A Sweet Return: David Lebovitz Announces International Tour for ‘The Great Book of Chocolate’

For culinary enthusiasts and home bakers, May 5th marks a highly anticipated return to the world of decadent confections. Acclaimed author and pastry expert David Lebovitz is set to release the revised edition of his seminal work, The Great Book of Chocolate. To celebrate the launch, Lebovitz has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-city book tour that will span from the bustling streets of New York City to the culinary heart of Paris, offering fans a rare opportunity to engage with the master chocolatier in person.

The release of this updated edition comes at a time when the global appetite for artisan chocolate and home-baking craftsmanship is experiencing a resurgence. As readers look to sharpen their skills in the kitchen, Lebovitz’s latest volume serves as both an essential guide and an invitation to master the delicate art of working with cocoa.

The Main Event: A Journey Through Cocoa

The updated The Great Book of Chocolate is not merely a reprint; it is a refined exploration of the ingredient that has defined much of Lebovitz’s illustrious career. With more than 50 meticulously curated recipes, the book promises to bridge the gap between amateur baking and professional-level technique.

"The landscape of chocolate has evolved, and so has the way we approach it in our home kitchens," notes Lebovitz. The revised edition incorporates modern sensibilities, sourcing advice, and updated methods for tempering, ganache-making, and structural baking. For those eager to secure a copy, pre-orders are currently live across major platforms, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org, as well as through specialized independent retailers.

A Chronological Itinerary: The Tour Schedule

The upcoming tour is a testament to the logistical complexities of modern author events. Following the official launch on May 5th, Lebovitz will embark on a series of signings, intimate conversations, and workshops across the United States and France.

The East Coast Leg

• May 4: New York City kicks off the festivities with a "Taste Live" event at Rizzoli Bookstore. Lebovitz will be joined by Matt Rodbard of Taste for a deep dive into the craft of chocolate.
• May 5: The launch day features a signing at Williams-Sonoma in Columbus Circle, NYC.
• May 6: The tour moves to New Jersey for a signing at the Williams-Sonoma location in Short Hills.

The West Coast Swing

• May 9: A stop in Oakland, California, at Markethall Foods, where Lebovitz will host a midday signing session from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
• May 11: San Francisco’s Omnivore Books will host an "In Conversation" event featuring Kate Leahy, focusing on the intersection of dessert and technique.
• May 12: Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco will host a special Summer Book Club session with the author.
• May 14: The tour heads to Los Angeles for an evening at Now Serving, where Lebovitz will be joined by Clémence de Lutz of Petitgrain Boulangerie.
• May 16: The final U.S. stop is at Friends & Family Bakery in Los Angeles, featuring a collaborative appearance with Roxana Jullapat.

The Parisian Conclusion

• May 30: Returning to his home base in France, Lebovitz will host a final signing at La Trésorerie Rive Gauche in Paris. This session will highlight both his new release and his classic title, My Paris Kitchen.

Navigating the Tour: Logistics and Best Practices

In an era where travel remains subject to volatility, Lebovitz has been transparent regarding the logistics of his tour. He advises attendees that many events are ticketed, a measure designed to provide financial sustainability for independent bookstores and ensure a structured experience for guests.

Ensuring Your Spot

For many of the events, especially those in California and New York, purchasing a book in advance is strongly encouraged. Not only does this guarantee the attendee a copy of the book, but it also serves as a vital gesture of support for the local businesses hosting the author. At the Friends & Family Bakery event in Los Angeles, fans can even pre-order pastry boxes specifically inspired by the recipes in The Great Book of Chocolate and Ready for Dessert.

Expert Advice for Attendees

When asked about the best way to prepare for these events, the organizers emphasize the following:

1. Contact the Venue: If you have specific questions regarding capacity, book signing policies (e.g., whether you can bring previously purchased copies), or dietary accommodations, always call the venue directly.
2. Verify Schedules: Because events are subject to change, double-check the venue’s website 24–48 hours before your scheduled event date.
3. Tickets vs. Attendance: Some events are free but require a reservation; others require a ticket purchase that includes a book. Read the fine print on platforms like Eventbrite or the store’s specific booking portal.

Implications for the Culinary Community

The return of a physical book tour of this scale underscores a shifting trend in the publishing industry. Despite the convenience of digital content and virtual Q&As, there is a renewed demand for the tactile, communal experience of a physical signing.

For the independent bookstore, these events are more than just book sales; they are community-building exercises. By bringing a culinary authority like David Lebovitz into their spaces, these venues reinforce their role as cultural hubs. Furthermore, the inclusion of local bakers and culinary figures at these stops—such as Roxana Jullapat or Clémence de Lutz—highlights the importance of regional food networks.

For the reader, the implication is clear: the Great Book of Chocolate is designed to be more than just a reference manual. It is intended to be a project-based experience. By attending these events, fans are not just buying a book; they are entering a dialogue about the ethics of cocoa sourcing, the chemistry of sugar, and the joy of sharing a finished dessert.

A Legacy of Knowledge

David Lebovitz has spent decades demystifying the professional kitchen. His previous works have set a high bar for accessible, well-researched culinary writing. With this revised edition of The Great Book of Chocolate, he is essentially "updating the conversation." As consumers become more discerning about the origins of their food, the book’s focus on high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices feels more relevant than ever.

Whether you are a professional pastry chef looking to refine your ganache or a hobbyist hoping to make your first batch of chocolate truffles, this tour represents an opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most respected voices.

Conclusion: How to Support the Launch

For those unable to attend the live events, the book is widely available through a vast network of retailers. Supporting local independent bookstores remains the gold standard for the industry. Whether you choose to order through Bookshop.org, your local boutique bookshop, or a specialized culinary retailer like Kitchen Arts & Letters or Book Larder, the goal remains the same: celebrating the enduring, universal appeal of chocolate.

As May approaches, the culinary world prepares for a month of sweet inspiration. With a robust schedule and a wealth of new insights to share, David Lebovitz’s upcoming tour is poised to be one of the most significant events in the 2026 cookbook season.

For the most up-to-date information on event changes or to purchase your tickets, please visit the official event pages linked through the retailer portals provided above.