Join the Jewish Food Lab for the Los Angeles launch of Guesting, the new book from culinary expert, food writer, and longtime Top Chef judge Gail Simmons. Gail is joined by Emmy Award-winning food stylist and author Aliza J. Sokolow for an evening of food and conversation, celebrating Guesting and the art of being a guest. Following the conversation, meet Gail at a book signing. Every ticket includes a signed copy of Guesting.
TICKET OPTIONS
MAIN EVENT | $54 Includes the conversation with Gail Simmons, meet-and-greet and book signing, and a signed copy of Guesting.
VIP EXPERIENCE + MAIN EVENT | $136 Includes everything above, plus a special pre-event experience with Gail featuring bites and a culinary demonstration.
SCHEDULE
5:30–6:45 PM | VIP Pre-Event Experience
7:00–9:00 PM | Main Event & Book Signing
Gail Simmons
Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and television personality who has been a judge on BRAVO’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef since the show’s inception in 2006. She has also hosted and served as a critic on The Good Dish, Top Chef Amateurs, Iron Chef Canada, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef Just Desserts, and The Feed. Her first cookbook, Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating, was nominated for an IACP Award for Best General Cookbook. Previously, she served as Special Events Manager for Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant empire and was Special Projects Director at Food & Wine for fifteen years.
About Aliza J. Sokolow
Aliza J. Sokolow is an Emmy Award winning food stylist, author, chef, and media personality whose work brings together food, storytelling, and community. Her debut children’s book, This Is What I Eat (Random House Kids, 2023), encourages young readers to explore healthy eating, and she is a regular guest on Good Day LA, sharing colorful, health-forward recipes. Aliza began her career on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, which earned an Emmy Award and a James Beard Media Award, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times. She serves on the boards of the UC Berkeley Food Institute and Our Big Kitchen LA and regularly organizes volunteer events supporting food access and community. Her love of food and its ability to bring people together began at Camp Alonim, where she first discovered the joy of cooking and sharing meals.
The Jewish Food Lab at Wilshire Boulevard Temple is dedicated to celebrating the tastes and traditions of global Jewish food and culture. Grounded in the richness of Jewish experience and history, the Jewish Food Lab strives to create educational and experiential opportunities for all the senses. We are excited for the Jewish Food Lab to become one of the cornerstones of community outreach and programming at Wilshire Boulevard Temple and in LA!
Date & Time
Wed, Nov 11, 2026 5:30 PM
Venue Details
Wilshire Boulevard Temple - Resnick Family Campus (Brentwood)
11960 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90049
Wilshire Boulevard Temple - Los Angeles
Celebrating 162 years in Los Angeles and one of America’s most highly respected congregations, Wilshire Boulevard Temple has been serving the Los Angeles Jewish community since its founding in 1862 as Congregation B’nai B'rith, the city’s first synagogue. Today, Wilshire Boulevard Temple carries out the mission through a variety of ways, as a center for Jewish spirituality and celebration, a place for lifelong learning and friendship and home to an engaged congregation where every person can make a difference.
