Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian StreetNostalgia is in, and Bobby Hicks knows nostalgia. As the charming host of TikTok's "Retro Recipes Kitchen," he regularly gives loving updates to classic American staples and ingredients like boxed cake mixes, canned soups, and more to suit today's tastes.
Join Bobby for a conversation with local legend Sara May about the foods that evoke our fondest memories (and sometimes our most affectionate cringes), how the American palate and kitchen has changed, and process of creating a book that hearkens back to the past while honoring our modern tastes.
Guests are invited to wear their finest retro attire, and Bobby will demo and share samples of one of our favorite throwback drinks: the Egg Cream!
Guests may choose a ticket with or without a copy of the book. 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
In his dazzling debut cookbook, Retro Recipes, Bobby Hicks features a treasure trove of culinary nostalgia, everything from all-time favorites to lesser-known fare, including Lazy Daisy Cake, Brown Sugar Meatloaf, Chicken Divan, and Eggs Eiffel Tower. Bobby has done his homework and provides colorful historical context for each dish. Complete with vibrant photography and one-of-a-kind illustrations, this cookbook is the perfect addition to the vintage cooking canon.
About the Author
Bobby Hicks is a chef, videographer, and creator of the viral Retro Recipes Kitchen series, where he revisits vintage recipes and food trends from the early 1900s through the 1970s. A former bartender turned culinary historian, Hicks’ work bridges nostalgia and creativity, transforming forgotten dishes into culinary storytelling that millions have come to love online. His signature mix of curiosity, humor, and authenticity has earned him a devoted following across social media. He lives with his partner Keiko Lynn in South Florida.
About the Interviewer
Sara May is a veteran of the Philadelphia restaurant scene, where she's worked in both savory and pastry kitchens, as well as several front-of-house positions. She was awarded the Rising Star Artisan Award from StarChefs for her work as the pastry chef of The Franklin Fountain. She currently works as a recipe developer, hospitality consultant and event coordinator and is collaborating on a cookbook with a noted Philadelphia restaurant. A graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute, Sara's cooking is rooted in whole foods, accessible ingredients and a robust sense of fun. Her happy place is breaking down fresh fruit to bake into something delicious, her favorite sweets are salty, and she thinks the best meal of the day is breakfast.
Wed, Jun 3, 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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