Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing Cookbook and Legacy

The Legacy of Russ & Daughters

• 📜 Founded by Joel Russ, originally a pushcart operator, Russ & Daughters has been a family-run business on the Lower East Side since its inception.
• 💡 The store's name, "Russ & Daughters," was adopted around 1935, signifying the inclusion of his daughters in the business, a progressive move for its time.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The business has been continuously steered by fourth-generation family members, Nikki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper, who are now celebrating its legacy with a new cookbook.

The Meaning of "Appetizing" and "Hamish"

• 🗽 "Appetizing" is a New York tradition, derived from the Yiddish word for appetizers, and refers to a specific type of food: smoked and cured fish and dairy.
• 🏠 The concept of "Hamish"—cozy, comforting, inclusive, and unpretentious—is central to the Russ & Daughters ethos, guiding all their business and design decisions.
• 🍽️ This ethos ensures that the brand remains accessible and welcoming, avoiding anything that feels too precious or exclusive.

The New Cookbook and Its Recipes

• 📖 "Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing" features recipes from the original store, the Russ & Daughters Cafe, and their bakery.
• 🍳 Some recipes required reverse-engineering due to large commercial quantities, adapting them for home cooks with standard kitchen equipment.
• 🔪 The craft of hand-slicing smoked fish is highlighted as a skill that takes months to master, emphasizing quality and a personal touch.

Family, Innovation, and Community

• 🌟 Both Nikki and Josh pursued other careers before joining the family business, driven by a desire to preserve and innovate the legacy.
• 🤝 The cookbook also honors the staff, recognizing them as an extension of the Russ family and crucial to the business's success.
• 🗓️ The book launch is accompanied by events like Russ & Daughters Day, featuring scavenger hunts, walking tours, and opportunities for customers to share their own memories.

Signature Dishes and Customer Favorites

• 🐟 The white fish salad is a beloved item, made with white fish and a touch of kippered salmon for richness.
• 🎂 While traditional, the bakery offers delights like babka, bialys, and honey cake, with recipes for babka French toast and challah bread pudding also included.
• 🎣 Customers shared favorite memories, from birthday sable to the unique experience of buying salmon