Alison Roman may be a food-world insider—after all, she’s a columnist for both the New York Times Food section and Bon Appétit—but she’s also a passionate champion of the home cook. Her first cookbook, Dining In, was a best-seller and named a top cookbook of the year by NPR for its accessible yet delectable recipes. Her newest, Nothing Fancy, is inspired by the phrase, “It’s not entertaining, it’s having people over.” Come to hear the story behind Roman’s Internet-famous Salted Chocolate Chunk Shortbread recipe, and stay for her argument that gathering around a meal—whether a formal affair or an impromptu celebration—is a truly powerful experience. Roman will be joined by comedian and author Samantha Irby.

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