Quick question: What do I have in common with Pulitzer-Prize winners John Updike, Norman Mailer, Tennessee Williams, and John F. Kennedy?
Nothing! But why should that stop me from affixing an honest-to-God authentic "Winner of the Pulitzer" sticker on the cover of my literary debut? My agent happened to represent a winner and had a roll of the Official Stickers in her office -- one of which I promptly begged her for. (I know, right? What's she doing hanging out with someone who makes a living writing about meatballs?) Boy I've had fun with that one. I'm really hoping my mother logged on this morning, and for one second of her life had the thought "Wow! My daughter won a Pulitzer." Sorry, Mom.
But forreals, even more exciting than a Pulitzer in my world? An IACP Cookbook Award nomination. I was thrilled to find out a few days ago that my book is up for one and I am humbled by the company I share: Thomas Keller, Yottam Ottolenghi, Marcus Samuelsson, The Canal House duo, and Deb Perelman, who I'd read over Mailer and Updike any day of the week.
In other news, earlier this week I talked turkey chili, spaghetti with clams (page 56), starter curry (page 14), and family dinner ideas (pages 2-312) with Faith Middleton on WNPR's The Food Schmooze. I always feel like I'm actually at the dinner table with her gang when she interviews me or when I'm listening to her show. If you have time to download it for your commuting or your carpooling today, the whole show is worth a listen, but I don't come on til the last five or ten minutes. Or you could just download this interview with a real Pulitzer Winner. I'd understand completely.
And the award for Best Signage to promote a Dinner: A Love Story and New Brooklyn Cookbook event goes to...Powerhouse on 8th in Park Slope! If you are in the neighborhood, swing by for some soup, cookies, and, of course, books.
Thanks for indulging me. Next week, back to our regularly scheduled dinner programming.