The Book Signing
Monday night was the first book signing for Mark's cookbook. It was for food press and some key ringers. My family, the doctor who delivered my babies, you know, the usual. I asked for a mic to be there, and I introduced Mark and he introduced his co-writer Martha Rose Shulman.
It was a lot of work for about two years, so it was nice to have a cocktail and celebrate. Or three. But they were tiny cocktails. It was very fun, and I wore one of my new dresses from my previously written about $500 shopping spree at the Trina Turk sale ('Cause I was tired of wearing maternity). My daughter also wore pink. And here she is wisely eating the yummy apps that were straight out of the cookbook.
Note the savory tart on the table. I don't know if I have mentioned it, but
I'M OBSESSED WITH SAVORY TARTS. They are my favorite food.
They don't serve them at Campanile, but pretty sure they will at the bar Mark is working on, or there will be marriage counseling in our future. There is a recipe for the one here, and it was GOOD. Slices of potato, carmelized onions, bacon. Nuff said.
People were very kind, and many people bought 2 to 5 books planning ahead for Christmas.
I was a little fried the next day since Rex woke us up quite a bit, but there was some nice press and none better than this. It's like I wrote it.
Mark has a couple more book signings scheduled in LA. October 20th at Borders in Century City and the 26th at Campanile. If he travels out of town, it's on our dime, so not sure about other places. If it does well, we might go somewhere where we have friends so it makes sense, like the Bay Area.
The night and the Grubstreet article were amazing considering when we were in the dark days of late December '08 I said to Mark, "2009 will be your year." He had to buck me up more than I him. But being human, having millions stolen and having to sell your home can take a little spring out of your step. Even the sunniest of people can need a pep talk. I said, I can feel it, it's going to come together for you. The book will come out, the restaurant will endure, the bar you are working on will come together, and I'm getting you on Top Chef! I might have said:
"As god as my witness!"
So, maybe the lesson is, in dark moments hide the hard drugs and visualize the good stuff, work towards your goals, and they just might kick in. I hope.
THANK YOU for posting this. The comeback your family is making is far more touching than any celebrity rebound and reminds me that we are all capable of great things. You must be so proud of your husband. My family opened a restaurant when I was in college and I had to take a year off to help them. It was the hardest, most challenging year of my life and for our family. Looking back….we are all better people for it.
I'm obsessed with savory tarts too! I'm going to have to pick up this cookbook especially since you've mentioned there's pictures. I need the pictures! Any chance of a book signing in Seattle? Seems like everyone is a foodie up here although I'm sure the book would be well received anywhere.
Congrats to the entire Brogdon-Peel clan! Can't wait to buy this for some people for Christmas, that I know will absolutely LOVE IT.
And also - how could there NOT have been any wordplay in this post about how Daphne = Savory Tart? A missed comedy opportunity.
Congratulations on your achievements, Is there a way I can purchase a few autographed copies (I am not able to make it to the book signings)? With thanks and appreciation.
Amy, you are so sweet! Thank you.
Jamie, see, that is why I need more sleep. And motherhood has knocked most of my tart out of me.. oh, one day.
Julie, great idea. I know… you could buy them from the restaurant. Let me find out how much they are. Think it's they are selling them for 27 so around 29 with tax. I will find out and you send them the check and I will send it too you, okay?
SO great to see you, your daughter and baby REX on CoolMom! Looks like things are great! Let's catch up. E-mail me at maizes@verizon.net! Best, Sarah (Maizes…from Acme…@ stand-Up…you know, the other mom…okay, if I'm not ringin' a bell yet I might have to break out the birthmarks…)
That would be great!
Thank you!
The Grubstreet article is very nice. I haven't had a reason to travel to LA recently (San Diega was the closest I've been in the last year and San Francisco next month). But I will definitely make it a point to try Campanile (or even one of the new ones) if I can get myself to LA… Maybe for a mid-winter get the heck outta dodge weekend!
Julie,
it would be $29.63.. don't know what the cheapest shipping would be yet. the address is 624 s. la brea ave la 90036
Jenn Bo, I hope you can make it.
sarah, yes remember you!
Hate to open Pandora's box, but I would love an autographed copy of the book. Much more meaningful than buying it from the Barnes and Noble at the mall.
Any chance I can order one from Campanile, too? Anyone can autograph it— Viv, you, Mark… it would make my day.
Thanks!
yes, yes, you anyone. just send the request to Campanile at
624 s. la brea ave LA 90036. Say you are a Daphne reader. the price for a book is above. make it out to campanile because they bought a bunch of books. If we are so lucky as to be overwhelmed then I will rethink this. but I doubt that will happen. please say if there is something specific you want Mark to write like "to the best cook I know.". and of course where to send it.
Great review you linked to!! Here's hoping that the book takes off and the bar and restaurant openings are only the beginning for you and Mark. Your family is loaded with talent! Best wishes!
Hi Daphne,
I just got my book last night and stayed up way too late reading it in bed. All the recipes look great. Any suggestion on what I should make first?
Thanks!
I am loving this book. You can tell all the recipes are kitchen tested b/c Mark has hints for success in the descriptive paragraph above each recipe.
It's like a cooking class, of the highest caliber.
Loved the article on Mark in GrubStreet, and I agree.
Thanks for sharing the good news, I love seeing good people come back. It's all that "ain't no stoppin' us now.." stuff that makes me just want to stand up pumping my fist in the air, "Go, Daphne and Mark!!"
ah, bless! I do love that song.
well, the flattened chicken is quite good and not complicated. It's been on the menu at Campanile for years and is a big fave. He just made the chocolate pudding which was TOO good.
Hard to know where to start.
oh, savory tart!!!