Popovers and Candlelight: Marcia Biederman with Michael David Quinn

The true story of a Brooklyn comfort-food magnate who found success in a man's world.

It was 1929, and Patricia Murphy was down to her last sixty dollars. She used it to buy a rundown Brooklyn diner near her boarding house, lit some candles, and became a local sensation. Eight additional Patricia Murphy’s Candlelight Restaurants opened over the next forty years in New York and Florida. In Popovers and Candlelight, Marcia Biederman recounts how Murphy overcame obstacles to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience with her solid American food, talented staff, and stunning décor. And while her empire fell as dramatically as it rose, Murphy and her contributions hold a permanent place in culinary history.

Biederman will be joined in conversation by Michael David Quinn, former staff writer for Time magazine, and co-creator of the political satire musical revue The Front Page Follies.

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED

Registration does not guarantee admission. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A stand by line will form thirty minutes before the program.

The Program Room opens at 6 PM.

ASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing accessibility@nypl.org.