Old Pine Community Center
401 Lombard StreetJoin us for September Cookbook Club, when we'll be exploring Fundamenals of Flavor: 100 Recipes for the Science of Better Cooking, the new book by acclaimed cookbook author and molecular biologist Nik Sharma.
Nik says, "To become a cook, I became a scientist. To become a scientist, I became a cook." This month, we'll gather at the NeighborHub (formerly known as Old Pine Community Center) to disuss how the four elements of nature (fire, earth, air, and water) influence and improve the flavors of our cooking.
Cookbook Club is an potluck event where everyone contributes a dish from the selected book. Here's how it works:
1) You purchase your ticket(s) from this page, with or without a copy of the book.* (We highly encourage book sharing and use of libraries! You can also buy from Bookshop.org, which supports the shop and ships to your door.)
*To include a book for shop pickup with your purchase, select the discounted "Ticket + Book" option. You can then add the book to your cart after clicking "Checkout." Books will be available for pickup at Binding Agents right away.
2) One week before the event, we'll send out a Google Doc with a set number of slots per category by which the book is organized. Each person will claim a slot with the recipe of their choice. This ensures a good spread and a cross-section of all the book has to offer.
3) On event day, you'll bring your dish to the venue, prepared to feast. We'll talk about our experience cooking and eating from the book, and leave with lots of great tips and new friends.
Space is limited! If the event sells out, please add yourself to the waitlist. You'll be the first to know if spots become available. To receive updates about future Cookbook Clubs (hosted monthly)—make sure you're on our mailing list.
About Fundamentals of Flavor
Building on the science-forward thinking of The Flavor Equation and the accessibility of his award-winning Veg-Table, Nik Sharma’s latest cookbook brings fascinating technical know-how to exciting everyday recipes. In these pages, Sharma explores the four powerful elements of nature and their profound influence on how we cook, delving into such topics and dishes as:
Fire: How caramelization deepens the flavor of Caramelized Shallot and Feta-Labneh Dip
Earth: How salt's minerality brings crispness to Salt-Baked New Potatoes with Gochujang Vinaigrette
Air: Why drying out cookie dough results in perfect Extra Rich Chocolate-Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
Water: Why sous vide is the best way to cook a hearty, tender loaf of Icelandic Rye Bread
And much more.
With more than 150 evocative photographs and 20+ infographics that simplify scientific principles for visual learners, this is a beautiful, foundation-building reference book for home cooks who approach their meals with a hunger for knowledge and big flavor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
NIK SHARMA is the bestselling author of cookbooks celebrated for blending culinary science with deeply personal storytelling: Season, The Flavor Equation, and Veg-Table. A former molecular biologist and a three-time James Beard finalist, Sharma brings a unique lens to the kitchen, where flavor is both a feeling and a formula. He serves as Editor in Residence at America's Test Kitchen, where he hosts the James Beard nominated YouTube show Flavor Forward with Nik Sharma, is a co-host of the show In the Test Kitchen on Netflix, and is a cast member on America’s Test Kitchen show on PBS. Sharma is the creator of the award-winning blog Nik Sharma Cooks (formerly A Brown Table), and his writing and photography have been featured in The San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. He lives in Los Angeles, California, where he's always dreaming up his next recipe.
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Old Pine Community Center
401 Lombard 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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