Taste of History - A celebration of food, history, and heritage.
Thank you Tom Bernardin for hosting a Taste of History!
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Save Ellis Island’s presented a unique culinary event featuring Tom Bernardin, the author of The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook. Bernardin delivered his key lecture, titled “Ellis Island: The Golden Door.” Following the talk, guests had the opportunity to sample dishes prepared by Thyme Catering (https://www.inthyme.com), using recipes from the cookbook. They also received a copy of The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook to continue their culinary journey at home. Additionally, guests enjoyed an exclusive tour of the abandoned hospital complex on the south side of Ellis Island, where many immigrants were treated upon arrival. This extraordinary event brought together food, history, and heritage in a truly remarkable way.
TOM BERNARDIN, AUTHOR & JANIS DELUCE CALELLA, PRESIDENT OF SAVE ELLIS ISLAND
Tom Bernardin is a licensed New York City tour guide and a fifty-three-year resident of Manhattan, originally hailing from Lawrence, Massachusetts, known as Immigrant City. His association with Ellis Island began in 1978 as a National Park Service ranger, giving tours of pre-restoration Ellis Island for three seasons.
His slide-lecture presentation, Ellis Island-The Golden Door led to the publication of his book, The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook. In addition to this work, Tom has spent much of his life teaching English as a Second Language to America’s more recent immigrants. When he isn't lecturing, one can find Bernardin working on many historic preservation projects, including his not-for-profit organization Save America's Clocks (www.clocks.org), dedicated to locating, inventorying, and assisting in the preservation of America's public clocks.
The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook by Tom Bernardin
The 31st Anniversary Edition of The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook is now available. Hailed as "One of the year's more engaging cookbooks..." by the New York Times, the book has sold well over 100,000 copies.
The 268-page spiral-bound book contains recipes from thirty-five countries. Mr. Bernardin's goal was to tell the Ellis Island immigrant story from the often-lost recipes our forbearers would have been most anxious to make in their new American kitchens. Foods and smells that would remind them of the home they left behind: Everyday hearty meals but also special foods made on holidays to keep their native traditions alive.
The recipes are introduced with family memories, which make for cover-to cover reading. The book also contains a History of Ellis Island, Chronology, Immigrant Food Memories Tips On Planning Your Trip, etc.