Episode 313 Jake Cohen

Jake Cohen is a New York Times bestselling author, a bright new star in the culinary world, and, as he famously puts it, a "nice Jewish boy" from New York City. His journey into food began not just with a love for eating, but with a deep appreciation for the rituals of hospitality. After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Jake honed his skills in some of New York’s best restaurants, including DANIEL and ABC Kitchen. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay not in the high-pressure environment of fine dining lines, but in the storytelling and connection found in food media. This pivot led him to influential roles as the Food Editor of Tasting Table, the Food Critic for Time Out New York, and the Editorial Director of the Feedfeed.

It was the publication of his debut cookbook, Jew-ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch, that truly launched Jake into the cultural zeitgeist. In this bestselling collection, Jake reinvented the food of his Ashkenazi heritage and beautifully blended it with the Persian-Iraqi traditions of his husband, Alex. The book wasn't just a collection of recipes; it was a love letter to modern identity, proving that tradition can be fluid, inclusive, and incredibly delicious. By modernizing classics—like his famous braided challah—Jake opened the door for a new generation to embrace their heritage with pride and creativity.

Building on that success, Jake released his sophomore book, I Could Nosh, in 2023. This book shifts the focus to the art of "noshing"—eating enthusiastically and often between meals. But for Jake, noshing is more than just snacking; it is a lifestyle of radical hospitality. It is about keeping the fridge stocked for friends, managing stress through the rhythm of cooking, and ensuring that no one ever leaves his home hungry. His recipes, from "schmears" to savory tarts, are designed to facilitate gathering, emphasizing that the act of feeding others is one of the highest forms of care.

Beyond the kitchen, Jake is a powerful adv