The Hidden Table Cookbook

Chef Shannon Smith’s The Hidden Table is more than just a cookbook, it’s a glimpse into the remarkable places she’s traveled and the connections she’s built around the world. Each chapter highlights a unique destination — bringing together recipes, stories, and the people who’ve shared their tables with her. I’ve been working with Shannon for almost a decade now and it has been truly a dream come true that I got to be the photographer for her cookbook. We have traveled to seven countries together, where I got to witness firsthand the depth of her passion for food, meeting new people and telling their stories.

Seeing this book come together, knowing the love and care that went into every recipe and photo, has been a such special experience. I can’t wait for others to see it and experience a little bit of Shannon’s world through its pages. Learn more about Shannon on her website, and snag a copy of The Hidden Table here. I’ve shared some travel behind the scenes photos below along with some of my favorite images from the book!

Valerie Wei-Haas