I’m back home from a wonderful week in California, which I spent promoting Food Swap, seeing friends, eating fabulous food (Tartine, Mourad, Wise Sons deli among others), checking out the new San Francisco MoMA, and attending my third International Food Bloggers Conference (IFBC). (Did you happen to catch my appearance on “Good Day Sacramento” on Friday morning? That was fun!)

I have just a few days back in Chicago to do laundry, spent time with my family and generally catch my breath before heading back out on the road for more Food Swap events. Yes, I am headed to Philadelphia and New York City on Wednesday for a whole slew of book events. If you live in either metro area, I hope you will come out and see me.

• On Wednesday August 3 at 7 pm, I will be joining the Philly Swappers, the group that inspired me to start the Chicago Food Swap, at their summer swap. There is still room to join us there, so register today. I cannot wait to experience this popular food swap and meet the swappers.
• On Thursday August 4, I will be taping an episode of Local Mouthful, a food-themed podcast with Philly-based food writers Marisa McClellan (from Food in Jars) and Joy Manning. I am not certain when the episode will air, but I will let you know.
• On Saturday August 6 at 2 pm, I will be teaching a cooking class on edible gifts at COOK, a state-of-the-art, fully equipped, sixteen-seat kitchen-classroom. I will be teaching guests how to make three recipes from Food Swap, including Beer-Caraway Mustard, Citrus Curd and Salted Caramel Sauce. Guests will sample each recipe which we will pair with appropriate foods, like soft pretzels for the mustard, scones for the lemon curd and shortbread for the caramel sauce. The cost of the class includes the snacks and a copy of the book.
• On Sunday August 7 between 10 am and 2 pm, my friend Marisa McClellan (from the blog Food in Jars) and I will be appearing together at the Headhouse Farmers Market to sign books. There may well be samples!
• Also on Sunday August 7, I will be appearing LIVE as a guest on “Small Bites Radio,” an innovative, captivating, and funny radio show about food, beverages, travel, nightlife, and all topics related to the hospitality industry. You can listen to the show live at 6:30 on Sunday night, download episodes from iTunes or stream it.
• On Tuesday August 9 at 6:30 pm, I will be at the Brooklyn Brainery talking about the ins and outs of attending, hosting, and prepping for a food swap. I will also be selling and signing books. The Boogie Down is the home of the original food swap, BK Swappers, so it will be exciting to bring it all full circle.
• On Wednesday August 10 at 6:30 pm, I will be speaking at the Mid-Manhattan Public Library, at 455 Fifth Avenue, about the modern food swap movement as well as selling and signing books. I am so honored to be appearing at the New York Public Library, such as prestigious institution.

That’s it! That’s my East Coast swing! I am excited to be visiting these dynamic cities, both home to active food swaps, as well as great food towns. I would love to see some of YOU all there.