Levain Bakery: A Story of Friendship, Community, and Cookies

Mon Nov 24 2025 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm UTC-05:00

Rizzoli Bookstore | New York

Rizzoli Bookstore
Publisher/HostRizzoli Bookstore
Levain Bakery:  A Story of Friendship, Community, and Cookies
Advertisement
A collection of stories from three decades of craft, community, and cookies at Levain Bakery.
About this Event

Join us for a conversation with best friends and founders of Levain Bakery Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald to celebrate the release of their new book, a collection of stories and pers onal accounts of how Levain Bakery became the success that it is today. They will be in conversation, followed by a signing.

PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Can't attend?(please specify that you would like it signed in the comments box at checkout).


Event Photos


A collection of stories from three decades of craft, community, and cookies at Levain Bakery.


It’s amazing what a cookie can do. A really good cookie, that is. It can spark a romance, comfort in time of need, relay gratitude and smooth over a gaffe. It can even bring a community together. In short, a great cookie can be the start of an even greater story. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, this book brings together the stories of Levain Bakery in a beautifully designed, carefully curated book—filled with photographs, illustrations, and a selection of recipes.


Founders and bakers Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes personally recount how Levain became the success it is today—from building a client list in Anthony Bourdain’s kitchen and later beating Bobby Flay in a chocolate chip cookie-off to becoming a bicoastal enterprise while retaining a small business’s dedication to community. The book will also share some classic Levain recipes: blueberry muffins, oatmeal raisin scones, and more. An homage to the bakery and the city where it originated, th the perfect gift for cookie fans, as well as a collectible souvenir from this iconic New York institution.


10% of the proceeds of this book will be donated to Hot Bread Kitchen, an organization committed to creating economic opportunity through culinary job skills training.


Event Photos

Photo Credit: Melissa Kirschenheiter

Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald are best friends and accomplished bakers who started out baking bread for some of New York City’s favorite restaurants. After stints in the fashion and finance industries in the late 1980s, the two eventually gave up their day jobs to open a small bread shop on West 74th Street. They called it Levain Bakery, borrowing the French word for “leavened bread.” It was 1995, and the small Levain team lovingly baked every loaf, baguette, roll, and mammoth six-ounce cookie by hand, every day. Thirty years later, everything is still made and baked by hand daily, and Pam and Connie have brought the joy of Levain to more neighborhoods and cookie enthusiasts around the country. Their cozy shop has become a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious travelers from around the world.

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rizzoli Bookstore, 1133 Broadway, New York, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

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

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in New York

Parking 70 - The Obama Musical
Mon, 24 Nov at 01:00 am Parking 70 - The Obama Musical

Daryl Roth Theatre

70 - The Obama Musical
Mon, 24 Nov 70 - The Obama Musical

Daryl Roth Theatre

Damon Smith
Mon, 24 Nov at 01:00 am Damon Smith

Mercury Lounge - New York

Napoleon Murphy Brock
Mon, 24 Nov at 01:30 am Napoleon Murphy Brock

Iridium Jazz Club

Textile ID:  Know Your Fabric
Mon, 24 Nov at 04:00 pm Textile ID: Know Your Fabric

253 W 35th St

MONDAY NIGHT GAME DAY  @  TREADWELL  PARK  UES -  Bites & Games
Mon, 24 Nov at 05:00 pm MONDAY NIGHT GAME DAY @ TREADWELL PARK UES - Bites & Games

Treadwell Park

New York Toastmasters Meeting: (In-Person) Open to public 11\/24
Mon, 24 Nov at 06:30 pm New York Toastmasters Meeting: (In-Person) Open to public 11/24

The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Parish Hall

"Vanishing Point, " a Film by Hans Op de Beeck
Mon, 24 Nov at 06:30 pm "Vanishing Point, " a Film by Hans Op de Beeck

The National Arts Club

John Scofield Trio
Mon, 24 Nov at 07:00 pm John Scofield Trio

Blue Note Jazz Club - New York

Louis C.K.
Mon, 24 Nov at 07:00 pm Louis C.K.

Beacon Theatre - NY

Blind Guardian
Mon, 24 Nov at 07:00 pm Blind Guardian

Irving Plaza

All Time Low at Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
Mon, 24 Nov at 07:00 pm All Time Low at Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom

Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom

New York is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore New York Events