Even with our comfy new Venza, Justin and I find ourselves venturing into the city less and less these days. Between the beautiful weather and the endless tweaking of Garden 2.0, it takes a lot to pull us away from the North Fork right now. But every once in a while, an invitation comes along that makes the drive entirely worth it.
That was exactly the case this past Thursday evening. I had the pleasure of returning to Soho for my third year participating in Housing Works’ “Feast for the Books,” which felt exceptionally special this time around as we celebrated the bookstore’s 30th anniversary.
If you’ve ever strolled down the cobblestones of Crosby Street and ducked inside the Housing Works Bookstore, you already know it is pure magic. With its spiral staircases, towering mahogany balconies, and string lights draped throughout, it feels like a sanctuary tucked away from the downtown hustle. But its beauty is matched only by its mission.
Founded in 1990 by four members of ACT UP in response to the AIDS crisis, Housing Works is built on a fierce commitment to fighting for inclusive care and social justice. The bookstore is entirely self-sustaining—every time you buy a secondhand novel, grab a coffee, or bid on a silent auction item, 100% of the profits go directly toward funding lifesaving services for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and living with HIV/AIDS.
Beyond its incredible advocacy, the space has also cemented itself in NYC pop culture lore. You might recognize its iconic stacks as the backdrop for Taylor Swift’s All Too Well short film, or from its cameos in Girls and The Smurfs 2. It has hosted countless intimate concerts, literary events and weddings (as well ans Anne Hathaway’s engagement party!) It is a space where stories aren’t just sold… they are lived.
My dear friend Nick McCarvel relayed many of those beautiful stories on Thursday as the Board Chair. Nick and I actually first bonded over our shared Montana roots while working the US Open together back in 2019, and we have been close ever since. Seeing him up on that stage championing such a vital cause made being a part of this event resonate even more.
And speaking of stories, the dinner itself was a masterpiece woven together by chef Camille Becerra. To honor the anniversary, Camille designed a stunning multi-course menu inspired entirely by iconic literature set in and around New York City. The attention to detail was incredible; every single dish was a love letter to the city’s literary history.
During cocktail hour, we snacked on Warm Gruyère Gougères as a savory nod to Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, alongside Dirty Martini Deviled Eggs with Crispy Fried Capers that perfectly channeled the 80s after-hours vibe of Jay McInerney’s Bright Lights, Big City.
For the mains, Camille served a vibrant Spring Minestrone with Herb Gremolata, playfully inspired by Patti Smith’s infamous “lettuce soup” in Just Kids. That was followed by a spectacular Steak Au Poivre with Potato Pavé and Creamed Spinach, bringing Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities to life with the ultimate taste of 1980s New York power dining. Even the bread service told a story, featuring She Wolf Bakery Rye with Relishes as a clever tribute to J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye.
During our Q&A on stage, we chatted about her new project, Studio Becerra, and the sheer hustle behind her recently funded Kickstarter. But what I found most serendipitous was the timeline of her career. Camille started cooking in NYC around 1996, working her way up the ladder at the iconic, women-owned Angelica Kitchen.
She was a young cook navigating the city on a tight budget, spending her Sunday mornings listening to loud classical music at Dean & DeLuca and catching matinees at the Angelika Film Center… right as the Housing Works Bookstore was laying its own foundation in Soho. Sharing the stage to celebrate 30 years of this downtown institution, while reflecting on her own three decades of shaping New York’s culinary scene, was a true full-circle moment.
I also must give a huge, heartfelt thank you to Silver Sands Motel and Petite Pasta Joint for generously answering my requests for silent auction donations. Thanks to our 14 incredible experience packages, we raised over $50,000 for Housing Works on Thursday! (And huge shout out to Erica Pratico and the entire planning committee for putting together such a wonderful event.)
If you happen to be in the city this weekend, the 30th-anniversary festivities are continuing with a massive shopping extravaganza through Sunday. Otherwise, the next time you find yourself downtown, pop in for a coffee and browse the stacks… you never know what treasure you’ll find, and it’s for a truly wonderful cause.
As for me, I’m heading back out to the garden. Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!
No Comments