Local Authors Take Center Stage at Wilder's Book Dinners
Wilder restaurant in Philadelphia has been hosting book dinners every few months, bringing together customers with local authors for a unique culinary experience. The events have proven to be a hit among book lovers, writers, and foodies alike.
The latest dinner series features Philadelphia-based author Jeannine A. Cook and her newest book, "It's Me They Follow." Cook's book delves into themes of sweetness, honey, and fragrant aromas, which inspired a customized five-course meal at Wilder. The evening will include a discussion led by Cook, as well as guests who share similar interests.
"I hope to create deeper, more authentic conversation," said Cook, owner of Harriett's Bookshop in Fishtown. "I'm always asking, 'How can we further understand one another and ourselves? How can we use these interactions to become better attuned at listening?'"
Wilder co-owner Nicole Barrick saw an opportunity to transform the restaurant into a welcoming creative space when it opened four years ago. She envisioned a 24-seat dining room as the perfect spot to bring people together who share passions for the arts.
"Supporting the arts is something that we always want to do and think is important," said Barrick. "Over time, we formulated this idea that really works well in the space."
Previous local authors honored at Wilder's book dinners have included Jo Piazza, Liz Moore, and Emma Copley Eisenberg. While some authors come equipped with a discussion starter or moderator, conversations often take on a life of their own, with attendees asking questions and sharing insights.
Wilder General Manager Liz Kleppinger described the weeks leading up to each book dinner as an all-hands-on-deck effort, where management and kitchen staff work together to plan a menu that aligns with the themes and plot points in the featured novel. The restaurant's beverage manager, Tom Brander, crafts specialty cocktails based on the book.
The book dinners have become a popular event among locals, with ticket prices ranging from $125 per person, which includes a copy of the book, a five-course meal, and additional proceeds donated to a local charity.
For Cook's upcoming dinner, proceedings will be broadcasted by WURD Radio's Sara Lomax-Reese, who will moderate the discussion. Cook hopes this will give more people the opportunity to engage with her writing.
"I'm looking forward to seeing [the discussion] move beyond the four walls and further into the community," said Cook. "Sara is a profound Philly icon and such a powerful human to be in conversation with, especially during this season."
The success of Wilder's book dinners has been met with enthusiasm from staff, who see it as a creative outlet that encourages them to think outside the box.
"The book dinners ... give people a fun event, but it's also fun for our team to have that creative outlet," said Kleppinger. "It gets us thinking outside the box. … Everyone who's involved in it loves doing it."
Wilder restaurant in Philadelphia has been hosting book dinners every few months, bringing together customers with local authors for a unique culinary experience. The events have proven to be a hit among book lovers, writers, and foodies alike.
The latest dinner series features Philadelphia-based author Jeannine A. Cook and her newest book, "It's Me They Follow." Cook's book delves into themes of sweetness, honey, and fragrant aromas, which inspired a customized five-course meal at Wilder. The evening will include a discussion led by Cook, as well as guests who share similar interests.
"I hope to create deeper, more authentic conversation," said Cook, owner of Harriett's Bookshop in Fishtown. "I'm always asking, 'How can we further understand one another and ourselves? How can we use these interactions to become better attuned at listening?'"
Wilder co-owner Nicole Barrick saw an opportunity to transform the restaurant into a welcoming creative space when it opened four years ago. She envisioned a 24-seat dining room as the perfect spot to bring people together who share passions for the arts.
"Supporting the arts is something that we always want to do and think is important," said Barrick. "Over time, we formulated this idea that really works well in the space."
Previous local authors honored at Wilder's book dinners have included Jo Piazza, Liz Moore, and Emma Copley Eisenberg. While some authors come equipped with a discussion starter or moderator, conversations often take on a life of their own, with attendees asking questions and sharing insights.
Wilder General Manager Liz Kleppinger described the weeks leading up to each book dinner as an all-hands-on-deck effort, where management and kitchen staff work together to plan a menu that aligns with the themes and plot points in the featured novel. The restaurant's beverage manager, Tom Brander, crafts specialty cocktails based on the book.
The book dinners have become a popular event among locals, with ticket prices ranging from $125 per person, which includes a copy of the book, a five-course meal, and additional proceeds donated to a local charity.
For Cook's upcoming dinner, proceedings will be broadcasted by WURD Radio's Sara Lomax-Reese, who will moderate the discussion. Cook hopes this will give more people the opportunity to engage with her writing.
"I'm looking forward to seeing [the discussion] move beyond the four walls and further into the community," said Cook. "Sara is a profound Philly icon and such a powerful human to be in conversation with, especially during this season."
The success of Wilder's book dinners has been met with enthusiasm from staff, who see it as a creative outlet that encourages them to think outside the box.
"The book dinners ... give people a fun event, but it's also fun for our team to have that creative outlet," said Kleppinger. "It gets us thinking outside the box. … Everyone who's involved in it loves doing it."
The thing about these book dinners is that they're like this really cool experiment where authors and readers get to hang out over food, but what if people are just kinda uncomfortable talking about their own lives in front of strangers? 
Like, don't get me wrong, it's great for Cook's work and all, but have you seen some of these events? The owners at Wilder are like total bookworms and they're trying to make this super curated experience that feels kinda... forced. And honestly, can't we just talk about books over a drink at a coffee shop or something instead of shelling out 125 bucks per person for a fancy dinner party? 
! It's so cool how Jeannine A. Cook's book dinner is already getting a lot of buzz, I'm sure it'll be an amazing event 
. The fact that they're collaborating with WURD Radio to broadcast the discussion is genius 
. I think it's awesome that they're supporting local authors and charities too 
. It's just another example of how Philly is all about community and creativity 
. And I'm sure the staff at Wilder are having a blast planning these events, it must be a great way to express their passion for literature and food 
.
. And it's awesome that the restaurant donates some of the proceeds to a local charity, that's so thoughtful. I'm not sure how much $125 is, but if it includes a book and a meal, it seems like a good deal to me 
.
they bring together customers with local authors for a 5-course meal that's all themed around the author's book 
i love how they're also making these specialty cocktails that are inspired by the books 
and it's only $125 per person but like totally worth it because u get a copy of the book and a meal and a charity donation too 
what a dream come true for any book lover or foodie 
The way they customize meals to match the author's book is so cool! 
And it's awesome that local authors get to share their work with people who actually care about what they're talking about. I've been to some big events in my time, but there's something special about being surrounded by like-minded folks who just want to chat about books 