Last night, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with my dear friend Adam Roberts, food writer extraordinaire and author of the hilarious new novel Food Person. We met at the bright and bustling Brooklyn Heights Library — a lively, welcoming spot that felt like the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with laughter, good conversation, and lots of love for food and books.
Meeting at Brooklyn Heights Library
As soon as we entered the room, my eyes landed on a neat stack of Adam’s debut novel, Food Person. The book’s playful cover caught everyone’s attention immediately — and for good reason. The story follows Isabella, an unemployed food writer who agrees to ghostwrite a cookbook for a rather unruly starlet, desperate to reclaim her spotlight. It’s a comedy of manners, sharp and witty, packed with thoughtful humor that feels both fresh and timeless.
Adam’s husband Craig was one of the first guests to arrive, breathless from running between three different library branches to make sure he got a copy of the book. Craig’s dedication was matched only by Adam’s clever shirt, embroidered with dinner ingredients — a perfect nod to his love of food and fun.
We also had the pleasure of meeting Jenny Jackson, Adam’s editor, and Tiara Sharma, the assistant editor. The room soon filled with friends and fans, including the always-stylish Jenny, who had just debuted a chic new haircut.
A Micro-Trend Moment: Gingham Takes Over
Before we dove into the conversation, I couldn’t help but notice a little style moment unfolding around us. Over the years, I’ve shared what people wear in New York and Paris, but at Brooklyn Heights Library on Cadman Plaza? The micro-trend was unmistakable: gingham! From pants that cleverly resemble skirts to gingham totes paired with polka dot skirts, the prints were everywhere, lending a cheerful and slightly nostalgic vibe to the gathering.
On Stage: Books, Food, and Life
Once everyone settled in, Adam and I took the stage, and what followed was an utterly delightful chat. We covered everything — from books and food to marriage and the joys (and chaos) of living in New York City. The conversation felt effortless and full of warmth, peppered with laughs and the kind of candidness that makes for truly memorable evenings.
If you’re curious, you can watch a video of our conversation. It’s a bit blurry, but I think that just adds to the charm!
Here’s a quick guide if you want to jump in at any point:
- 4:15 – Why Adam feels like a jaunty young chef straight out of a Pixar movie.
- 4:40 – What makes Adam “a modern-day Nora Ephron.”
- 5:05 – Adam’s passionate opinions on bagels.
- 5:16 – His equally strong feelings about tuna (and my amusing mispronunciation of “abstemious”).
- 6:10 – The story of moving from L.A. to NYC.
- 13:25 – Which Hollywood actors Adam would cast if Food Person were made into a movie.
- 18:25 – The nuts and bolts of novel writing.
- 24:00 – How Adam throws fifty dinner parties a year and his tips for stress-free entertaining.
- 26:31 – His take on the “controversial” advice that guests should arrive 10-15 minutes late to dinner parties.
- 28:35 – The most provocative thing Adam ever wrote.
- 33:35 – The secret to a happy marriage, according to Adam and Craig.
- 37:29 – Why NYC isn’t always nice, but it’s always kind.
- 38:50 – Audience questions and answers.
Reflections on a Wonderful Evening
What made the night truly special wasn’t just the laughter or the food talk (though both were plentiful). It was the way a community of readers, friends, and food lovers came together in a warm, welcoming space to celebrate creativity, connection, and the small, beautiful moments in life.
Thank you so much to Adam for hosting such a joyful event — it’s evenings like these that remind me why I love books, good conversation, and the friendships that grow around them.
If you’re intrigued, you can find Adam’s book Food Person [here] and sign up for his newsletter [here] to keep up with all his latest adventures.
