Combining pizza-making with social justice, award-winning Down North Pizza founder Muhammad Abdul-Hadi will launch his debut cookbook "We The Pizza: Slangin' Pies & Savin' Lives," with two events in the Northwest.
Abdul-Hadi won the prestigious 2024 James Beard Award for leadership, not only for the cuisine at his Down North Pizza in North Philadelphia, but also for his advocacy. His pizza shop focuses on employing people who were formerly incarcerated.
On Feb. 7, Adul-Hadi will stop by NoName Gallery during Chestnut Hill’s Arts & Eats first Friday event. Visitors can sample pizzas from Down North Pizza and craft beer from Two Locals Brewing Company in University City. The event is 5 to 8 p.m. The gallery is at 8127 Germantown Ave.
On Feb. 11, Abdul-Hadi will chat about his entrepreneurial journey and his new book at an event hosted by Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books in Germantown. He will chat during a 7:30 p.m. conversation with scholar-activist Marc Lamont Hill who owns Uncle Bobbie’s. The event is at Greene Street Friends, also in Germantown.
Abdul-Hadi’s cookbook showcases 65 recipes from the chef’s acclaimed Strawberry Mansion pizzeria. Beyond sharing signature dishes like the "No Better Love" four-cheese pizza and exclusive recipes by renowned chef-supporters including Marc Vetri and Marcus Samuelsson, the book explores themes of redemption and examines America's incarceration system.
Tickets for the author discussion start at $8.99, with book-inclusive packages available at $34.99. The event also offers an opportunity for attendees to purchase a discounted Down North gift card. Greene Street Friends is at 20 West Armat Street, Germantown. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For information visit, unclebobbies.com/events.
