Local Limelight: Food writer and author Brigid Washington
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Photo illustration: Axios Visuals; Getty Images. Photo: Courtesy of Brigid Washington
Brigid Washington, a Raleigh-based author of two cookbooks on Caribbean food, thought her next project would be another cookbook.
- But instead, her agent convinced her she should write a memoir about her experience in culinary school and an exploration of her Trinidadian roots.
- It's already drawing interest from critics this spring.
Why it matters: Washington's new book, "Salt, Sweat and Steam," comes out on April 28.
- The book explores the harsh reality of moving from Raleigh to New York to study at the Culinary Institute of America, where she met and interviewed famous chefs like Jerome Bocuse and Thomas Keller.
- You can see her talk about the new book at Quail Ridge Books next month.
We talked with Washington for our latest Local Limelight conversation. The Q&A has been edited for Smart Brevity.
🧑🍳 What is it about chefs that we find so fascinating? I think it's because chefs are engaged in a process that is a thrice-daily necessity for literally every human being on the planet. And how that process creatively plays out — be it fast casual or fine dining — will always be compelling and exciting.
🎓 How did you end up in the Triangle? I came for undergrad at N.C. State. At the time, I had an aunt and uncle living in Charlotte, so North Carolina was my top pick.
🍽️ What is your favorite place to eat in the Triangle? Bombolo, Ajja, Peregrine, Longleaf Swine and any of the Crawford restaurants.
🇹🇭 What do you think the Triangle is missing? Not missing per se, but perhaps something that needs attention is regional Thai.
📖 What is your first read in the morning? The Bible; a classic that's always current.
📚 What is the last great book you read? "Stay True" by Hua Hsu.
🎧 What is a song you've had on repeat recently? Not a song, but a score: "Ode to Joyful" by Jon Batiste.
📱 Do you have a go-to podcast? Marketplace and The Moth.
🗞️ Where do you go for inspiration? Timothy Keller and the NYT Book Review.
😴 What is something you're looking forward to? Every day when my two kids finish homework, we relax into bedtime.
🏝️ Where should someone in the Triangle go for Caribbean food? Chef Lemar Farrington is a talented chef who works wonders in his smart and thoughtful interpretation of Caribbean cuisine. Literally anything he makes.