God Is a Pickle [rooftop book launch + pickle party]

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What if the pantry were a temple, and a jar of pickles a small act of faith? In God Is a Pickle, the everyday ritual of preserving—canning, fermenting, and storing the harvest—becomes a story of memory, resilience, and joy. Join us on our rooftop for the book’s launch, meet the author and photographer, and celebrate with a summer pickle party!

Celebrate the launch of God Is a Pickle: Recipes and Stories for Preserving the Seasons, a richly layered cookbook that captures the enduring Czech tradition of pickling, fermenting, and canning. On the rooftop of the Bohemian National Hall, author Šárka Otevřel Camrdová and photographer Marek Bartoš will discuss the origins of the book and the cultural world it brings into focus.

Rooted in personal memory yet shaped by broader history, God Is a Pickle traces preserving from a necessity born of scarcity—when households relied on stocked pantries to get through long winters—to a practice that today expresses creativity, sustainability, and care. The book moves fluidly between generations and environments: from grandmothers pickling cucumbers and forest mushrooms in Moravian villages to contemporary chefs reimagining traditional techniques in Prague kitchens. Recipes range from fermented cucumbers and cherry compote to kolaches and seasonal dishes that incorporate preserves, reflecting both time-tested methods and modern approaches.

Bartoš’s photography adds another dimension, combining studio still lifes with documentary images of kitchens, gardens, and cottages, as well as intimate portraits that foreground the people behind the recipes. Together, text and image reveal preserving not as a niche trend, but as a living, evolving practice embedded in Czech life.

The evening will conclude with a pickle party on the rooftop—a relaxed summer gathering with drinks, bites, and a chance to taste the flavors that inspired the book.

DISCLAIMER

Tickets and Admission: Tickets are free and may be sold in excess of venue capacity. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; late arrivals may be denied entry once capacity is reached. All ticket sales are final. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the show starts; latecomers may be refused admission.

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Health and Safety: By attending this event at the Czech Center New York, you acknowledge and accept that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The Czech Center New York is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other health-related issues that may arise before, during, or after the event. We encourage all guests to follow current health guidelines and act responsibly for their own safety and that of others.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street, New York, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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