Friday Dec 05, 2025
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
POWERHOUSE Arena
28 Adams Street (Corner of Adams & Water Street across from the Archway)
Brooklyn , NY
11201
About the Book.
27 personal histories of immigrant restaurant workers in New York City whose stories of persistence, hope, and endurance show how vital they are to our country
Compiled by a longtime chef who knows how indispensable—and fascinating—they are
All author proceeds from the book will be distributed evenly among the contributors.
Immigrants play an essential role in the growth, resiliency, and overall success of the food industry. In an age of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, their voices must be heard.
“Restaurants as we know them in the US would not exist without immigrant labor,” begins Marc Meyer’s preface to this unique collection. With these words, Meyer makes clear his commitment to centering the voices of the staff members who make his restaurants possible.
All of the contributors came to New York from another part of the world—Mexico, Bangladesh, Ivory Coast, and beyond–and all found their foothold in the restaurant industry. Among them are:
- Angel V., an openly gay dissident lawyer from Venezuela who survived two kidnappings before coming to the US
- Islam, from Bangladesh, who worked as a runner and expeditor and is now building his own mosque in Jamaica, Queens
- Carlha, a Dominican sous-chef at Shuka who still makes rice the way her father taught her when she was a child
Their stories are a window into the staggering range of life experiences that immigrant workers carry with them. They are by turns funny, dark, poignant, surprising, and relatable. Most of all, they deserve our respect and our solidarity.
About the Author.
Ayesha Nurdjaja is a celebrated chef, visionary leader, and a driving force in the culinary world.Born and raised in Brooklyn with Italian-Indonesian heritage, Ayesha discovered her passion for
food early on. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education, she honed her craft in
renowned kitchens, including Lidia Bastianich's Felidia, Picholine, and Missy Robbins' A Voce.
Today, Ayesha is Chef & Partner at Shuka in SoHo and Shukette in Chelsea. Her vibrant
Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, known for its bold flavors, seasonal focus, and inventive flair,
has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following. Ayesha's approach to cooking places a
strong emphasis on seasonal, sustainably sourced produce, ensuring every dish tells a story of
quality and connection.
Beyond the kitchen, Ayesha is deeply committed to mentorship, equity, and community impact.
She serves on the board of The Sylvia Center, collaborates with the Food Education Fund, and
contributes to the US Department of State Culinary Corps.
Ayesha has built teams marked by loyalty and longevity, where respect, accountability, and
collaboration are central values. Her kitchen leadership is evident in long-standing team
members who have grown alongside her, reflecting her mentorship and ability to build trust and
camaraderie. Her dynamic personality, signature big hoop earrings, razor-sharp wit, and
infectious energy make every dining experience uniquely memorable.
Ayesha is also a familiar face on television. She has been named the newest Titan on Bobby
Flay’s Triple Threat, and makes regular appearances on other Food Network shows. She has
also been featured on the TODAY Show, VICE Munchies, and NY1, where her passion for
storytelling through food shines through.
On social media, Ayesha has cultivated a strong and engaged following. Known for her candid
personality, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her kitchen, and vibrant recipe videos, she connects
effortlessly with her 125,000+ followers.