It’s only fitting that the national tour for Katie Parla’s Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors and Forgotten Recipes From an Ancient City (Clarkson Potter, 2016) is kicking off April 3 at Clydz in New Brunswick. Parla’s father, Mike, is the proprietor of that venerable restaurant. Parla grew up in West Windsor, where her mother, Jo Ann, does cooking demos at the farmers’ market. The entire food-centric family will be on hand for the signing, which Parla says will include “mingling, sparkling wine and snacks made from recipes in the book.”
Since moving to the Eternal City after graduating from Yale in 2002, Parla has become an authority on the Roman food and wine scene, writing for the New York Times, Saveur and Food & Wine. The website epicurious.com recently included Tasting Rome in its list of 30 cookbooks to look forward to this spring.
Parla and photographer Kristina Gill tell the story behind iconic dishes like cacio e pepe and pollo alla romana. Their subjects range from long-forgotten recipes to contemporary street food. Parla’s previous books include National Geographic’s Walking Rome, now in its second edition.
On April 8, Parla will appear at Mrs. G TV & Appliances in Lawrenceville. Reservations are required for both events. Sign up at katieparla.com.