Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian StreetFor Carla Lalli, cooking is an expression of love. That core belief was put to the test the year she got divorced. As Carla started figuring out who she was going to be on the other side of a 24-year marriage, she took note of the cravings she was having and the meals she wanted to make, and honored those desires by making herself something to eat. The result is Food is a Feeling, an intimate, story-driven cookbook that explores the idea of cooking and eating as an act of self-care.
Binding Agents is delighted to welcome Carla for a chill hang and pre-order pickups on Friday, September 11. Guests will be invited to pick up their signed, personalized copies of Food is a Feeling, chat with Carla, and enjoy a midday nibble courtesy of the shop.
Use this page to reserve your spot for the in-person hangout with Carla. Your ticket includes one copy of the book ($36), light refreshments, and ticket fees. You can add additional copies of the book at checkout, if desired.
If you cannot attend on 9/11 but would like to pre-order a personalized copy of Food is a Feeling for pick-up after the event instead, click here.
ABOUT THE BOOK
An intimate, story-driven cookbook that explores the idea of cooking and eating as an act of self-care, with 65 time-tested and nourishing recipes from the James Beard Award–winning author of Where Cooking Begins and New York Times bestseller, That Sounds So Good.
Carla has been writing about food, family, and feelings for many years, and she’s always known that her recipes were about more than sustenance. The 65 recipes and 30 essays in Food Is a Feeling are a powerful reminder of the nurturing, fulfilling, and joyful role that food plays in all of our lives, a very human account of beauty and challenges balancing each other like butter and salt.
For her, cooking is an expression of love. That core belief was put to the test the year she got divorced. As Carla started figuring out who she was going to be on the other side of a 24-year marriage, she took note of the cravings she was having and the meals she wanted to make, and honored those desires by making herself something to eat: Lemony Chickpea Stew with Rice; Personal Pot of Beans and Greens; Salad Sandwich, to name a few. She was flooded with delicious memories—her mom’s Saturday Night Alfredo, the Extremely Floofy Vanilla Pancakes she makes for her children, and the Crispy-Skinned Fish with Olives and Lemons and Burnt Caramel Rhubarb Compote she learned on the line in some of New York City’s most demanding restaurant kitchens. Over time, she realizes the creative, transformative work that happens in the kitchen is a potent antidote for the hurdles she has yet to overcome.
The food, the passage of time, and the lessons gained—all of it became perfectly intertwined. In writing that is revealing, relatable, and funny, Carla uses rich context from her own life to make the case that food is so much more than just fuel, and yes, we should eat our feelings. After all, they’re delicious.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carla Lalli is the James Beard Award-winning author of the bestselling cookbooks Where Cooking Begins and That Sounds So Good. She is also the host of Carla's Cooking Show on Patreon. Known for anchoring the hit YouTube series "Back to Back Chef," Carla has also appeared in many other recipe videos for Bon Appétit. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.
Fri, Sep 11, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 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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