Replay: Michael Ruhlman shares Five Things He's Learned about Writing, By Writing about Food
Check out the first five minutes of his recent class.
“What I ultimately learned is that life in a kitchen is a metaphor for how to live well, or live badly, about efficiency of movement, ultimately about awareness, awareness of those around you of the world around you, and how food becomes an objective correlative—and we’ll cover this term in class—for the must fundamental aspects of our humanity, love and grief, loss and triumph, and the power of individual will.”
– Michael Ruhlman, Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing, By Writing about Food
On April 13th, Michael joined us to share Five Things He’s Learned about writing and living well – while writing about food, cooking, and life in a kitchen.
Michael Ruhlman is an acclaimed author of over 30 books spanning nonfiction, memoir, fiction, and cookbooks, best known for his work on food and cooking, both at home and in professional kitchens. A multiple James Beard Award winner, he has collaborated with renowned chefs like Thomas Keller and Eric Ripert, and his writing has appeared in major outlets including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
In Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing, By Writing about Food Michael guides participants through the journey of becoming a writer—emphasizing writing itself as the foundation, regardless of genre. Drawing from his own unexpected path into food writing, Michael shared how he found narrative power in the kitchen, turning culinary experiences into vivid metaphors for life. He unpacked how food writing isn't just about meals, but about capturing the emotional resonance and human truth behind them, using food as a lens to explore themes like love, loss, and personal will.
His class offers a blend of craft guidance and practical advice for aspiring writers, particularly those interested in food as a subject. He explores how to cultivate discipline, find your voice, and integrate writing into daily life. He also provides strategies for personal publishing and navigating the modern landscape of food media.
Participants walked away with not just tools for better food writing, but a deeper understanding of storytelling itself—and how to root it in the sensory, emotional, and universal power of food.
Thanks for being part of Five Things I’ve Learned on Substack. Visit myfivethings.com to view personal video invitations from more than 120 more writers, thinkers, and artists we admire – and to get special discounted pricing with our Five Things I’ve Learned Multi Pass.