NESPA Winner: Localizing Contest, 2023
The Cypress, Brookline High School, Brookline, MA
Hands dusted with flour and folding the corners of dumpling wrappers, senior Martha Bialek carefully sets her money-shaped creations down on a steamer. It’s a typical day for her; Bialek often spends time in the kitchen, both creating and watching others bake and cook food.
Cooking has always been a part of Bialek’s life, both at home and at the high school. It’s become intertwined with her culture and is influencing her career. Bialek, who will be attending The Culinary Institute of America in the fall, has previously worked at the Tappan Green Restaurant, where she helped diversify the cuisine served.
From the beginning, food has helped Bialek connect with her family, especially her maternal grandmother, who has remained a strong culinary influence for Bialek.
“My mom always used to tell me stories of the food that her mom cooked—she’s originally from Taiwan,” Bialek said. “Right before I decided to apply to [culinary school], she was telling me a story about how her mom had always wished to open a restaurant. She didn’t end up doing that, so my mom was telling me, ‘Oh yeah, I’m sure she would’ve been so proud.’ I was pretty young when [my grandmother] passed away, but her talent for replicating food just through flavors has always stuck to me.”
Bialek hopes to carry on her grandmother’s legacy through continuing her education in culinary school, and keeping her family’s foods alive.
