USC Annenberg professor Josh Kun is leading a project out of The Library Foundation of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Public Library based on the estimated 9,000 menus within the libraries’ extensive archives.

The project consists of a book (with a foreword by Roy Choi), public programs and an exhibition that examines Los Angeles’ restaurant culture.

Photos via To Live and Dine in LA.

Photos via To Live and Dine in LA.

A great throwback to $7 steaks, the project also concerns itself with more serious issues such as “the city’s contemporary struggles with food insecurity, food deserts, and youth hunger,” according to the project description.

Check out the project here on tumblr and follow the discussion on Twitter here #toliveanddinela.