Leah Victoria, the New Jersey food creator behind @leahscucina, will mark the release of her first cookbook with a cocktail-style party at Orchard Park by David Burke inside the Chateau Grande Hotel in East Brunswick. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $85 and include a copy of the book. Chef David Burke is expected to attend.
Victoria’s debut, And That's Dinner!: Flexible Recipes to Cook Smarter, Not Harder, is a 240-page hardcover published by DK, according to Jersey Bites. Penguin Random House describes it as a collection of adaptable recipes for cooking for family and friends. Among the dishes are Spaghetti Pie and Seafood Salad, alongside recipes such as Pulled Pork Arancini and Baked Rigatoni with Fried Eggplant.
The publisher says the book includes recipe variations, leftover ideas and meal-prep tips, and draws on Victoria’s Sicilian roots. According to her author page on Penguin Random House, she grew up in Queens, now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two daughters, and previously worked in catering and ran an arancini business.
How the cookbook market is performing
National figures offer context for the category, but not a forecast for Victoria’s title. Circana reported that the overall cookbook category was flat in 2025, while unit sales of baking cookbooks rose by more than 80% compared with the prior year. The report distinguishes the broad cookbook category from baking cookbooks, but the available information does not give a more detailed definition of how the category is measured; these national figures do not establish sales performance for Victoria’s book.
A Decade Building an Online Following
The Johnny Drinks Substack reports that Leah’s Cucina has been producing content for ten years. Penguin Random House characterizes Victoria’s online work as focused on tried-and-true recipes and time-saving tips. Speaking to Jersey Bites about the launch, Victoria said, “I am so excited!”
Cocktails, Action Stations and a DJ on the Terrace
The party is planned for the Orchard Terrace, a covered outdoor space with a bar, lounge areas, tables and outdoor fireplaces, according to Orchard Park by David Burke. Jersey Bites reports that the program will include cocktails, mocktails, wines and a seasonal cocktail inspired by the cookbook, as well as passed hors d'oeuvres, four action stations featuring Nanina's gourmet sauces and a New Jersey wine tasting table featuring Amalthea Cellars.
Jersey Bites also reports that DJ Ravi will provide music for dancing, a cash or credit card bar will be available, and attendees will receive a parting gift from Nanina's Gourmet Sauce. Victoria plans to sign copies of the book at the event. Burke, who is expected to attend, is also a cookbook author and inventor and has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, according to the same report.
Where the Launch Party Is Happening
Orchard Park by David Burke is inside the Chateau Grande Hotel, according to the restaurant's website. The Château Grande Hotel lists its address as 670 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, and asks ticket holders to book rooms early online or by calling (732) 724-4600. The event brings Victoria’s cookbook release to a local venue with Burke expected to join the celebration.
