Library’s “Books and Cooks” Event to Bring Chefs, Food Trucks and Fun to Winter Park

On Thursday, October 25, the Winter Park Public Library will host a star panel of chefs and cookbook authors at “Books and Cooks,” a culinary-themed celebration of literature. Guests will enjoy a lively panel discussion, a book signing, cocktails and access to food trucks provided by The Food Truck Bazaar. This ticketed event will take place from 6– 9 p.m. at the Rachel D. MurrahCivic Center, 2050 W. Morse Blvd.

“No one thinks of cookbooks as literature, but that’s an unfortunate mistake,” says Mary Gail Coffee, Library Community Relations Coordinator. “There is something generous and intimate about sharing the secrets of your kitchen with strangers, and that’s what these authors have done in print and what they will do as part of the “Books and Cooks” panel.”

Winter Park novelist Bob Morris will moderate an author panel that will feature Chef Norman Van Aken, internationally known father of New World Cuisine and chef-owner of Norman’s at the Ritz Carlton Orlando; James and Julie Petrakis, chef owners of The Ravenous Pig and Cask and Larder; and Heather McPherson, food editor of the Orlando Sentinel and coauthor of the new book Field to Feast. Other panelists will include Winter Park native Eileen Daspin, author of The Manhattan Dietand Food Network Star finalist Emily Ellyn.

All panelists will remain after the program to sign books and interact with the audience. Chef Van Aken will be signing copies of My Key West Kitchen, his newest cookbook which won’t be on sale to the general public until the middle of November. A portion of the proceeds from all books sales at the event will be returned to the library in support of its materials, programs and services.

The $10 ticket includes admission; choice of a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail; and gourmet caramel popcorn from The Ravenous Pig. Guests are also encouraged to stay and enjoy dinner and dessert at Heartsong Bakery, 5 Gastronomy and La Empanada, trucks provided by The Food Truck Bazaar.

For guests interested in a more in-depth culinary experience, there is a $75 ticket option that also includes admission to a private afterparty with the chef-authors at The Ravenous Pig. The afterparty will begin at 9 p.m. and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by The Ravenous Pig, one of Central Florida’s hottest restaurants.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.wppl.org. For more information, call 407-623-3377 or e-mail pcorcum@wppl.org.

The Winter Park Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing the highest quality library materials, programs and services to those living in Winter Park and the surrounding communities. Founded in 1885 with a few dozen titles stored on a local front porch, the Library has evolved based on residents' changing needs for information, education and entertainment. It now provides books, newspapers, magazines, audiobooks, music, videos, video games and software, as well as downloadable materials for use on smart devices. In addition it offers hundreds of programs each year for patrons of all ages. For more information about the WPPL, visit www.wppl.org or call 407-623-3300.