Just before noon on Sunday, Rachel Ray came to the Book Passage, my favorite local bookstore, to sign copies of Just in Time—her latest number one cookbook on the New York Times Advice Best-Seller List.

I joined hundreds of eager fans in line to glimpse the star. Fortunately, Book Passage has mastered large events like this, dividing the crowd into manageable sections with assigned signing times, so the wait doesn’t get too long. Nonetheless, groans were heard everywhere when the store staff announced that Rachel Ray was running late. For me, that meant more time to chat with the crowd about just what makes Ray such a well-loved culinary celebrity.

Many—myself included—are charmed by Ray’s sunny, down-to-earth style that skips pretension in favor of fun, simple recipes that anyone can master. One blushing boy of about sixteen also let on that Rachel Ray’s appeal extends way beyond the kitchen—and several other men in the crowd were quick to agree. A happy couple told the story of how their romance began over Rachel Ray’s Christmas Eve Pasta recipe. All around, the air was filled with the pleasant buzz of people brought together by a common enthusiasm for cooking.

More news drifts down the line—Rachel won’t be speaking, just signing books. My heart began to sink. This is a huge mistake that celebrity chefs sometimes make at these events. When fans take the time to show their support by attending a signing, they ought to be rewarded with a memorable experience. But sometimes instead we go home, book in hand, wondering “is that all there is?”

Rachel Ray missed a huge opportunity to really connect with her fans. A simple welcome—“hi, guys!”—would have thrilled the crowd. Instead, we got a lady running late for the stage and spending 5–10 impersonal seconds scribbling in each book.

I’ve attended a lot of book events over the years. My favorite celebrity chef was Alton Brown. He spoke with the group, took questions and signed a truckload of books. I was at the back of the line but he was gracious, engaging and funny. Those few seconds confirmed all of my positive opinions about this talented man.

Paula Dean’s event several weeks ago featured pre-signed books with an hour-long interview conducted by local radio personality, Gene Burns. She brought her husband, Michael and the three of them were hilarious. We went home feeling we’d gotten something memorable from Paula that couldn’t necessarily be found between the pages of her books.

My least favorite signing was Ina Garten’s earlier this year. While I love her show, books and recipes, the signing had so many restrictions that one wondered why they bothered to come. First, she would not speak to the crowd. Next, no cameras were allowed at the event, and she would only sign the book of the night. I understand the need to move people through quickly and cordially, but cookbook authors are professional communicators who’ve made careers out of sharing their knowledge and insights. An event like Ina Garten’s just feels a little stingy.

I certainly still count myself among Rachel Ray’s fans; her books and shows are of interest to me, and I admire her business acumen. But her signing missed the mark. Welcomed by a wonderful store and greeted by an adoring crowd, she should have given more in return.

Out in the parking lot, a couple that I remembered from Garten’s signing grumbled about another disconnected, impersonal event. “Why come? We could stay home and get everything from the Internet,” they complained. But like me, they’re not ready to give up altogether. Even the sunniest celeb can have an off day, and a beloved store like Book Passage is certainly worth a visit any day, signing or no. I left my acquaintances in the crowd with a cheerful “see you next time,”—and I meant it.