The Italian Summer Kitchen Book Tour
This summer, Cathy Whims is taking the spirit of The Italian Summer Kitchen on the road! Join Cathy across the country for an intimate series of dinners, cooking demos, and conversations celebrating her latest book — a heartfelt tribute to the simplicity, beauty, and joy of seasonal Italian cooking.
Each stop is a chance to experience Cathy’s timeless approach to hospitality, and many will feature beautiful collaborations with chefs, restaurants, and booksellers we admire. Some events are cozy seated dinners, others are lively gatherings with passed bites and good wine — all in the spirit of summer’s casual abundance.
Union Square Greenmarket Book Signing
Sat, June 28, 11:00am-1:00pm
New York City, NY
Cathy is setting up at the city's biggest market: Union Square Greenmarket. She will be handing out bites from the book and signing copies with Kitchen Arts & Letters.
If you are in NYC—stop by and say hi.
Nina June with Sara Jenkins
Sat, June 21, Multiple Seatings | $100 per person
Rockport, ME
This is a special one as Cathy joins her dear friend Chef Sara Jenkins at her beautiful restaurant, Nina June, in midcoast Maine for a special evening celebrating The Italian Summer Kitchen. Sara — known for her deep love of Mediterranean flavors and ingredient-driven cooking — will collaborate with Cathy to prepare a five-course menu inspired by the book, weaving in the seasonal spirit of Maine with the soul of an Italian summer.
Nina June, perched above Rockport Harbor, is a gem of a restaurant with one of the most breathtaking views in the region—perfect for an evening of great food, good wine, and warm company.
Books will be available to pre-order or purchase at the event, and Cathy will be signing copies and sharing stories behind the recipes.
Tickets Here
An Evening at The Chef's Dinner Table
Friday, June 27 at 6:00 pm | $195 per person
New York City, NY
Hosted at Chef’s Dinner Table — a hidden gem in Little Italy known for its elegant, loft-style space and immersive culinary experiences — this event invites guests into the heart of Italian hospitality.
Cathy will prepare a vibrant 5-course meal straight from he pages of The Italian Summer Kitchen—a heartfelt expression of her favorite feelings of summer, all on the plate. From fresh, seasonal ingredients to dishes inspired by her travels and time cooking in Italy, this dinner promises to be a delicious celebration of la dolce vita, in a fun and convivial setting.
Menu
Zucchini fritters canapés
Soft shell crab with herbed rémoulade
Zucchini carpaccio with tomato vinaigrette
Risotto with cantaloupe and prosciutto
Lamb chops with Parmesan and breadcrumbs
Spumoni!
Wine pairings available at the event
Tickets here
Dinner at The Corson Building (sold out)
Wed, July 16 at 6:00 pm
Seattle, WA
A special 5-course collaborative dinner at The Corson Building. Chef Emily and Cathy come together to create an Italian summer menu interpreted through The Corson Building’s distinctive, hyper-seasonal lens.
This collaboration is rooted in mutual admiration and shared values. Both chefs are known for cooking from place, honoring tradition, and elevating local farms. The Corson Building, has long been one of the city’s most cherished dining spaces. Built in 1910 and transformed into a restaurant in 2008, it’s known for its thoughtful dinners and community-minded ethos—an ideal setting for a night centered on connection, flavor, and the joy of sharing a table.
The Italian Summer Kitchen will be available for purchase through Book Larder, Seattle’s beloved cookbook shop.
Expect an evening filled with stories and a beautiful celebration of summer’s generosity.
Tickets Coming Soon
Omnivore Books in San Francisco
Wed, July 23 at 6:30 pm | Free to attend
San Fransisco, CA
Book interview with Viola Buitoni
Vivienne Books conversation with Judiaann Woo
Sun, August 17, 6:00 pm | Free to attend
Portland, OR
Zingerman's Roadhouse (past)
Tue, June 10, 6:00 pm | $45 per person
Ann Arbor, MI
Zingerman's Roadhouse is a beloved dining destination in Ann Arbor, Michigan, renowned for its commitment to warm hospitality. The Roadhouse offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for special events and gatherings.
For this exclusive evening, enjoy a menu inspired by The Italian Summer Kitchen, bringing the vibrant flavors of Italy to Ann Arbor—followed by a special conversation between Cathy Whims and Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food, engage with Cathy, and celebrate the joys of Italian cuisine in the heart of Michigan summer!