food social

BookPeople Events Presents: An Evening with Bobby Hicks

4.8

Details

BookPeople is serving up a deliciously nostalgic evening with Bobby Hicks, the creator behind Retro Recipes Kitchen, and chef André Natera for a lively celebration of Retro Recipes Cookbook. This free, public event is a fun chance to dive into vintage comfort food with a modern twist, hear stories behind the dishes, and meet the people bringing old-school cooking back into the spotlight.

Bobby Hicks has built a huge following by reimagining recipes and food trends from the early 1900s through the 1970s, blending culinary curiosity with humor, storytelling, and a love of forgotten favorites. In his cookbook, he revives classic dishes that feel familiar and fresh at the same time, making retro cooking feel totally relevant for today’s kitchen.

Joining him is André Natera, a seasoned Austin chef and host of Chef’s PSA, who brings decades of kitchen experience, mentorship, and foodie wisdom to the conversation. Together, they’ll make this more than a book event — it’s part cookbook chat, part culinary nostalgia trip, and part inspiration for anyone who loves good food with a story.

Celebrate the launch of Retro Recipes Cookbook
Hear from Bobby Hicks about his viral Retro Recipes Kitchen project
Enjoy a discussion led by chef and moderator André Natera
Discover vintage dishes reimagined with modern technique and flavor
Support a local independent bookstore while connecting with Austin’s food-loving community

If you love retro vibes, cookbook culture, and food history with personality, this is one tasty event you won’t want to miss.

Venue Details

BookPeople is the kind of bookstore that reminds you why printed pages still feel a little bit like magic. Nestled along North Lamar, this beloved Austin landmark has been championing stories, ideas, and community conversations since 1970.

A literary playground for every reader
Inside, you’ll find towering shelves packed with everything from buzzy new releases and indie darlings to poetry, graphic novels, and staff-favorite hidden gems. Carefully curated sections make it easy to wander from genre to genre, discovering something unexpected each time.
Texas’ largest independent bookstore
As the largest indie bookstore in the state, BookPeople feels both expansive and cozy. There are quiet corners to linger in, long tables of staff picks covered in handwritten notes, and displays that celebrate local authors, banned books awareness, and thought-provoking nonfiction.
Author events that feel like hangouts
BookPeople is famous for its author events, drawing big-name writers, rising voices, and genre stars. Readings, signings, and lively Q&A sessions turn the store into an energetic gathering space where you can meet your literary heroes or discover a new favorite author up close.
A community hub with character
More than a shop, BookPeople functions as a cultural heartbeat for local book lovers. It hosts book clubs, kids’ storytimes, and themed events that bring together readers of all ages. The staff’s enthusiasm for matching people with the perfect book is contagious, and their recommendations often become lifelong favorites.
Gifts, goodies, and more than just books
Beyond the stacks, you’ll find clever gifts, stationery, puzzles, and bookish merch that make it easy to walk in for “just one book” and leave with an armful of treasures. Everything feels curated with a sense of humor and a love for storytelling.
A cozy spot to linger with a drink
A visit often includes grabbing a drink or snack and settling in with a new find. The store is designed for lingering, browsing, and people-watching, making it just as much a place to spend an afternoon as it is a place to shop.
Rooted in free expression
Inspired in part by the spirit of Ray Bradbury’s work, BookPeople stands firmly for intellectual freedom and equal access to books. Its displays and programming often highlight the importance of uncensored reading and diverse voices, reinforcing its role as a defender of stories and ideas.

Whether you are hunting for your next obsession, attending a reading, or simply wandering the aisles to clear your head, BookPeople offers that classic, time-stopping bookstore experience. It is a place where conversations start in line, where staff hand you a book “you just have to read,” and where the joy of reading is always front and center.