Hey Everyone!
What a wild ride it’s been since the release of Đặc Biệt on August 27th! It’s hard to believe it’s almost been a month. I’ve been on the road non-stop, and I’m finally catching my breath long enough to send you all a little update.
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First off, I have to say, it’s been such a joy meeting so many of you on this tour. Seeing familiar faces from my pandemic cooking classes has truly been surreal. Some of us have been through so much together—moving into new homes, welcoming kids—it feels like I’ve known you forever. You guys are a huge part of my journey, and meeting you in person has been an absolute blast.
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Now, about the tour—I’ve got some exciting stops locked in, and there’s more to come! If I’m heading to your city, please swing by the events. If you’re all set on books (I get it, not everyone needs multiples), feel free to reach out—we’ve got plenty of ways to be part of the fun, even without buying another copy. That said, a signed book makes an amazing holiday gift (wink wink).
Looking forward to seeing more of you soon!
With love and gratitude,
P.S. Things are about to get spooky! 👻 The series premiere of Last Bite Hotel airs tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT on Food Network. I’ll be whipping up some eerie-sistibly delicious dishes you won’t want to miss! Watch along and tell me what you think!
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ĐẶC BIỆT BOOK TOUR
Sept 26: New Orleans/Metairie, LA
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Book signing + Meet & Greet
BARNES & NOBLE - Metairie
3721 Veterans Blvd
Metairie, LA 70002
FREE TO ATTEND.
Oct 3: Paducah, KY
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Chef Nini Nguyen & Chef Sara Bradley Dinner Collaboration
Cocktail style reception w/ a couple stations + heavy passed apps
FREIGHT HOUSE
330 S 3rd St # 102
Paducah, KY 42003
Oct 7: Washington, D.C.
8:00am til SOLD OUT
Chef Nini Nguyen & Chef Michael Rafidi Collaboration.
We’ll be doing Vietnamese Egg Iced Coffee, Sesame Halva Ball, and a Banh Mi Kebab Sando.
YELLOW - UNION MARKET
417 Morse St NE
Washington, DC 20002
6:30PM SEATING
Chef Nini Nguyen & Chef Danny Lee and Chef Scott Drewno Dinner Collaboration
Join Scott and Danny as they cook their way through their favorite cookbooks with their Cookbook Club at The Shell. The evening will feature a carefully curated multi-course dinner inspired by the recipes from Đặc Biệt, which blends Nini’s Vietnamese heritage with the bold flavors of Louisiana. Each guest will receive a signed copy of the cookbook, and Nini will introduce herself and speak about the inspiration behind her work.
THE SHELL @ I EGG YOU
517 8th Street SE
Washington, DC 20007
To reserve your spot, click here.
Oct 8: Washington, D.C.
7:00PM - 9:00PM
Book Signing + Meet & Greet
In conversation with Chef Kevin Tien (of Moon Rabbit), who will be preparing the Banh Pate Chaud and the Goi Chay from Đặc Biệt.
BOLD FORK BOOKS
3064 Mt Pleasant St NW
Washington, DC 20009
TICKETED EVENT via EVENTBRITE. $20 admission + bites, $55 with signed book.
Oct 9: Philadelphia, PA
5PM and 8PM Seating
Chef Nini Nguyen & Chef Thanh Nguyen Collaboration Dinner
Cookbooks and Convos at Gabriella's Vietnam. A celebration of chefs, authors and
the Philadelphia Food Community. Presented by OpenTable.
GABRIELLA'S VIETNAM
1837 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
TICKETED EVENT via OPENTABLE.
Oct 10: Philadelphia, PA
12:00PM - 1:30PM
COOKBOOKS & CONVOS: Book Signing + Meet & Greet
BINDING AGENTS
908 Christian St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
RSVPs are not required but are encouraged! A $5 ticket guarantees a signed copy of Đặc Biệt and will be applied to your purchase of the book on-site. Walk-ups will be first-come, first served while supplies last.
Oct 16: Asbury Park, NJ
5:30PM - 7:00PM
Cocktail Hour & Book Signing with Top Chef Nini Nguyen
This happy hour will include a signed copy of Nini’s new cookbook ($35 retail) + a Vietnamese cocktail from her cookbook. Please note each ticket is inclusive of gratuity.
HEIRLOOM AT THE ST. LAURENT
408 7th Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
7:00PM SEATING
Top Chef Nini Collab Dinner + Wine Pairings
This 6 course menu with wine pairings will be a mash up of some of Nini’s recipes from the book and Team Heirloom’s Vietnamese inspired dishes. Please note each seat is inclusive of a signed copy of Dac Biet, wine pairings and gratuity.
HEIRLOOM AT THE ST. LAURENT
408 7th Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Oct 27: Nashville, TN
TIME TBD
Moderated Panel + Signing
The 36th Annual Southern Festival of Books
THE SOUTHERN FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park,
The TN State Library & Archives,
and The TN State Museum
Nashville, TN 37206
Event details to come.
Nov 2: Baton Rouge, LA
9AM - 4PM
Book Signing + Meet & Greet and Cooking Demo
2024 Louisiana Book Festival
STATE LIBRARY OF LOUISIANA
701 North 4th Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
FREE TO ATTEND. Event details to come.
Nov 12-22: Vietnam!
✈️ Pack Your Bags: Join Me in Vietnam!
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Pack your bags and join me on a culinary-driven trip to Vietnam with Modern Adventure! From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City, we're in for 11 days of pure foodie bliss.
As a special treat, use the code LETSGO to get $500 off your trip! Spots are limited, so don't wait to book your adventure.
When's Texas happening?!
Please come to Seattle! 😊