The other day, at another used book store (this one in Atwater Village), I stumbled upon the cookbook you see above and what caught my attention wasn’t the picture or the title but the name of the author. Like Madonna or Cher, here was a food writer with a one word name. Are there any other food writers with one-word names? I can’t think of any. So I opened to the back flap to read more. Here’s what I found.
“A mentor to millions!” “A familiar media figure whenever culinary matters are discussed.”
How come I’d never heard of him before? How come his name is never referenced in the same breath as Ruth Reichl, Calvin Trillin and all the other greats?
When I came home, I Googled him and it turned up nothing. I Googled “Dining With Stendahl,” same result.
I was ready to give up until I turned to Twitter and asked my followers for help. One follower, JosePiano, offered the answer: “Stendahl was the pen name for Arthur W. Bernal.”
Arthur W. Bernal. I Googled that and it brought me to his New York Times obituary: “Arthur W. Bernal, who under the name Stendahl was a food and restaurant critic for The Daily News and WNCN-FM radio, died Sunday morning at his home in Bayside, Queens. He was 78 years old.”
Turns out he was a filmmaker who, after traveling the world and growing his palate, chose the pen name “Stendahl” and reviewed restaurants both in The Daily News and on TV.
Thanks, JosePiano. Mystery solved.
Usage: “Like Madonna or Cher, here was a food writer with a word one name.”
Misquote: “A familiar media whenever culinary matters are discussed”
[then delete this comment ;]
Thanks for pointing that out. I’ll keep your comment to keep me honest!
Check out my new book, SECRETS OF THE BEST CHEFS (Artisan Books), available in book stores now!
This is a great post Adam. I wonder what he used for references
Cool little story. I love the pen name.
Where are these used bookstores where you are finding such interesting cookbooks? I live in LA and am always on the lookout for a great used bookstore, especially one with a quirky cookbook selection. Could you share your favorites? One of mine is Sam Johnson on Venice Blvd in Mar Vista. If you haven’t been, you should check it out.
Hi Rebecca, my usual haunt is right on Franklin next to the Upright Citizens Brigade. You never know what you’ll find there. The one where I found this Stendahl book was in Atwater Village across from Proof Bakery. Say hi if you see me at either one!