Third generation Russ, Mark Russ Federman, has an essay, “The Soul of a Store,” in the just published Gastropolis: Food and New York City (edited by Annie Hauck-Lawson and Jonathan Deutsch).  This Sunday, November 16, Mark, Annie, and Jonathan will sign books on the bench outside of Russ & Daughters, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. They will be inside if it rains.

Mark’s essay takes you on a trip from his childhood, to his decision to join the family business, to passing the business on to the next generation and his jump into the world of writing:

When the editors suggested a title for my chapter, “The Soul of a Store,” I agreed for two reasons. First, while on a daily basis I was buying and selling food, I always had a sense that there was something deeper going on at Russ & Daughters, something other than the exchange of money for food across a counter. It is, after all, a special kind of food, sold in a very special way, and it has been going on like this for a long time.

Second, at age 62 I have somehow, and what seems to me suddenly, turned into the “old man” of the appetizing world. Like my grandfather Joel Russ, I am now ready to pass on the business to the next generation….

Come kibbitz with Mark and the editors of Gastropolis in front of the store:

Gastropolis: Food & New York City book signing | On the Bench

Russ & Daughters | 179 East Houston Street, NY NY 10002

Sunday, November 16, 2008 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Then, join us for for an evening of New York City food history, delicious savories, and good wine at the Gastropolis book release at Astor Center on December 5. Contributors will read from their varied chapters and some will prepare food inspired by their essays. Register now at the Astor Center website.

- Jen Snow