Celia Sacks of Omnivore Books
By Charles Russo

The nice thing about the Zuni book is that Judy Rodgers actually teaches you why you're doing what you're doing. The other night, I made her recipe for chicken braised in honey, vinegar and figs — amazing.

SFBG How much has the declining economy affected your business at the shop?

CS I love opening in a recession: there's nowhere to go but up. I'm not worried. If I have a bad day, I have to remind myself of the big picture and know that later in the week I'll have a good day, too.

Omnivore Books, 3885 Cesar Chavez, SF. (415) 282-4712, omnivorebooks.com

UPCOMING (MOSTLY FREE) EVENTS

Oct. 31, 4–5 p.m. Julie Usher, author of Cookie Swap

Nov. 1, 3-4 p.m. Pim Techamuanvivit, author of The Foodie Handbook

Nov. 6, 6–7 p.m. Jaden Hair, author of The Steamy Kitchen: 101 Asian Recipes Simple Enough for Tonight's Dinner

Nov. 8, 3–4 p.m. Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkle, authors of The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship

Nov. 14, 3-4 p.m. Pat Tanumihardja, author of The Asian Grandmother's Cookbook

Nov. 21, 4-5 p.m. $5: Pumpkin cooking contest. Bring any pumpkin dish (from cookies to mole) and let everyone judge. Winner splits the door fee with Omnivore.

Dec. 6, 3:30 p.m. Thomas Keller, signing his new cookbook Ad Hoc at Home