largely for StoryCorps. Much of that work has had little to do with food, but this week I landed on a way to bridge my worlds.
My mom loves listening to me tell stories. I’ve been entertaining her with stories since I was a little kid, some real, some fictional, and, more recently, the stories I write about food and people. Some years ago, my mom became visually impaired following a medical emergency, and she’s since become an avid audio book listener. As a gift to her, I’m creating this audio companion to my book, Islas.
For the first few weeks, I’ll be sharing the audio companion for all La Piña subscribers. Starting in April, the audio will be exclusive for paid subscribers only. Please consider signing up for a paid subscription, which will enable me to continue to compensate the brilliant, creative people who lend me their talents.
Listen to Food with Mark Bittman
Next up, check out the latest episode of Food with Mark Bittman. I was interviewed by Mark and his daughter, Kate (who made me blush by calling me a “master storyteller”), and answered engaging and provocative questions about my research on island cuisines.
“Islas is a unique book, featuring 125 recipes grouped by ancestral cooking technique. These are resilient recipes—we talked a lot about resiliency today, which comes with island territory—that enable people to make delicious food with limited resources but plenty of creativity and love. Here we are. And here is Von’s recipe for Keshi Yena, which I will absolutely be making very soon.” — Mark Bittman
Where I’ll be
There’s a few new events on the calendar!
TODAY Thursday, March 14 · 6 - 8 PM EST - Rizzoli Bookstore in NYC w/ Hawa Hassan
PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Friday March 15 · 8:30 AM EST - Good Morning America
Tune in to watch me grill chicken and pineapple live with GMA hosts!
Tuesday, March 19 · 7 PM EST - Bold Fork Books in D.C. w/ Nycci Nellis
Join us for an evening of fun, delicious food & conversation with Von Diaz and Nycci Nellis.
Thursday, March 28 · 6 - 7:15 PM EST - VIRTUAL: Milk Street Cooking Class, Diaspora Co-sponsored
Come island-hop with spices—and guest chef Von Diaz—as your guide!
Wednesday, April 10 · 6 - 8 PM EST - Flyleaf Books at Lantern Restaurant
A book signing and tasting at Lantern Restaurant (423 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516). Tasting tickets are $10, and each person must have a ticket to attend.
Saturday, May 25 · 11 AM EST Fearrington Village, NC
A book signing and conversation featuring Von Diaz with Lauren Vied Allen and Brigid Washington.
Thursday, June 13 · 7 PM EST Archestratus Books in Brooklyn, NY
Book signing and conversation.
Saturday, June 15 · 10 AM-12 PM EST Union Square Greenmarket in NYC
Book-signing and ‘Islas’ samples by Jenn de la Vega.
Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 23: Cookbook Fest in Napa Valley
Book-signing, talks, and cooking over open fire.
Un Poquito Mas …
Barely a few days out and Islas has made it onto some exciting book lists. Thank you to the editors of Eater, Food & Wine, and Epicurious for including me!
The 17 Best Cookbooks of Spring 2024 - Eater
24 Best Food and Drink Books of Spring 2024, According to Food & Wine Editors - Food & Wine
The 80 Most Exciting New Spring Cookbooks for 2024 - Epicurious
Writer: Von Diaz | Editor: KC Hysmith | Photo Curator: Cybelle Codish
Islas Audio Companion | Sound Design: Jud Esty Kendall | Music, "Traffic" by Kai Engel from the album Traffic (Free Music Archive - attribution license)
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