Jul 17, 2026

On ‘Hard to Swallow’

Watch this weekend; meet the makers on Tuesday.

Alicia Kennedy

Jul 13, 2026

What’s in My Bag

Or, why I am bad at lifestyle content.

Alicia Kennedy

The Monthly Menu

Jul 10, 2026

Crisis and Coconuts

A month of eating, cooking, and drinking while all is out of control.

Alicia Kennedy

Jul 6, 2026

Notes on the Dirty Martini

I don’t drink them, but I understand their purpose.

Alicia Kennedy

41% on Rotten Tomatoes Means I Will Love It

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Jul 3, 2026

41% on Rotten Tomatoes Means I Will Love It

The reading, watching, viewing, and listening recommendations for this month.

Alicia Kennedy

Jun 29, 2026

On ‘Cooking As Care’

What is this concept in the day to day?

Alicia Kennedy

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A twice-weekly newsletter of essays, recommendations, & cooking inspiration. Members join a global community of people interested in food culture, politics, and media—through a curious, critical, & fun lens.

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Does it have an anti-intellectual agenda?

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Excerpts from a lecture, as well as a sincere question.

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The First Read Is Pure Reaction

My 9 repeat essay, short story, & criticism reads.

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Jun 22, 2026

Salon Series

The Desk Salon with Eli Davies

A conversation with the author of 'The Spinster Cookbook.'

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Jun 21, 2026

On Being a Regular

And San Juan City Hall's random war against trees.

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Jun 15, 2026

On ‘Hard to Swallow’

What’s in My Bag

Crisis and Coconuts

Notes on the Dirty Martini

41% on Rotten Tomatoes Means I Will Love It

On ‘Cooking As Care’

Subscribe to From the Desk

Featured Essays

On Food Media

On Having a Vision

What Do You Want From Food Writing?

The First Read Is Pure Reaction

The Desk Salon with Eli Davies

On Being a Regular

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy