Making Fruitcake for My Father as an Act of Optimism
A year in fruitcake means a year soaking in hope and optimism. Committing to the cakes meant believing that we would all see some semblance of survival.
hollow bamboo poletomato
How many years do we have left?How many more fruitcakes?
Alana Dao is a mother, writer, and restaurant worker whose creative practice explores contemporary culture, food, and identity. Her work most often takes the form of artists' books, zines, and essays. She received a BA from Smith College and an MA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Born in Texas, she resides in Maine.
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More in this series
Wherever the Limdi Grows: Growing Up Gujarati in Southern California
I deliberately and obstinately use the word ‘limdi’ and not the term ‘curry leaf’ because the word ‘curry’ has always bothered me.
I Can’t Go Home, So I Go to the Indian Grocery
Each time I contend with the reality of another month—season, year—apart from extended family, I drive my ennui to Namaste Plaza.
South Indian Filter Coffee Tastes Like Home and Empire
For me, longing for filter coffee and missing my father are one and the same.