EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Leah Victoria, the Middlesex County cook behind a popular social media account, is celebrating her new cookbook with a launch party in East Brunswick on Friday.
"I am so excited," said Victoria, who is behind @leahscucina. "This event is going to be epic! I've been working on this cookbook for a long time, and I'm so excited to be celebrating its debut launch with my followers."
The 240-page hardcover, published by DK, is aimed at home cooks who feed family and friends most nights. According to the publisher, the idea grew out of Victoria's life. She is often surrounded by extended family and friends and never knows who will be at the table, so she learned to put together a meal on short notice.
Drawing on her Sicilian roots, Victoria puts her own twists on dishes like spaghetti pie, prosciutto and fontina chicken rollatini, and pulled pork arancini. It is organized into chapters on appetizers, main dishes and sides, with meal prep tips and ideas for using leftovers.
The party will be held on the hotel's Orchard Terrace, a covered outdoor patio with heaters, fire features and a full bar. The evening includes a DJ, passed appetizers, four food stations featuring Nanina's Gourmet Sauces, and a New Jersey wine tasting with Amalthea Cellars.
A cash and credit card bar will serve cocktails, mocktails and wine, including a seasonal drink inspired by the book. Guests will leave with a gift from Nanina's.
Chef David Burke is also expected to attend.
The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at Orchard Park by David Burke, inside the Chateau Grande Hotel. Tickets are $85 per person and are sold at orchardparkbydb.com. The price includes a copy of the book, "And That's Dinner: Flexible Recipes to Cook Smarter, Not Harder," which Victoria will sign.
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