Welcome to the April edition of Food & Culture Tidbits—your monthly dose of delicious discoveries, meaningful stories, and creative sparks from the world of food and culture.
At Eyestorm, we believe storytelling isn’t just about what you say—it’s how you connect, inspire, and build community. This month, I’m sharing a few things that have caught my attention lately: a standout cookbook, a moving podcast, a brunch-worthy ingredient, and a restaurant that left a lasting impression.
I hope something here adds a little flavor to your week.
A Restaurant to Remember: Casa Carmen For an early Valentine’s Day dinner, Marguerita and I found ourselves at Casa Carmen, a place where food and hospitality wrap around you like a warm embrace. From the rich, traditional Mexican flavors to the thoughtful detail of a mini umbrella stand for your coat and bag, every touch made us feel at ease. The restaurant pays homage to Chef Carmen “Titita” RamĂrez Degollado, founder of Mexico’s legendary El BajĂo, and a champion of authentic Mexican cuisine. Casa Carmen brings her culinary legacy to NYC—with heart, heritage, and a table worth returning to.
A Podcast to Savor: River Cafe Table 4 with Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach What happens when two beloved filmmakers sit down for a long lunch at one of London’s most iconic restaurants? In this warm and whimsical episode of River Cafe Table 4, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach join Ruthie Rogers to talk about family meals, filmmaking, and Sunday traditions at The River Cafe. From Barbie to Little Women, their stories unfold like a perfect menu—thoughtful, playful, and full of heart. It’s a conversation that makes you want to pull up a chair, order a steak for the table (like Noah does), and savor every moment. Listen on your favorite podcast platform.
Ingredient We’re Loving: Halloumi from Aphrodite Halloumi has become a favorite in our Sunday brunch rotation—especially when it’s the Aphrodite brand we pick up at Whole Foods. Handmade in the traditional Cypriot way, this halloumi is crafted from a blend of ewe’s and goat’s milk, giving it that perfect balance: a firm, elastic texture with a subtle tang, and a golden crust when pan-fried. We love frying it until golden and crispy, then serving it warm alongside eggs and sausage. Simple, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent—this one’s earned a permanent spot in our fridge.
A Book to Gather Around: Dinner at Our Place by Shiza Shahid I first heard of Shiza Shahid when she spoke at an event hosted by my wife’s workplace, and her story has stayed with me. As co-founder of both the Malala Fund and the kitchenware brand Our Place, Shiza blends a passion for social impact with a deep love for food and community. Her cookbook, Dinner at Our Place, celebrates the act of gathering—offering menus, stories, and tips that make hosting feel joyful and meaningful. It’s more than a cookbook; it’s an invitation to connect, nourish, and celebrate a spectrum of cultures around the table.
Sweet Find: Butter Cookies & Biscotti from Emporio Rulli We discovered Emporio Rulli during a layover at SFO Airport after visiting family and kicking off our inaugural trip to Napa—and it’s now a must-stop treat. This small Italian kiosk turned out to be a treasure. Their butter cookies and biscotti are delicate, flavorful, and perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself). Founded by master pastry chef Gary Rulli, Emporio Rulli brings the art of classic Italian baking to California with old-world charm and elegance. The best part? They ship! A sweet taste of Milan, right to your door.
Service Spotlight: Brand Storytelling Intro Package Our two-month introductory package is a flexible, low-commitment way to explore the power of strategic storytelling—tailored to your most immediate goals. Choose up to three focus areas, from Brand Storytelling & Messaging Strategy to Canva Brand Kits & Template Systems. We’ll build a plan that aligns with your brand, audience, and capacity—so you can communicate with clarity and connect with purpose.
Thanks for Reading!
At Eyestorm, we’re always exploring new ways to tell meaningful stories, celebrate culture, and spark connection—whether through strategy, design, or shared experiences around the table.
If something in this newsletter resonated with you—or you have a favorite book, dish, or podcast to share—I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply.
Until next time, keep savoring the stories behind every bite.
