Exciting Culinary News in Greenville!
Greenville food lovers, mark your calendars! The talented owner and chef of Jianna, Michael Kramer, is all set to unveil his premiere (and likely only) cookbook, simply titled “Jianna,” on September 23. This isn’t just any cookbook; it’s a beautiful compilation that celebrates Kramer’s impressive culinary journey and his unwavering passion for food!
A Glimpse into the Cookbook
The pages of “Jianna” will take you on a flavorful trip with recipes inspired by the beloved eatery, Jianna, and a selection of creations that have roots in Kramer’s earlier culinary adventures. One standout dish is pastrami smoked salmon, a nod to his time at the well-respected McCrady’s in Charleston. “There’s really no reason for me to say, like, ‘simple pasta recipes’ or ‘fun in the kitchen with Michael.’ I just didn’t see that,” Kramer shared. He feels that Jianna embodies his brand, while he himself is just a part of that brand.
More Than Just Recipes
The book begins with an introduction poking fun at his youthful years spent by the beach in Los Angeles and dives into his culinary education, which includes prestigious mentorships under culinary giants like Wolfgang Puck and Marc Valiani. The storytelling doesn’t stop there; readers will also get a taste of Kramer’s journey through Texas and his professional growth in the Carolinas, culminating in the opening of Jianna which has become a haven for food enthusiasts in downtown Greenville.
But wait, there’s more! The cookbook doesn’t just focus on the main dishes. It also features an insightful preamble on Italian wines, along with cocktail recipes written by Jianna’s sommelier and managing partner, Andrea S. Royko, and sweet creations from pastry chef Alison Legg. The enchanting photographs were captured by Andrew Cebulka, who has a history of collaborating with Kramer at McCrady’s. Together, this remarkable team enjoyed full creative control over every aspect of the book, from the choice of paper to the overall layout. After all, for Kramer, this project is something truly special.
From Idea to Reality
Interestingly, the idea of writing a cookbook has been brewing in Kramer’s mind for nearly 30 years. Inspired by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio, he once thought that writing a book was meant only for chefs with a household name. But after navigating through the challenges posed by the pandemic—like transforming Jianna into a curbside restaurant—talks about the cookbook reignited between Kramer and Royko. “It’s kind of a bucket list thing,” Royko said. Once chef Michael Smith from Farina published his own cookbook, it pushed Kramer to reach out to Story Farm to bring his vision to life.
The process of creating the cookbook took about a year, involving recipe writing, testing, and meticulous editing. Every few weeks, Cebulka would drop by to capture the magic on camera, bringing each dish to life through stunning visuals.
A Celebration to Remember
As the release date approaches, excitement fills the air! The official launch party for “Jianna” will coincide with the closing festivities of euphoria, Greenville’s renowned food and wine festival. Keep your eyes peeled for special discussions surrounding the cookbook during the euphoria weekend. And don’t worry; the book will be easily accessible, stocked both in stores and on the Jianna website, jiannagreenville.com.
Visit Jianna
For those who want to experience a taste of Jianna before the book hits the shelves, you can find them at 600 S. Main St. in downtown Greenville. Their hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m..
With “Jianna”, Michael Kramer not only showcases his delicious recipes but also shares a piece of his heart and journey. It’s a culinary masterpiece you won’t want to miss!
