97 Orchard: An Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement

At the turn of the last century, immigration to New York City was at its peak and the Lower East Side was the most densely populated spot on Earth. Food emerged as a distinctive marker of ethnic identity for these newest Americans. In 97 Orchard, Jane Ziegelman explores the culinary world that was at the heart and soul of the immigrant experience.

Tenement dwellers had to cook in kitchens that had no running water or refrigeration, but were able to purchase a dazzling array of ingredients ...