The Secrets of Food Writing: It’s Never Just a Burger

“Every day we eat to sustain ourselves. But food is more than just physical nourishment — it can be spiritual, communal, creative,” says instructor and KQED food journalist Alan Chazaro. “Indeed, writing about food and the art of preparing a meal offers an endless supply of inspiration and material. It literally feeds the soul.”

In this 5-week class, Alan will share the ins and outs of writing about food, including how to evoke spaces of comfort, shared ritual, and memory. We’ll look at a diverse sampling of some of the best food writing, from journalists like Luke Tsai and Soleil Ho, to essayist Hanif Abdurraqib, and poet Billy Collins. 

Through a variety of activities, like writing exercises, food journaling, lively discussions, and optional at-home assignments, you’ll develop an appreciation for the joys inherent in food writing. Writing exercises will present opportunities to explore the stories behind beloved family recipes, the cultural swirl that comes through a specific dish, and the restaurant you love most. And you’ll have opportunities to share your work and receive feedback from Alan and the group.

“You’ll finish the class with early drafts based on your food interests,” Alan says, “whether that’s short memoir pieces inspired by family dinners, an essay on the secrets of region-specific ingredients, or a review of your favorite eatery. You’ll also get a sense of how poetic language and detailed observations result in writing that nourishes your readers.”

ABOUT THE WRITING SALON'S ONLINE ZOOM CLASSES

You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.