Jul 20, 2026

On Feeding Benny

The trials and tribulations of learning how to care for a dog with lymphoma.

Alicia Kennedy

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

Recommends

Jul 3, 2026

41% on Rotten Tomatoes Means I Will Love It

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

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.

Featured Essays

On Food Media

Does it have an anti-intellectual agenda?

May 12, 2025

On Having a Vision

How can we learn from what we like?

May 26, 2025

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What Do You Want From Food Writing?

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

Jun 16, 2025

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Latest

On ‘Cooking As Care’

What is this concept in the day to day?

Alicia Kennedy

Jun 29, 2026

The First Read Is Pure Reaction

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

Alicia Kennedy

Jun 22, 2026

Salon Series

The Desk Salon with Eli Davies

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

Alicia Kennedy

Jun 21, 2026

On Feeding Benny

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

Subscribe to From the Desk

Featured Essays

On Food Media

On Having a Vision

What Do You Want From Food Writing?

On ‘Cooking As Care’

The First Read Is Pure Reaction

The Desk Salon with Eli Davies

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy