Unique coffee table book by local authors celebrates food, art, culture, and love over 60-year period

Press release from Mallory O’Connor

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Perfect Gift will hold a book-signing and wine-tasting to celebrate the release of The Kitchen and The Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art by local authors Mallory M. and John A. O’Connor. The event will be held on Friday, May 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Perfect Gift is located at 5202 SW 91st Terrace in Haile Village Center.

The Kitchen and the Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art, released on March 15, 2023, is a cookbook, an art book, a memoir, and a love story all wrapped inside a beautiful coffee table book. Artist John A. O’Connor and art historian Mallory M. O’Connor met at the University of California, Davis, in 1962, and got married shortly thereafter; from the beginning, they shared a passion for good food and wine that has continued for over 60 years. Come celebrate life, culture, and love with them!

This book is both a memoir of their life together as artists and teachers and a collection of the special moments that they shared with a wide variety of guests over the years. Their book includes more than 100 recipes from their collection, each illustrated with John’s original paintings. Every occasion has a story to tell about a time and a place when friends and family came together to share their lives, their passions, and their daily bread.

In this unique love story of a creative couple who have always “lived the artist’s life,” John and Mallory share their favorite special occasions and recipes along with the places and the people who made them memorable.

“It’s been a wonderful journey,” says Mallory. “I want others to share in the warmth and joy we have felt for — and with — each other for 60 amazing years.”

 “Mallory M. and John A. O’Connor re-invent the traditional cookbook with The Kitchen and the Studio.”

⎯Book Excellence

“The Kitchen and The Studio: Memoirs of Food and Art is a highly original presentation of food history and personal memoirs. The authors clearly have enjoyed their life together and share their passion for cooking with friends and family. The stunning artwork and poignant reflections make it an unforgettable read.”

Literary Titan

“Mallory and John’s zest for life and all its beautiful, delectable pleasures shines through on every page, as does the couple’s generosity of spirit. .. An inviting celebration of food and family that contains beautiful illustrations, photographs, and one-of-a-kind recipes.”

–Kirkus Reviews