Leila Heller

Persian Feasts: Recipes and Stories from a Family Table

proudly presents

LEILA HELLER

Author of Persian Feasts

In conversation with Naz Deravian

 

Farhang Foundation proudly welcomes renowned author and gallerist Leila Heller to Farhang Connect for a special virtual conversation about her highly praised new cookbook, Persian Feasts: Recipes and Stories from a Family Table, published by Phaidon Press.

This exquisite cookbook is more than a collection of recipes, it is a deeply personal homage to Ms. Heller’s beloved late mother, Ms. Nahid Taghinia-Milani, whose culinary legacy lives on through the 100 cherished dishes featured in the book. Each recipe, lovingly preserved and artfully presented, reflects the warmth, elegance, and hospitality that defined her mother’s table and home.

From vibrant stews and delicate rice dishes to fragrant herbs and sweet confections, Persian Feasts offers a beautifully curated journey through the richness of Iranian cuisine. With captivating stories woven throughout, the book celebrates the rituals of sharing meals and the deep cultural significance of food in Persian life.

Joining Ms. Heller in conversation is acclaimed author Naz Deravian, the award-winning author behind the bestselling book BOTTOM OF THE POT-Persian Recipes and Stories. Ms. Deravian’s work has helped elevate the voices of Iranian home cooks around the world. Together, they will reflect on the legacy of Iranian culinary traditions, the creative process of documenting family recipes, and the powerful role of food in preserving identity and memory.

Don’t miss this heartfelt and flavorful conversation celebrating food, family, and the enduring love between mothers and daughters.

---

About Leila Heller

Leila Taghinia-Milani Heller is president of Leila Heller Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in New York and Dubai, featuring an international roster of artists. With food, art, and culture, she bridges the gap between East and West. She has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Art News, Art in America, Forbes, and The Financial Times. She is based in New York.

Follow Leila 

 

---

About Naz Deravian

Naz Deravian is the author of Bottom of the Pot: Persian Recipes and Stories. She is a Los Angeles-based writer and regular contributor to The New York Times food section. Her work has been nominated for a James Beard Award and she has contributed to The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Times, and San Francisco Chronicle, among other publications.

Bottom of the Pot was the recipient of The IACP Julia Child First Book Award, presented by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. Bottom of the Pot was a Taste Canada Gold Award winner for best regional cookbook, as well as the 2018 Food52 Piglet Award winner. In 2020 Naz was featured in Padma Lakshmi’s Hulu show, Taste the Nation. She was born in Iran, grew up in Canada and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children.

Follow Naz