Welcome to the June edition of Food & Culture Tidbitsâa monthly round-up of stories, flavors, and creative finds that celebrate how we eat, gather, and connect.
At Eyestorm, we believe that great storytelling can start at any tableâwhether itâs brunch with friends, a quiet moment in the kitchen, or a podcast over burekas and babka. This monthâs favorites include a joyful chat with Seth Meyers, a heartfelt Korean cookbook, and a Michelin-starred gem in Queens. Weâre also celebrating a global moment of culinary pride: Limaâs Maido has been named the worldâs best restaurant, with a moving reminder that food can bring people together across borders.
As always, I hope something here sparks a smile, a craving, or a new idea.
Big news from the culinary worldâMaido, the acclaimed Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in Lima, has been named No. 1 on the Worldâs 50 Best Restaurants list for 2025. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura has spent years redefining Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese technique with Peruvian ingredients and heart. In his speech, Tsumura said: âI think this industry can be an example of how we can bring people together with the power of food.â That message resonates deeply with us at Reimagining Us, one of Eyestormâs storytelling initiativesâa reminder that food isnât just sustenance; itâs a force for culture and connection.
In the final episode of their New York series, Table Manners podcasthosts (and mother-daughter team) Jessie and Lennie Ware sit down with Late Night icon Seth Meyers for breakfast at The Standard, High Line. Over burekas and babka, they dish on SNL, pet goats, Broadway dreams, and family food traditionsâfrom Chinese takeout to legendary sandwich fillings. With his signature wit and warmth, Seth reflects on foodâs role in family life and recounts sweet moments with his 3-year-old daughter in NYC restaurants. Itâs a funny, cozy listen filled with charm and appetite.
This beautiful new cookbook is more than a collection of recipesâitâs a heartfelt exchange between mother and daughter. In Umma, Sarah Ahn and her mom Nam Soon share over 100 authentic Korean recipes, framed by stories and kitchen wisdom passed down through generations. From simple banchan to comforting stews and inventive desserts, this book is a celebration of family, memory, and love. Backed by the recipe-testing rigor of Americaâs Test Kitchen, itâs approachable, deeply personal, and full of soul. A great giftâor a meaningful addition to your own kitchen shelf.
We finally tried the much-loved Rose Sisters Chipsâand now we get the hype. Rich in flavor and family history, these savory and uniquely crispy flour tortilla chips are perfect for everything from brunch spreads to late-night snacks. Weâve been enjoying them with cheese, eggs, and wine, and their bold, nostalgic flavor keeps us coming back. Bonus: the leftover small pieces at the bottom of the well-designed bag? Fantastic as breadcrumbs for recipes or salad croutons. Baked with love and a little family magic, theyâre a new pantry essential.
We recently celebrated my wife Margueritaâs birthday at Casa Enrique, and itâs easy to see why this Michelin-starred gem in Long Island City has a loyal following. Chef Cosme Aguilar draws from his Chiapas roots to serve dishes that are both personal and unforgettable. Highlights include the tender pork osso buco, rich lamb shank, and outstanding mole. But the real surprise? The side order of frijolesâthe most delicious beans Iâve ever had in my life. Pair it with their summer-in-a-glass watermelon margarita or a smoky mezcal shot and finish with tres leches for the perfect celebratory night out.
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At Eyestorm, weâre always exploring new ways to tell meaningful stories, celebrate culture, and spark connectionâwhether through strategy, design, or shared experiences around the table.
If something in this newsletter resonated with youâor you have a favorite book, dish, or podcast to shareâIâd love to hear from you. Just hit reply.
Until next time, keep savoring the stories behind every bite.