Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites

"Niki Nakayama is an American chef and the owner of Michelin-starred n/naka restaurant in Los Angeles, specializing in modern Japanese kaiseki cuisine."

Courtesy: Wikipedia

This true story is about a Japanese girl Niki who lives with her family in Los Angeles. Niki's family is from Japan, however, Niki and her siblings were born in the US. Due to this mix of cultures, the kitchen was always full of American foods coated with Japanese flavors.

Title: Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites

Author: Debbi Michiko Florence, Jamie Michalak

Illustration: Yuko Jones

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Niki liked food and enjoyed grocery shopping, and she wanted to become a chef when she grew up. For this cause, she traveled to her home country Japan once she graduated high school to explore different Japanese foods, flavors, and techniques. Her family protested her wish to pursue a Chef's job, however, Niki was determined.

Niki built her restaurant and it was really special. In her restaurant, the customers will be served 13 different dishes each telling a different story, and no one will be eating the same dishes every time they visit Niki's restaurant.

This book tells us that Niki had to work hard to prove herself and in her case, she had to work harder than men in her field to be respected by the Chef at her internship. This story serves as a good inspiration for girls and for any kid for that matter since there will always be someone to belittle you and demotivate you which will lower your confidence level. But, Niki proves that with hard work, determination, and concentration, there would be nothing impossible to do.

📚 This story gives a good depth of information about the Japanese culture.

📚 It is well-written and suitably illustrated.

📚 Perfect for elementary kids

Comments

Recent Posts