Watermelon & Red Birds: Talk & Taste with Author Nicole A. Taylor

Join us for conversation and tasting with Nicole A. Taylor, author of Watermelon & Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations. We’ve already had the pleasure of sharing some of these exciting dishes and discussions with the community since the book debuted in May. Now, we’re thrilled to have THE Nicole A. Taylor with us to share insights into all that brought this beautiful book to fruition. We’ll talk a bit about history, culinary tradition, culinary innovation, and the culture.

Copies of the book are available for pre-purchase with ticket price for pick-up at the event. During the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy samplings of three recipes from cookbook: hibiscus tea, Kaylah’s tea cakes, and victory chicken burgers.

All proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting the Culinary Literacy’s Center programs for youth, neighborhood engagement, and English language learning. Free tickets are available for SNAP eligible families and for anyone who cannot afford the fee right now but would still like to participate. Please email kitchen@freelibrary.org for more information.

Nicole A. Taylor is a James Beard Award–nominated food writer, master home cook, and producer. She has written for the New York Times, Bon Appétit, and Food & Wine. Nicole is the author of The Up South Cookbook and The Last O.G. Cookbook. She is the executive producer of If We So Choose, a short documentary about the desegregation of an iconic southern fast food joint. Nicole is the cofounder of The Maroon, a marketplace and retreat house focused on radical rest for Black creatives. She lives in New York City and Athens, Georgia, with her husband and son.