SIMPLE TOO: AN EVENING WITH YOTAM OTTOLENGHI

“Needless to say, everything Ottolenghi touches turns to gold — all well-earned and deserved. He has played a major role in changing how people cook and how much more adventurous in the kitchen they are now.” — The Boston Globe

Join Yotam Ottolenghi for an intimate and energizing evening celebrating his forthcoming Fall 2026 cookbook, SIMPLE TOO, the long-awaited follow-up to his bestselling Ottolenghi Simple. Eight years after redefining “flavor without fuss,” Ottolenghi returns to explore what “simple” means now—in a world of endless notifications, long commutes, and minds split between podcasts, WhatsApp groups, and homework help. In conversation, he’ll share how SIMPLE TOO was born from real life: recipes that work with you, not against you—dishes you can begin with half a plan and still end with a deeply satisfying meal. Expect laughter, honesty, and that signature Ottolenghi spark as he declares, “The lemon is back!” and explains why bold flavor remains at the heart of simplicity.

Drawing from the book’s vibrant themes, Ottolenghi will dive into the ingredients and techniques that quietly shape this new collection: beans simply dressed, black chickpeas, sesame in generous handfuls, sweet-and-spicy balances, pasta cooked directly in its sauce, and whole meals roasted start-to-finish on a single tray (with far less washing up). He’ll also introduce the new “Fundamentals” chapter—fifteen fridge-ready flavor builders like spring onion oil, green salsa, za’atar oil, confit tomatoes, and chili crisp—the small things that make a big difference on the busiest weeknights. Through stories from the writing process with co-author Verena Lochmuller, practical tips, and reflections on finding pleasure in cooking even when you’re already tired, Ottolenghi will reveal how SIMPLE TOO is less about doing less—and more about making everyday cooking feel generous, achievable, and full of joy.

Yotam Ottolenghi is one of the most influential voices in contemporary food, renowned for his vibrant, vegetable-forward cuisine and imaginative approach to everyday cooking. Born in Jerusalem and based in London, he is the author of numerous acclaimed cookbooks—including Plenty, Jerusalem, Simple, Flavor, and Sweet—that have transformed how home cooks and chefs around the world think about seasonality, texture, and spice. His work extends beyond books to successful delis and restaurants, where bold combinations, fresh produce, and multicultural inspirations meet. Throughout his career, Ottolenghi has championed cooking that feels both joyful and accessible, proving that deeply flavorful food doesn’t have to be complicated.

HOST

Molly Baz is a 2x New York Times bestselling cookbook author of Cook This Book (2021) and More Is More (2023), recipe developer, and video host whose number one goal in life is to convince the world that cooking is fun—and not that hard to do if you're properly set up.

When she's not writing books, Molly hosts a subscription-based digital recipe club, The Club, where she drops new recipes weekly for her fans. When she's not doing that, you can find her at home sipping a glass of Drink This Wine (that's her natural wine company!), slathering Ayoh on her sandwiches (that's her brand-new mayo company!), and shooting fun short-form videos to help equip her followers in the kitchen.