Chef and writer Sonya Sanford shares how food connects us to memory, heritage, and community.
In Episode 5 of Creative Alchemy, Sonya Sanford—a chef, writer, teacher, and cookbook author—joins us for a heartfelt conversation about the intersection of food, culture, and storytelling. From her family's Soviet refugee roots to her work in the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant food scene, Sonia shares how cooking has served as a powerful medium for connection, identity, and healing.
Sonya Sanford’s culinary journey is rooted in heritage, shaped by geography, and driven by creativity. In this episode, she speaks candidly about her upbringing as the child of Jewish refugees from Ukraine and how that legacy shaped her understanding of food’s emotional power. From beloved childhood dishes like noodles and cottage cheese to the meditative ritual of baking challah, Sonia explores how food connects us to our past, our communities, and ourselves.
Having run a Jewish deli in Portland, Sonya experienced firsthand the joys and challenges of building a community-centered food business. When the deli closed during the pandemic, she transformed her grief into storytelling—authoring the cookbook Braids, a celebration of Jewish food traditions and diasporic flavors. Sonya also shares insights into her love for farmers markets, her passion for hyper-seasonal cooking, and her belief in food as a form of ritual and resistance.
Throughout the conversation, Sonya reflects on the cultural importance of food representation, the future of Jewish cuisine in Portland, and the value of cooking with purpose. Her story reminds us that food can be more than delicious—it can be a form of healing, remembrance, and celebration.
Food is a deeply emotional, cultural, and spiritual experience—one that can connect us to our roots, shape our identity, and build bridges within our communities.
Discover how Sonya Sanford weaves memory, identity, and creativity into every bite in this soulful episode of Creative Alchemy.
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