Voices from the Kitchen

27 personal histories of immigrant restaurant workers in New York City whose stories of persistence, hope, and endurance show how vital they are to our country

Compiled by a longtime chef who knows how indispensable—and fascinating—they are

Immigrants play an essential role in the growth, resiliency, and overall success of the food industry. In an age of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, their voices must be heard.

“Restaurants as we know them in the US would not exist without immigrant labor,” begins Marc Meyer's preface to this unique collection. With these words, Meyer makes clear his commitment to centering the voices of the staff members who make his restaurants possible.

All of the contributors came to New York from another part of the world—Mexico, Bangladesh, Ivory Coast, and beyond--and all found their foothold in the restaurant industry. Among them are:

· Angel V., an openly gay dissident lawyer from Venezuela who survived two kidnappings before coming to the US

· Islam, from Bangladesh, who worked as a runner and expeditor and is now building his own mosque in Jamaica, Queens

· Carlha, a Dominican sous-chef at Shuka who still makes rice the way her father taught her when she was a child

Their stories are a window into the staggering range of life experiences that immigrant workers carry with them. They are by turns funny, dark, poignant, surprising, and relatable. Most of all, they deserve our respect and our solidarity.

All author proceeds from the book will be distributed evenly among the contributors.

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Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs