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 $60. 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.











When: Wed., Jan. 2, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Where: New York Public Library—Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
476 Fifth Ave. (42nd St. Entrance)
212-340-0863
Price: Free
Buy tickets/get more info now
See other events in these categories:

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 $60. 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.

Buy tickets/get more info now