Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian StreetJoin novelist Betty Corrello, author of Back for Seconds and Gabbi Cacia, author/illustrator of Twas the Night Before Fishmas, for an Italian-American conversation about food, family, love, tradition, Christmas Eve—and all the things we shouldn’t say at the dinner table.
We’ll dish with these two local authors about the stories behind their books, the family traditions that inspire them, the romance and chaos of Italian-American life, and, of course, the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Guests may choose a ticket with or without copies of the books. Prices are inclusive of fees and light bites. 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 Back for Seconds & Betty Corrello
Two cups of chaos, a dash of generational trauma, and a pinch of Christmas magic.
June Alfiero is just trying to survive her first Christmas post-divorce. If growing up the only daughter of Evergreen's boardwalk pizza king taught her anything, it's how to eat or be eaten. She's done indulging family drama; she refuses to play games with her ex; and she definitely will not be falling for the viral vegan homecook she accidentally dragged on TikTok after one too many margaritas.
But when June comes face-to-face with the Adonis himself, Joey Pagano is nothing like his digital footprint. He's patient. Earnest. Maddeningly kind. And navigating his own heartbreak. The more time they spend together, sharing home-cooked meals and soft confessions, the more June's hardened exterior begins to melt.
Suddenly, her small Jersey Shore town is serving up more than bittersweet nostalgia: it's late-night kitchen experiments, flirty bickering, shared secrets, and the kind of steady companionship June had given up on. Joey doesn't shy away from her mess--he pulls up a chair, pours a glass of wine, and asks for seconds. With every boardwalk stroll and cozy, flour-dusted moment, June feels something inside her unclench. Maybe healing doesn't have to be quiet. Maybe it can be loud, joyful, and a little chaotic--just like Evergreen at Christmas. But bearing her soul to Joey means risking the kind of heartbreak she's barely recovered from.
Will June take a chance on the delicious magic growing between them--or close the door before Joey can knock again?
Betty Corrello is a writer, comedian, and proud Philadelphian. Her first novel was Summertime Punchline. Despite her hardened exterior, she is biologically 95% marshmallow. Her greatest passion is writing stories where opposites attract, but love is chosen. When she’s not writing, she can be found fretting about niche historical events most have forgotten––or petting her very tiny dog.
About Twas the Night Before Fishmas & Gabbi Cacia
A guide to creating a Seven fish feast with your mini minnow in tow!
This bespoke children’s book and cookbook welcomes readers in merry measure to prepare for the night-before-the-night-before, while sharing doodles, and punny poems, to keep your tiny fish hooked. With short stories and poems of riveting rhyme, original characters, recipes, and space to record your own, 'Twas the Night Before Fishmas is the perfect Christmas Eve companion to keep tiny kitchen helpers finterested as you prepare your iconic Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Gabbi Cacia is the writer, illustrator and creator of Twas the Night Before Fishmas, a children’s book and cookbook celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes. She is a writer, career corporate communicator and events host, home cook, and mom of two energetic boys.
Inspired by generations of Italian-American traditions—especially the beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes—Gabbi created Twas the Night Before Fishmas, and more titles to come, under her imprint Spaghetti Stardust Press, to celebrate the joy of cooking, gathering, laughing, and making memories together. She believes the best stories are the ones shared around the table.
Thu, Dec 10, 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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