How to Soften Corners, Jennie Moran / Luncheonette

How To Soften Corners is a playful how-to guide to hospitality.

It tells the story of an art project/college canteen called Luncheonette which operated at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin from 2013-2021. Beautiful, unexpected things happened here over the course of these 8 years which had a profound effect on the communities involved. A new culture of conviviality was formed in the college. Lecturers and students shared tables. Families and friends were invited to in lunch. Students put their precious family recipes on the menu. Over time, the college became a food destination and was awarded best café in Ireland. In a college strategic review, it was revealed by staff that Luncheonette was the space in which most of the ideas they felt most proud of had originated.

After closing Luncheonette in NCAD, it dawned on Jennie Moran that these outcomes were extraordinary. This conscious hospitality is powerful stuff. There was an urgency to understand how and why it worked so well so that this information could be helpful to others. An in-depth case study and dissertation was conducted (available on request for extra-curious folks!).

This book is a friendly, poetic guide to welcoming people. It is an exploration into the gorgeous philosophy of hospitality, with some practical insight. It is intended for individuals and organisations who bring humans together and value opportunities for shared connection. It also contains recipes for some of Luncheonette's best loved offerings including Complicated Flapjacks, If-A-Burrito-Was-Soup and Aoibhinn's Beetroot Burgers.

Published by Dropout Press 
Limited edition of 200
Softcover
142 pages
200 x 148 mm