Grace Dent and Nisha Katona In Conversation
Join TV’s Grace Dent – acclaimed food critic for The Guardian and a familiar face from MasterChef, and Nisha Katona, celebrated restaurateur, author, and founder of the Mowgli Street Food restaurant chain – for a deliciously entertaining evening to launch The Big Tasty Read, a new national celebration of food, culture, and storytelling.
With warmth, wit, and mouth-watering anecdotes, Grace and Nisha will explore the deep connection between food and literature – from unforgettable meals in fiction to the recipes that carry our most powerful memories.
Expect laughter, insight, and maybe even a few surprises, as they chat with host Peg Alexander about the magic that happens when food and literature meet. With their signature humour, insight, and passion, they’ll explore how sharing food – and stories – brings us together.
This special event marks the beginning of a nationwide campaign to inspire reading through the universal appeal of food, bringing communities together through diverse stories and shared experiences.
About the Speakers
Grace Dent
Grace Dent is a British journalist, author, and broadcaster, best known for her restaurant column in The Guardian and appearances on shows like MasterChef. She has written several novels and memoirs, blending humour and insight, and is celebrated for her sharp wit and passionate commentary on food and culture.
Nisha Katona
Nisha Katona MBE is a British chef, restaurateur, author, and former barrister. She founded Mowgli Street Food in 2014, bringing authentic Indian home cooking to UK high streets. A passionate “curry evangelist,” she has authored six cookbooks and appears regularly on TV shows like Great British Menu and This Morning.
About the Chair
Peg Alexander
Peg Alexander is a Leeds-based, award-winning broadcaster, presenter and journalist working across television, radio, podcasts and live events. A former politician, public policy professional and charity CEO, she is an expert in people-powered change and currently leads a non-profit network supporting people in debt. Her first book, a travel-inspired memoir, is forthcoming.
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