Cooks and Books Dinners

[heyjude]

Full disclosure: I have been working for the last few months with Kim Ricketts Book Events on the Cooks and Books Visiting Chef Series. We have hosted Paula Wolfert, Judy Rodgers of Zuni Cafe and Patricia Wells among others. These have all sold out at the Union Bay Cafe. Diners spend the evening with the author who signs their book for them. Dinners include a 4-5 course meal matched with wines and a copy of the book for $75 to $100. Upcoming authors are an incredible roster of culinary lights from Thomas Keller to Ruth Reichl, Michael Lomomaco and Anthony Bourdain. We are expanding the program to other Seattle restaurants to best match chef to author. The local chef prepares a meal inspired by the book.

We have a few seats left for tonights event at Culinary Communion in West Seattle. The author is Peter Berley whose new book is the appetizing Fresh Food Fast. His previous book won both the IACP and Beard awards. Reservations can be made at 206 284-8687 and they will give you directions. I picked Peter up at Seatac yesterday and he is terrific.

Next up are Caprial and John Pence at Brasa on Monday, June 21st. Their Portland restaurant has been discussed on this board. Reservations can be made at 206 728-4220. I think their latest book is the best yet, but you can bring those you already own to be signed and we will have books that are still in print there for purchase.

On the 28th of June, Carol Field, author of The Italian Baker, will be at Serafina on Eastlake. Chef John Neumark will be serving small plates from the new reprint of her book, Italy In Small Bites. Reservations are being taken at 206 323-0807.

Lest this sound too much like a press release, let me say, I have been having a fabulous time doing hospitality for the visiting authors and they've all been thrilled with the dinners. I hope you'll all get in on this. We are reserving An eGullet table for the Bourdain event. Good food and wine, fun evening, signed book. What could suit us better.

To get on the mailing list call Kim Ricketts at 206 523-3458 or email KimRickettsBooks@aol.com. There are a couple more summer events and then a bunch in fall and winter.

[Abra]

This looks really neat, and I hadn't heard of it before. I sent off an email to get on the list. I love the idea of the restaurant and the menu being matched to the author - who the heck has the nerve to tackle Thomas Keller?

[chefwendy]

Hi, Abra & fellow foodies,

Fun to speculate, as to the host for Thomas Keller. Obvious suggestions come to mind immediately- Rovers, or the Herb Farm, but I'd weigh in with Johnathan Sundstrom & Co., at Lark. Any other opinions as to who could stand the heat in Seattle???

[heyjude]

I can't tell you yet, but you'll be among the first to know. Tonight's event was a perfect match. Good food, happy guests and an impressed author.

[malarkey]

Fun to speculate, as to the host for Thomas Keller. Obvious suggestions come to mind immediately- Rovers, or the Herb Farm, but I'd weigh in with Johnathan Sundstrom & Co., at Lark. Any other opinions as to who could stand the heat in Seattle???

Yes, Philip Mihalski at Nell's on Greenlake.

[BastilaShan]

Alton Brown!

[nightscotsman]

Fun to speculate, as to the host for Thomas Keller.  Obvious suggestions come to mind immediately- Rovers, or the Herb Farm, but I'd weigh in with Johnathan Sundstrom & Co., at Lark. Any other opinions as to who could stand the heat in Seattle???

Yes, Philip Mihalski at Nell's on Greenlake.

I'm thinking Salumi.

[Foodie-Girl]

Dinner with eGulleteers and Thomas Keller/Tony Bourdain thrown in for good measure....uhhhhhhh YEAH that sounds pretty good !

[agnolottigirl]

Just one eG table for the Bourdain event, huh? I feel a riot coming on.

[Foodie-Girl]

No kidding, AG girl. It had better be a very large table....LOL

[heyjude]

We will make sure it"s a verrry big eGullet table. And just to stir you all up a little more, 4 words: Nigella Lawson, David Rosengarten. We are going to have a helluva good time in Seattle over the next several months. Keep the suggestions coming for authors and venues. And tell your friends.

[matsutakekichigai]

We are reserving An eGullet table for the Bourdain event. Good food and wine, fun evening, signed book. What could suit us better.

 

Hello Heyjude, I'm interested in attending the Bourdain event and would like to know the date and how I can be part of this great time. I've had nothing but great fun meeting egulleter and would like to add more to the list. Thanks for posting this information. Sincerely, Matsutakekichigai

[cxt]

Thanks for telling us about this, Judy! I would love to get my mom tickets to the Bourdain event. Be sure to let us know what to do to get on the A (or maybe E for eGullet) list.

[Blue Heron]

I was so delighted to hear about this series while visiting with you all at tighe's potluck the other evening and to read this thread now, as I somehow had missed out on hearing about it. This is such a great idea, and I look forward to attending some dinners, too. This is truly a terrific opportunity and I think it's great the chefs are coming here! We'll give them a big welcome!

[Abra]

I can't wait - this sounds so fun! And how about John Ash? His food is wonderful.