TAAF Staff Picks: Leigh Cafferty
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It's time to hear from another TAAF Staffer on their recommendations for music, travel, AAPI small businesses, and more!
Tell us what you do at TAAF, and where you’re based.
As TAAF’s Events Director, I have the privilege of creating connections, sharing stories, and showcasing TAAF’s critical work in a live setting. I recently moved from Queens, New York back to my hometown of Montclair, New Jersey.
What films or TV shows are you excited about right now?
I divide my screen time between cooking shows and history documentaries. I am a devoted fan of America’s Test Kitchen and excited for their new partnership with Netflix, including the video podcast series, In The Test Kitchen with Lan Lam. I am also watching Padma Lakshmi’s new cooking competition show, America’s Culinary Cup and excited for the return of Top Chef.
Do you have a favorite book or author you're reading?
I keep a rotation of light beach reads or anything written prior to the 20th century. My favorite novel, which I reread annually, is Jane Eyre and my favorite nonfiction author of late is Fredrik Backman.
What song is on repeat on your playlist?
“Drive" (featuring Delilah Montagu) by Black Coffee and David Guetta is a daily vibe. I enjoy Gorgon City or Rufus Du Sol on my long runs and Laufey while working or writing.
What's your top travel destination or bucket list vacation?
I have a fascination with the remote and undiscovered. Mongolia and Patagonia are on my bucket list.
Any local AAPI owned restaurants or small businesses that you recommend?
New Jersey is one of the most culturally diverse states leading to a vibrant and dare I say underrated food scene. My favorite restaurant is Chef Jeffry Undiarto’s small sushi spot, Butterfish, in Rutherford. Luck Sarabhayavanija and Robbie Felice’s PastaRAMEN lives up to the hype. And Hunan Taste produces reliably authentic Cantonese, Szechuan and Hunan food.
Stay tuned for picks from another TAAF staffer next month!