In August, I gathered some of my favorite people on a rooftop in New York City to celebrate a very big moment: the launch of my first cookbook, Open Invitation: Recipes for Celebration. It was one of those summer evenings where the sky can’t decide if it wants to cooperate, so it sends a light mist as a reminder that life — and hosting — is never perfect. Somehow, that made it better.
With the Manhattan skyline glowing behind us, friends old and new came together under umbrellas, string lights, and a shared love of good food. My talented designer, Max, and my brilliant photographer, Emily, flew into the city for the party, which felt like the best kind of full-circle moment for me, not even realizing that Max and Emily had never met in person. We built this book together, page by page, and celebrating with them in person meant everything.
My friend Jessica graciously opened her rooftop for the night, creating an easy space that felt exactly like the spirit of the book: welcoming, generous, and full of laughter even when the weather had other plans.
The Menu: Cookbook Favorites and New Creations
To honor the heart of Open Invitation, I cooked a spread inspired by recipes from the book, and a few playful new ones. Guests nibbled, refilled plates, came back for more, and hovered around the buffet table the way people always do when the food feels exciting and familiar at the same time.
It was the homemade lemon Jell-O shots that stole the show. Crafty, unique, and just indulgent enough. They felt like summer in one bite (and tasted like a Lemon Head, but with vodka) a tiny celebration inside a celebration.
A Night to Remember
We stayed on the rooftop long after the last bite with great conversations, clinking glasses, laughing through the rain drops, and soaking up the magic of launching something that came from the heart.
It felt casual and alive and perfectly imperfect, exactly how I hope people feel when they cook from Open Invitation. And everyone who bought a book got a custom tote bag, made just for the party. Extras sold here until they’re gone!
The cherry on top: we got to take a little detour to New Jersey because our cab driver took the wrong turn before coming home, having some midnight lasagna, and sleeping in the next morning.
Thank you for being here
If you came, if you cheered from afar, or if you are simply reading this and excited to cook, thank you. Your support means everything. This book is an invitation, and you are always welcome at my table.
