Quiet Storm

My background is in publishing, specifically alt-weeklies. My all-time favorite jobs (working for someone else, that is) were at Philly Weekly & InPittsburgh Newsweekly — both of which folded some years ago (2022 & 2001). All over the country, then & every year since then, alt weeklies have folded.
Pittsburgh City Paper (which bought & absorbed InPgh) was instrumental in Quiet Storm’s growth over the years. In the early days, pre-social media, we advertised in CP every week, listing our live music schedule & theme brunches & Scrabble battles & sidewalk sales & ever-expanding hours.
City Paper was the only game in town for small business. And it worked, arguably better than social media ever has.
Who remembers our Sound Kitchen concert series with an 18-year-old ? 🥹
Shout-out to the many bands & artists who showed up & showed out too. The Storm’s live music era was really something.
As for City Paper, what a shame. If QS was still around there’d be a stool for every displaced writer, designer & photographer, home fries on the house. Probably a theme brunch fundraiser. Speaking of, check the link in bio to donate to CP staff, now facing a historically bad job market.
Big thanks to millenium-era CP folks Kellee Maize, Bill O’Driscoll, Traci Price Hassan & Chris Potter (all of whom had already moved on before the abrupt closure last week).
Long live independent publishing!

I’m bringing tzimmes to Christmas!
Find the recipe on today’s Substack & in the upcoming Quiet Storm Book 2, available for pre-order now! Root vegetables, fruit & warming spices will add cheer to our semi-potluck table.
👉 jillymacdowell.substack.com/p/tis-the-season-to-be-schmaltz-y
👉 quietstormbook.com/store
And this year’s cookie assortment includes another Jewish delicacy, Rugelach, the yeasted rolled cookie with rich chocolatey butter filling.
Thank your family’s cookie baker for their time & effort this year. Bonus recipe on the blog too!

Well, hellrrrrrrrrrr! Wishing you a peaceful holiday season, and truly grateful for the love & support through the years. 🥹
The gears at QS Industries are turning! Visit quietstormbook.com for updates, expanded galleries & new merch!
Available now:
QSB2 Bundle, which includes all the recipes from the first book (immediate download) and the PRINTED follow-up book, to be released in 2026! With more than 40 recipes, including such menu favorites as Tofu Tenders, Artidilla & Apple Walnut Salad.
QS Mug 2026, in a colorway that pays homage to the city that embraced & empowered the Storm. Pre-order your black & gold mug, also shipping in 2026.
👉 quietstormbook.com/store