Our favorite longform stories this week are all about makers drawing inspiration from the past to create something new and exciting. Take the 13th-generation blacksmith in the tiny town of Sayula, Mexico, who is using time-honored techniques to make the most ornate kitchen knives. Or meet the African-American chefs who are tapping into Baltimore’s rich heritage and local ingredients to transform the city into the next major food destination. Or the Miami chef who is reinventing the classic Cuban pastries known as pastelitos with all sorts of creative fillings. Equally compelling are the distillers in North Carolina striving to bring the state back to its pre-Prohibition glory days with their exceptional craft spirits. And if you’re seeking cooking inspiration, look no further than the SAVEUR Cookbook Club pick for this month: Austin Bush’s The Food of Northern Thailand. Check out Bush’s recommendations for the kitchen tools and pantry ingredients you need to get started, then cook along with us and share your results on social media with #saveurcookbookclub or join our Facebook group.
