WVBC monthly: chapter 01
announcing our first ever in-person event!
Hello, dear readers!
What a month it’s been since we last checked in. On January 1st, we sent our first-ever love note to you with a recap of everything we read for book club last year. In case you missed it (welcome, new friends!), we’re linking it up below so you can get a sense of our reading taste…
Today, we’re sliding into your inbox with the first iteration of what we aim to be our monthly format moving forward: a melange of all the things WVBC is loving at the moment.
In these sends, we’ll recap what we read the previous month, share hosting tips for how we themed our meeting, interview our WVBC host, feature a local WV business, and share what else we’re reading. As a bonus, if there are any events in the works, we’ll share those too — and this just happens to be one of those months! We can’t wait to delve into the details on where you can find us in the West Village later this month.
Included in this month’s edition:
Recap of our January WVBC pick: The Champagne Letters
Member Moment: Meet Nicole Greco
Local business feature: Q&A with L’Appartement 4F West Village owner Ashley Coiffard
drumroll, please…announcing our WVBC Winter Literary Salon!
What else we’re reading right now: a peek into WVBC members’ ‘Just Read’ lists
ps. this post is too long for email, so we suggest reading it on Substack!
WVBC January Pick: The Champagne Letters
If the above mood board (thank you, Jenna!) indicates anything, the vibe of our latest read leaned into our francophile fantasies. We chose The Champagne Letters by Kate MacIntosh for a few reasons:
It’s a new release — out as of December 10th — and we love trying books that have freshly hit the market!
One of the timelines (we love a dual timeline novel) is set in Paris…one of our favorite cities in the world and the location of our last WVBC offsite
The flashback timeline is historical fiction and some of our collectively most beloved books are in this genre! For context, a portion of the book is set in the early 1800s as Madame Clicquot starts her eponymous champagne house, Veuve Clicquot
Overall, we enjoyed this book. For ultimate transparency, it didn’t make any of our ‘favorites’ lists, but it was a super breezy read with well-paced chapters that kept the story moving and left us with lots to discuss. The protagonist of this novel is in the midst of a divorce, so it sparked lots of conversation about what makes a happy marriage and what would make you walk away. See the suggested discussion questions provided by the author below!
Member Moment: Meet Nicole Greco
WCBC: Rapid fire warm-up!
Zodiac sign? Scorpio
Kindle or physical book? physical book
Preferred audiobook platform? Audible
Most beloved NY bookstore? McNally Jackson
All-time favorite author? Sarah J. Maas
Favorite book of all time? Queen of Shadows
WVBC: What has your journey as a reader looked like?
NG: I have always been obsessed with reading. As a kid, I could spend entire weekends reading. At heart, I am a big romantic, and books romanticize life, work, friendships, the past, present, future, relationships, etc. – I eat it up. I’m sad to say that as I got deeper into my career the last few years, reading definitely took a back seat. WVBC has been a fantastic reason to prioritize it once again. It feeds the soul.
WVBC: A little birdie told us you got on a fantasy kick. For those newer to the genre, what series would you recommend starting with?
I love this question!! I can’t pick just one.
If you like witchy movies like “The Craft” or “Practical Magic,” I recommend the All Souls series by Deborah Harkness.
If you like historical dramas, you’ve got to read the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.
If you are into shows like “My Lady Jane” (RIP), “Carnival Row” or “The Witcher,” I can’t recommend the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas enough.
WVBC: Nicole, tell us about what brought you to New York and how you first wound up living in the West Village.
NG: It’s a tale as old as time! I am from Florida and would visit New York frequently as a kid – my parents were both born here and we still have family here. I fell in love with the city when I was in elementary school and that love only grew deeper with each passing year. As a teen, I watched SATC obsessively, daydreaming about the day I’d make it here myself. When I graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, I immediately started applying for PR jobs in NYC. The amount of “no’s” I received was staggering. It went on like that for years – the most common piece of feedback being, “To work at a New York agency, you need New York agency experience,” and that just felt nuts to me, because how was I supposed to get that experience if no one would give me the chance?!
So I worked my tail off as a one-woman PR department at a boutique graphic design agency in St. Pete, Florida (where I met fellow WVBC member, Jenna!) and kept applying until the stars aligned. In November 2021, I heard back from an incredible luxury travel PR agency, went to interview in-person during a very aptly timed vacation, and I got the offer a few weeks later. I’ll fast forward through some pandemic mayhem (who wants to rehash that?) Cut to: I toured a ton of apartments in the east village and one in the west village - it was a tiny studio and the most expensive, but the bricked-up fireplace, original wood floors and walk-in closet (!!!) stole my heart. I lived there for three glorious years. Debt be damned!
WVBC: Since we launched WVBC in 2022 with you as a founding member (!!), we've loved watching your career evolve, including a recent big pivot. What's the story behind the launch of your PR firm, NG-PR?
NG: Oh my gosh, thank you so much for asking! It’s my pride and joy 🥲 I have worked at agencies for a decade now, and learned SO MUCH. I was able to touch everything from account management, client relations, business development, crisis comms, team management/training jr. team members, event management – you name it! It’s going to sound extremely Type A, but the truth is, I just hit a point where I thought, “I have a really strong sense of how this works, and I want to be the one calling the shots.”
Live and die by my own sword, as they say. I know I can learn what I don’t know yet (there is still so much). So in January 2023, I started planning, plotting, and saving as much money as I could. I took freelance work on the side and worked both for a while, which was exhausting, but it gave me the financial security I needed to quit my agency job, knowing that I could pay my rent for 6 months if the worst happened (aka no clients). So now I’m a ~ full-time ~ freelance publicist specializing in F&B CPG!
Also, I found this scrolling on IG months ago and saved it because it made me giggle.
WVBC: How have your passions for food and beverage intersected with hosting WVBC? Any general hosting tips to impart to our readers?
NG: I get to observe these brilliant CPG (consumer packaged goods) founders create an entire world around their products (the blueprint: Fishwife, Ghia, Fly By Jing, Pistakio, and Good Girl Snacks), and it inspires me to want to create a little world within my world, too. I think the truth is that I’m still figuring out what my blueprint is, but WVBC is such a fun space to figure that out! These girls are down to trek all the way to Greenpoint (but I’m a West Village girlie for life, at heart) and they really appreciate all of the little things that create a big vibe.
Some hosting tips I live by:
Lighting is so important!! Turn off those overhead lights and light all of the candles. I love tapered candles and warm lights that I can dim if I need to.
Always have a mix of Non-Alc + Alc options if you’re hosting, and I don’t just mean tap water. There are so many incredible NA options out there now, and folks who either don’t drink or are choosing to participate in Dry January should have a fun beverage in a pretty glass, too.
Curate your playlist beforehand! A well-executed dinner party accounts for all of the senses, and that includes what your guests are hearing. I gotta give it to Hilary - her playlist is always on point!
WVBC: Tell us about your approach to hosting our most recent meeting to discuss THE CHAMPAGNE LETTERS (we'd love any recipe links you can provide!).
NG: The story took place in Paris, which is a special place for all of our WVBC members for various reasons – so I leaned in where I could! I bought French wine and Veuve Cliquot (of course) to pair with the dishes. I lit tapered candles and played my Edith Piaf vinyl–which doesn’t get enough air time–so I’m glad I was able to pull her out! As for recipes, these were not French, as much as they were inspired by my current obsessions: tinned fish, and pesto (not together, haha).
Appetizer: Radish, Butter & Anchovy Toast from The Fishwife Cookbook; I was lucky enough to get a PDF of the book a few months ago before it comes out on 2/25.
Entreé: Lemon Pesto Orzo with Buttery Walnuts & Kale by Half Baked Harvest
WVBC: What are some of your go-to West Village spots? (cafés, bars, restaurants, shops, etc.)
NG: My go-to coffee spots are Oslo, Partner’s, St. George, and Madman Espresso. For shopping, it’s gotta be Isalis and Big Night (hi, !). If I am celebrating or in need of comfort, L’Artusi’s amatriciana is the only answer. St. Jardim is also a beloved spot with a fantastic wine list and menu. And I can’t forget Fairfax – I dream about the Old Bay Tots and the burger.
Join us for our first-ever event: WVBC Winter Literary Salon
You’ve been asking for an event, and we’re thrilled to kick off the year by welcoming new and old friends to a cozy neighborhood café (Bedford Studio) as we connect over our mutual love of all things New York and books!
One of our main intentions in bringing this group together is to help those looking to create their own book clubs forge connections. So, we'll be connecting those interested in forming their own clubs after the event. In addition to fun company, please look forward to light bites, beverages, and, of course, a little something to take home.
Space is limited, so please be sure to secure your ticket. Thanks in advance for sharing with any friends who you want to join! We can’t wait to meet you in just a couple of weeks.
Local Business Love: L’Appartement 4F
We’ve long been fans of L’Appartement 4F in Brooklyn Heights (WVBC member Hilary lives nearby!), so when we got wind they were opening in West Village a while back, to say we were excited is an understatement. The WV location officially opened *today* and how lucky we feel to have these deletable creations within walking distance! In celebration, we checked in with owner Ashley Coiffard to learn more about how she and her husband, Gautier, decided to bring their magic to this side of the bridge!
WVBC: It's no secret that L'Appartement 4F has built a cult following since opening your original location in Brooklyn Heights. What made you decide that the West Village was the best neighborhood to bring your magic to Manhattan?
Ashley Coiffard: We chose the West Village as our next location for a few reasons. Selfishly, we love the WV and will find any excuse to come here. This neighborhood has the charm we are attracted to and was calling our name. But the big reason we had our sights on this neighborhood dates back to when we were first baking in our apartment. We were delivering to different parts of the city and realized quickly that a lot of our clientele were here. We dedicated an entire day to the West Village and a different day to all of the other neighborhoods. For that reason alone, we knew we should try and open a spot here.
WVBC: We were lucky enough to experience your new West Village location during your soft opening...we're obsessed! Can you tell our readers where in the village they can find your window and what days/hours they can support the bakery?
Ashley Coiffard: We are located at 119 West 10th, and we are officially opening on February 1st. We’ll be open at 8am and hope to stay open until 4pm or sell out — whichever comes first!
WVBC: What's been your favorite part of getting integrated into the WV community so far?
Ashley Coiffard: I love meeting the people who have lived in the WV for generations. A lot of people have shared how long they have lived in this neighborhood and they really take pride in that. Despite all of the changes, they love it and choose to stay. I hope one day we can bond over how long we have been in the WV with newcomers in years to come!
WVBC: Okay, requisite reading question!
Ashley Coiffard: What have you read and loved lately that you'd recommend to our readers? I am in the middle of The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. I had to take a break because of the opening but I’m dying to finish it!
What We’re Reading and Loving This Month
Last but not least, we’ll close each monthly letter to you with a recap of the books our members are reading that go beyond our WVBC picks. What are you currently reading? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Chelsea’s Corner
Connect with Chelsea on Goodreads, Instagram, and subscribe to her Substack!
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins was exactly what I needed to listen to at the start of the year. It’s safe to say we have all heard of this book amidst the hype around it, and while, at first, I wondered how I would listen to nearly nine hours of a concept as simple as “let them,” it lived up to the hype and the full read was definitely worth it. It’s a tool I use many times per day now, and it has honestly been a game-changer for me!
Laura’s Corner
Connect with Laura on Goodreads and Instagram
Marjorie Morningstar by Henry Wouk is set in New York in the 1950s, following one of my favorite characters to date as she falls in love and pursues a life as an actress. Marjorie is every bit as charming as she is relatable. We can’t wait to watch the movie!
Andromeda by Therese Bohman was translated from Swedish, following both perspectives of an ambiguous relationship between a publishing assistant and her boss.
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean is a thriller following the reappearance of a girl who went missing two years ago. Told from multiple perspectives, this novel kept me at the edge of my seat up until the very last page.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Three Stories by Truman Capote is something I’ve always wanted to pick up. I saw the 50-year anniversary at McNally Jackson in Soho, and after watching the movie again, I dove in. The novella is less than 100 pages of pure magic, and I was shocked to learn that it differed from the movie in more ways than one.
Caylee’s Corner
Connect with Caylee on Goodreads and Instagram
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jenette McCurdy is a profoundly honest, heartbreaking, and at times hilarious memoir about Jenette’s childhood TV career, complicated and abusive relationship with her mother, and the personal struggles that came along the way. Jenette narrates the audiobook, and you can hear the raw emotions and healing that has come from writing her book.
Day Trading Attention by Gary Vaynerchuk is a book about building your brand & growing your business through the art of storytelling and mastery of social media. Packed with real, actionable examples, it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to create strategic content.
Jenna’s Corner
Connect with Jenna on Goodreads and Instagram
Your Table is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D’ by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina is a book we have not stopped talking about now that most of WVBC has also read it! Michael shares his first-hand, behind-the-scenes experiences of the New York City restaurants he’s been behind, including Le Coucou. The cherry on top of this book was meeting Michael just this week at his restaurant in our neighborhood, Cecchi’s, at Laura’s birthday dinner.
Kayla’s Corner
Connect with Kayla on Goodreads, Instagram, and subscribe to her Substack!
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert is an annual tradition for me at this point. We read it in January 2023 for WVBC because I couldn’t resist sharing its magic with our members! I always start my January 1st by re-listening to Liz Gilbert’s gorgeous approach to how to weave more creativity into your everyday life.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors absolutely ruined me. And I mean that in the best way possible. This one had been sitting on my TBR for awhile, and once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it back down. Coco’s way of writing about the complicated family dynamics between three sisters grieving the death of their fourth sister is searing. What a beautiful way to talk about the complexities of addition.
Selling The Dream: The Billion-Dollar Industry Bankrupting Americans by Jane Marie was one I borrowed from Libby and listened to on the background while doing errands. This breakdown on multi-level marketing (MLM) hits on one of my random fascinations (remember LuLaRoe? LOL), but honestly, it didn’t need to be an entire book IMO.
One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin was my Kindle download for a long flight I was recently on, and boy, did it deliver! The novel begins as an author is forced to walk down the aisle as maid of honor beside the best man who gave her book a one-star rating on Goodreads. What ensues is quite fun and felt like the perfect escape in an otherwise dark January.
I also just started The Champagne Letters and am loving it! I wasn’t able to get a ticket before the salon sold out but looking forward to the next event!! I’ll buy my ticket sooner 🤓
Have now added a zillion new things to be TBR list. Loved this!