About the Author
Amy Ostrower
Storyteller. Granddaughter. Keeper of the Kitchen.
Amy Ostrower is a writer, creative spirit, and former film and television industry professional who has always believed in the power of storytelling—on the screen, on the page, and at the dinner table.
After decades working behind the scenes in entertainment, Amy turned her focus inward to honor a legacy that shaped her life: that of her grandmother, Lena Goodman. The result is Nana Lena’s Kitchen: Recipes for Life, a labor of love that blends treasured family recipes with deeply personal reflections on family, faith, and resilience.
Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by Love
Amy was born and raised in the Tidewater region of Virginia, where she was surrounded by a strong, spirited Jewish family and the smells of slow-cooked brisket and fresh-baked challah. Her grandmother Lena’s kitchen wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a place to gather, learn, grieve, laugh, and grow.
Now retired from the fast pace of Hollywood, Amy lives in Wilmington, North Carolina—a coastal town reminiscent of the Southern charm and closeness she grew up with. There, she continues to write, reflect, and carry on Lena’s legacy.
“This book is more than a tribute to my grandmother—it’s a way of keeping her voice alive for my children, my grandchildren, and anyone who believes food can connect us across time.”
👩🍳 Fun Facts About Amy:
- She still makes Nana Lena’s brisket for family holidays
- Loves handwritten recipe cards and old photo albums
- Finds joy in storytelling, southern hospitality, and a good matzo ball
- Believes everyone has a kitchen story worth telling