8-31-2023 10:50pm

A Tasty Find: Culinary Historians of Southern California

Lorraine Mabbett Editor

Is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which raises money to buy books of historical importance for the Central Library, which has one of the most extensive cookbook collections in the country, currently numbering over 18,000 books and manuscripts.
Currently has over 200 members, making it the largest culinary history group in the country.
Primary activity is monthly programs at the Los Angeles Central Library which are followed by refreshments illustrating the lectures.
Events are free and open to the public.
They also provide speakers on food history to various libraries and other venues in the area. Speakers Bureau — Culinary Historians of Southern California (chsocal.org)

"Food Writing Unfolded" by Bonnie Benwick — Culinary Historians of Southern California (chsocal.org) via a virtual Zoom presentation, discusses the state of food media, covering its evolution in America via newspaper food sections as well as trends concerning ingredients and cuisines, the impact of diverse voices, and alternative ways of presenting recipes. June 10, 2023

“Plug It In, Turn It On: 70 Years of Kitchen Appliance Manuals” by Liz Pollock — Culinary Historians of Southern California (chsocal.org) Pollock’s Power Point presentation examines the historic role of these appliances in the American home. The directions are essentially early examples of technical writing; the product’s designers and experts explained in a sequence of steps how to accomplish the desired result. May 13, 2023

“L.A.'s Community Cookbooks: Overview & CHSC Project” by Suzanne Joskow — Culinary Historians of Southern California (chsocal.org) In this presentation, artist and archivist Suzanne Zoe Joskow will be discussing her ongoing project The Community Cookbook Archive. Comprised of over 400 Los Angeles-based community cookbooks that span 3 centuries, the Archive is an evolving, food-based tapestry of LA stories April 8, 2023

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Members-only events, such as the annual historical potluck held at important sites such as the Gilmore Adobe, the Gamble House, Barbara Streisand Center, the Malibu Hills Vineyard, and Raleigh Studios
Dining out at ethnic restaurants, often in conjunction with monthly programs
Special excursions and tours, such as to the Getty Museum for “The Edible Monument” exhibit, and the “McDonald’s History Tour” with Chris Nichols
Subscription to the bi-annual Culinary Historians of Southern California Food Journal newsletter and inclusion in the membership directory
Discounts on CHSC products and events
Occasional cooking demonstrations

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