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Oh wow is life strange. Now that I’m mostly indoors, when I go outside, I’m whacked by the heat. I usually love the summer, it’s my first or second favorite season. (Definitely not my third or fourth.). I have got to be careful -- as do we all -- and so, I’m essentially sitting this one out.
And yet…. More ugliness in the world, especially in the United States. More contentious hearings that force you to recognize the differences between us. Was this divide bound to emerge or should it have stayed hidden? You tell me. I am not a historian, so I don’t know. Out of the pain of Black Lives I hope we rectify our mistakes in a more serious, empathic, and permanent way. I am just sorry that so many lives have been lost, terrorized, and harmed, and that the wounds are so profound.
Lisa Birnbach and guest, Chef JJ Johnson
My guest this week, Chef JJ Johnson, of Harlem’s popular FieldTrip restaurant, and author of the James Beard award-winning cookbook, Between Harlem and Heaven, was on a straight trajectory after he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, the country’s most prestigious cooking school. He used to drive to and from work at the Morgan Stanley executive dining room.
One night after meeting friends after work, he had one drink and hours later was on his way home, when he was cut off by a taxi. He swerved to get out of the way, and was stopped by police. They approached him and almost immediately made him get out of his car and slammed his head against the window, an approach they might not have used with a white driver. They charged JJ with assault. It was outrageous.
For those of us enjoying our white privilege, this is a commonplace occurrence. It should never be.
JJ Johnson is a good man: a wonderful chef, a community activist, a husband, a father, and a son. He is an optimist. I know you’ll enjoy hearing him today.
First, my 5 Things:
1. Last week I had the most marvelous and unexpected day with my #ExhibitC. We talked and talked, more openly than we’ve done in years. I feel we opened up a new path of candor and I have new respect for her. Nothing that happened this week comes close.
2. Getting my bills paid on time. Old school me – not a surprise to any of you – still writes checks and puts them in the mail. Do you pay your bills online? (I do pay some that way, before you mock me.). I like paying by check because in writing those checks I am mindful of what I am spending, and what some goods and services cost. I really like seeing a stack of envelopes, ready to go to the mail.
3. Nails in the time of Corona Virus. I have little hands – I can admit it – and feet, and I was never a person with gorgeous nails. Sometimes I felt self-conscious about them. But now, with no one getting their nails done, I like the way mine look. I’m sure I’ll get a manicure again some day; I doubt it will be soon. I only worry about the women who made their living off the tips they got from doing nails and other treatments for a living. (I need to think about that.)
4. No One is Unreachable these days. If they’re “on vacation” they are still home or at their other home. It’s easy to contact anyone you know.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
5. Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She inspires me every day. What tenacity! What determination! Let’s all keep her good health in our thoughts and prayers.
CHEF JJ JOHNSON’S 5 THINGS:
1. Family
2. Real friends
3. Good partners
4. Focus
5 Being true to yourself
MORE ABOUT CHEF JJ JOHNSON
Chef JJ Johnson, owner, FieldTrip restaurant in Harlem
FieldTrip Restaurant
109 Malcolm X Blvd.
New York, NY 10026
917-639-3919
https://www.fieldtripnyc.com/
FieldTrip Restaurant
Instagram: @fieldtripharlem
Facebook: @fieldtripharlem
Between Harlem & Heaven
James Beard Award-winning cookbook
By JJ Johnson and Alexander Smalls
You can follow JJ Johnson on Instagram and Twitter @chefjj and on Facebook @fieldtripharlem.
https://www.instagram.com/chefjj/
https://twitter.com/ChefJJ
The 5 Things That Make Life Better podcast is recorded and produced at The Field in NYC
My team is Shpresa Oruci, Michael Porte, Sam Haft and Boco Haft.