In 2025, Philadelphia third graders were less proficient in reading compared to the year before. Meanwhile over 50% of Philadelphia adults read at a fifth-grade level or less. And nationwide, 4 of every 10 people didn’t read a single book last year.
With this in mind, one Philadelphia restaurant is trying to bridge the literacy gap by amplifying the work of authors, generating excitement about books, and supporting local charities — all over a shared meal.
Wilder, a new American restaurant in Rittenhouse, hosts book dinners in its dining space, with recent guest appearances from authors Jo Piazza, Emma Copley Eisenberg, Liz Moore, and Leni Zumas. Co-owners Nicole Barrick and Brett Naylor, who have supported local causes through happy hour fundraisers, discussed different ideas before landing on the dinners.
“I love reading, but I also love the arts,” Barrick said. “Part of our thing has been to really try to figure out ways to also incorporate our support for the arts and creative work that people do.”
Participating authors are usually local, but Wilder has branched out to invite other authors if they have a new book and if a food connection can be made.
Barrick said the draw for the experience is that readers can share an intimate space with an author alongside only about 20 other guests. And though books are at the top of the discussion, the talk feels nothing like a lecture.
“People are eating and drinking, and it's a more relaxed atmosphere that allows for just deeper discussions and also just sharing,” Barrick said. “Almost everyone ends up participating and asking questions or sharing stories that are related to what we're talking about.”
So how does one craft the perfect menu that revolves around a book?
Liz Kleppinger, general manager for Wilder, said executive chef Ryan LaFrance and beverage manager Tom Brander were up for the challenge. Sometimes the interpretations are literal, while others are more imaginative, depending on the scene and available local ingredients.
“When we did ‘The God of the Woods’ book dinner with Liz Moore, that's taking place in upstate, primarily in the woods,” Kleppinger said. “So we did things that we could forage for in that area, or things that were kind of nostalgic to camping.” The dishes included baked trout piccata, dandelion-marinated cucumbers, and a s’mores tart for dessert, channeling the woodsy theme.
“When we did the ‘Housemates’ dinner, there's a scene where they're specifically talking about eating tofu bánh mìs, and we made our own rendition of that,” Kleppinger said. “But then there are also things from the book where they just mention traveling through PA. And we did an ode to an Amish shoofly pie and mint chocolate chip ice cream.”
Barrick said the dinners provide an opportunity to shine a light on the work authors are doing, making guests think, “Oh, look, there's this local author who's writing all these books, maybe I need to check out this book.”
Tickets for the event range from $110 to $125, depending on the final menu, covering a five-course meal, tax, gratuity, and a copy of the book. Themed cocktails and mocktails are available for purchase, and a full bar menu is available during the event.
In 2025, the program raised $4,800 for three local organizations chosen by the authors and Wilder: Mighty Writers, Blue Stoop, and Savage Sisters.
Sign up for Wilder’s newsletter to find out when tickets are released for the first program of 2026.
