New YorkerestEssential reads from every New Yorker issue

February 19, 1979

The New Yorker cover for February 19, 1979

Featured Pick

profiles

A Philosopher in the Kitchen

John McPhee

From 1979: John McPhee’s profile of “Otto,” the mysterious chef who served him the greatest meals of his life.

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fiction

Wanted: Short or Long Respite by Former Cineaste

S. J. Perelman