Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian StreetChef Reilly Meehan is known on social media for giving a behind-the-scenes look at his work as a private chef, sharing dishes that rely on flavor-boosting tricks and flourishes.. Now he’s coming to Binding Agents to help us make every meal A Little Bit Extra, letting us in on the secrets he relies on to impress his clients and has documented in his first cookbook.
From his teenage start in the kitchen of his dad's popular pub in Santa Cruz, to culinary school, his boundary-pushing experiences in international cooking competitions, to his shift to content creator and private chef, we'll explore how extra touches have been the key to Reilly's success—and how they can unlock something special in your kitchen.
Guests may choose a ticket with or without a copy of the book. Prices are inclusive of fees. Entrance to the shop requires one step up. Please contact us at hello@bindingagentsphilly.com with any questions or accessibility needs; we'd be happy to help.
About A Little Bit Extra
A Little Bit Extra is the next best option when you don’t have a private chef in your kitchen, but want every meal to taste like you do!
These dishes lean on popular flavors and ingredients, but always feature a twist that enhances their color, flavor, or texture, taking them from really good to exceptionally awesome.
Sure, happy hour with Gruyère and Parm Cheese Puffs sounds great, but wait until you plop some pimento cheese dip on top. Everyone loves avocado on a Crab, Grilled Corn, and Butter Lettuce Salad with Avocado, but frying your avo wedges adds a pop of crispy, golden flair. Ever had pasta fresh from your own kitchen? Two Pork Beer Ragu with Papardelle is your chance.
These chapters serve up everything from cocktails (including Reilly’s Instagram-famous Dill Vesper Martini) to sides, salads to soups, and mains to sweet treats.
About Reilly Meehan
Reilly Meehan grew up in food, foraging blackberries on the California coast and learning the ropes in the kitchen of his father’s restaurant in beachy Santa Cruz. Following formal culinary training, Reilly honed his skills in the competitive cooking world, competing (and kicking butt) throughout the US and internationally. He was named the 2011 Chaine de Rôtisseurs “Best Young Chef in the World” Winner, 2019 American Culinary Federation’s Chef of the Year, and 2022 Americas Global Chef’s Challenge Winner.
After cooking his way through San Francisco and running his own bougie doughnut pop-up, he began private cheffing—and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at his work on social media. He spends summers in the Hamptons with his clients, but calls Phoenix home with his husband and pup. Reilly’s mantra is simple: bring as much good food to as many great people as possible.
Thu, Apr 2, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian Street
Binding Agents is Philly's bookshop for cooks and eaters. Located in South Philly’s culinary epicenter, the 9th Street Italian Market, we’re your go-to source for new cookbooks and food-focused reads, plus gifts and goods for making, serving and enjoying. We’re independent, women-owned, fun & funky. Learn more at bindingagentsphilly.com.
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