Wilder Restaurant Brings Local Authors and Book Lovers Together Over Fine Dining and Conversation
In a unique fusion of art, literature, and cuisine, Wilder restaurant in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse neighborhood has been hosting book dinners that bring customers face-to-face with local authors for an in-depth discussion on their latest works. For over a year, the restaurant has been hosting these exclusive events, which have become a staple for book lovers, writers, and foodies alike.
The evening's guest of honor is Jeannine A. Cook, author of "It's Me They Follow", who will be joined by 18 guests in the private dining room for an evening dedicated to her newest book. The dinner is already sold out, but it will be recorded for a wider audience looking to engage with Cook's writing.
Cook hopes that these events create deeper and more authentic conversation among participants, allowing them to better understand one another and themselves. "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?'", she said.
Wilder co-owner Nicole Barrick saw an opportunity to transform the restaurant into a welcoming creative space when it opened four years ago. As a visual artist, musician, and avid reader, she identified the 24-seat dining room on its third floor as the perfect place to bring people together who share those passions.
Supporting the arts has always been a priority for Wilder, with Barrick saying that they were "always brainstorming creative ways we could do that". The book dinners have become a successful way to achieve this goal, bringing local authors and their work to the forefront of the conversation.
Previous authors honored at these events include Jo Piazza, Liz Moore, and Emma Copley Eisenberg. These discussions often take on a life of their own, with attendees frequently sharing their writing experiences and asking questions.
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 come together to plan a customized menu based on the themes and characters in the featured novel. The result is a unique culinary experience that complements the author's work.
This February, Cook will be joined by Sara Lomax-Reese of WURD Radio for a live broadcasted discussion about "It's Me They Follow". Proceeds from the event will go towards Cook's nonprofit organization, Harriet’s BookClub, which funds programs that send local students on educational field trips to Paris.
The next book dinner is scheduled for March 24, featuring author M.L Rio and her latest work, "Hot Wax". With its unique blend of art, literature, and cuisine, Wilder restaurant continues to attract attention from book lovers and foodies alike.
In a unique fusion of art, literature, and cuisine, Wilder restaurant in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse neighborhood has been hosting book dinners that bring customers face-to-face with local authors for an in-depth discussion on their latest works. For over a year, the restaurant has been hosting these exclusive events, which have become a staple for book lovers, writers, and foodies alike.
The evening's guest of honor is Jeannine A. Cook, author of "It's Me They Follow", who will be joined by 18 guests in the private dining room for an evening dedicated to her newest book. The dinner is already sold out, but it will be recorded for a wider audience looking to engage with Cook's writing.
Cook hopes that these events create deeper and more authentic conversation among participants, allowing them to better understand one another and themselves. "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?'", she said.
Wilder co-owner Nicole Barrick saw an opportunity to transform the restaurant into a welcoming creative space when it opened four years ago. As a visual artist, musician, and avid reader, she identified the 24-seat dining room on its third floor as the perfect place to bring people together who share those passions.
Supporting the arts has always been a priority for Wilder, with Barrick saying that they were "always brainstorming creative ways we could do that". The book dinners have become a successful way to achieve this goal, bringing local authors and their work to the forefront of the conversation.
Previous authors honored at these events include Jo Piazza, Liz Moore, and Emma Copley Eisenberg. These discussions often take on a life of their own, with attendees frequently sharing their writing experiences and asking questions.
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 come together to plan a customized menu based on the themes and characters in the featured novel. The result is a unique culinary experience that complements the author's work.
This February, Cook will be joined by Sara Lomax-Reese of WURD Radio for a live broadcasted discussion about "It's Me They Follow". Proceeds from the event will go towards Cook's nonprofit organization, Harriet’s BookClub, which funds programs that send local students on educational field trips to Paris.
The next book dinner is scheduled for March 24, featuring author M.L Rio and her latest work, "Hot Wax". With its unique blend of art, literature, and cuisine, Wilder restaurant continues to attract attention from book lovers and foodies alike.
. I mean, 18 guests in a private dining room for an hour-long convo with an author? That's not exactly affordable for the average bookworm 
. Don't get me wrong, it's cool that they're bringing local authors and readers together, but can't we just grab coffee or something instead of shelling out hundreds for dinner and drinks 
?
they're not just serving meals, they're creating experiences for customers... i think it's awesome that they partner with local authors and nonprofit orgs too 
, it's amazing how food and writing can come together to create such a meaningful connection with others. it's beautiful that authors are able to share their work and have real conversations with people who appreciate it as much as they do 
.
. it's so cool that Jeannine A Cook is using these events to explore deeper connections among people, I think we could all learn from her approach 
. and can you imagine being part of a private dinner discussion with local authors? 
sounds like an absolute dream come true!
and it's so cool that they're supporting local authors and nonprofits too 
this is like the ultimate book lover's paradise 