Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian StreetMumbai-raised, New York City-based chef Rachel Gurjar is a CIA grad, restaurant veteran, Bon Appétit alum, and now a freelance writer and recipe developer. In her first book, East to East, she shares a joyful celebration of the immigrant experience through the universal language of food.
Join us at Binding Agents for a conversation with Rachel about the evolution of her culinary career, her story, the food that excites her, and how she creates recipes and dishes that seamlessly blend tradition with discovery.
"East to East is more than a collection of recipes. It's a reclamation, a love letter, and a sharp meditation on what it means to build a life between cultures. Rachel's food feels grounded in tradition yet alive in the present, inviting us to cook with curiosity, care, and a great deal of pride." --Andy Baraghani, New York Times bestselling author of The Cook You Want to Be
Guests may choose a ticket with or without a copy of the book. Prices are inclusive of ticket 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 THE BOOK
Mumbai-raised, New York City-based chef Rachel Gurjar shares the triumphs, hardships, and delicious discoveries that come from leaving your home and navigating a foreign country. Through inventive dishes that seamlessly blend the foods of her childhood and travels with beloved American staples, Gurjar's cooking showcases the tantalizing possibilities that arise when cultures collide. Recipes for dishes ranging from condiments, snacks, and breads to entrees, drinks, and desserts include:
Salmon Red Kari
Paneer with Sungold Tomatoes and Basil
Chicken Kebab Caesar Salad
Shrimp Biryani with Pineapple Raita
Spicy Butter Masala Pasta
Dirty Chai Espresso Martinis
Cardamom Sticky Toffee Cake
Stunning photography enlivens these recipes and transports you to the streets and stoops of New York City and the beaches and markets of Mumbai. Written with honesty, passion, and vulnerability, East to East is both a tribute to the immigrant experience with all its highs and lows and a universal tale of resilience, courage, and identity. With this sumptuous guide, Rachel's food--creative, balanced, complex-tasting, and always appealing--comes to your kitchen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Gurjar is a chef and food writer from Mumbai, India, currently based in Brooklyn, New York. After attending the Culinary Institute of America, she worked in numerous New York City restaurants, including ABC Kitchen, then was a food editor at Bon Appétit. She now works as a freelance writer and recipe developer. Her work has been featured in Bon Appetit, Food52, The Kitchn, and Forbes, among other outlets, and she has appeared on Good Morning America and NPR.
Thu, Oct 22, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 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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