The restaurant industry often serves as a backdrop for personal stories of resilience, ambition, and heartbreak, a theme captured beautifully in two new books: “Hunger Like a Thirst: From Food Stamps to Fine Dining, a Restaurant Critic Finds Her Place at the Table” by Besha Rodell and “The Dashing Diner” by Jamie Allen.
Besha Rodell’s memoir, set to be published by Celadon Books in 2025, chronicles her journey from a tumultuous childhood in Australia to becoming a prominent restaurant critic in Atlanta.
With her unique style, which includes biker boots and untamed hair, Rodell has firmly established herself in the realm of food journalism after gaining invaluable experience at Creative Loafing Atlanta.
Before moving to Atlanta in 2006, Rodell worked in various roles within the restaurant industry across New York and North Carolina.
Her book captures the chaotic yet rewarding experiences that shaped her career, including early personal upheavals, demanding jobs, and navigating the intricacies of love, family, and friendship.
After a significant laid-off at Creative Loafing, Rodell and her family relocated to the West Coast, where she took on the role of dining critic at LA Weekly, stepping into the shoes of a Pulitzer Prize-winning predecessor.
Faced with criticism and pressure, she navigated these challenges with wit and honesty, using her deep appreciation for food as a source of strength and inspiration.
Rodell’s narrative is compelling not only for its focus on her milestones but also for its insightful observations on chef celebrity culture, the influence of food bloggers, and the evolving landscape of food journalism.
In contrast, Jamie Allen’s independently published novel, “The Dashing Diner,” released in 2024, offers a humorous take on the dining scene through a fictional lens.
Inspired by the term ‘dining and dashing,’ Allen initially set out to create a humor piece, which transformed into a full-fledged novel populated with a colorful cast of characters and engaging storytelling.
The plot centers around a charming diner who frequents some of the top eateries in his city, mysteriously leaving without paying, all the while leaving thought-provoking notes for the servers.
As the story unfolds, we meet a Nigerian-born detective, a seasoned magician, and the lively workers at Adeline’s, a fictional Decatur restaurant.
The narrative brims with elements of magical realism, heartbreak, and discussions about food, love, and human connection, reflecting Allen’s desire to portray the ‘magic’ that happens when people come together over meals.
Featuring a menu rich with Cajun, Creole, and French recipes, inspired by his father’s legacy from Louisiana, the book serves up an enticing backdrop that enriches the story.
Allen describes his novel as more than just about a dashing thief; it’s about creating bonds, community, and the intimate relationships formed in the culinary world.
Readers can look forward to a fast-paced whodunit filled with witty dialogue and relatable characters, while also recognizing the real-life inspirations behind the fictional restaurants.
Both “Hunger Like a Thirst” and “The Dashing Diner” provide valuable perspectives on the restaurant industry.
Through their unique narratives, they underscore the complexities of food, passion, and the pursuit of dreams.
Whether through Rodell’s introspective memoir or Allen’s lighthearted fiction, these works promise to resonate with anyone who appreciates the stories behind the culinary experiences we often take for granted.
This exploration of dining culture, wrapped in personal and imaginative stories, invites readers to reflect on their relationships with food and the vibrant personalities that bring it to life.
image source from：atlantamagazine
