Greenwich Library is using its deep programming resources to explore a single topic in-depth – leveraging traditional library books and materials with events, lectures, and hands-on workshops to enrich patrons’ understanding of food.
The series will explore our relationship with and the future of food from a historical, environmental, technological and very personal perspective.
Food unites us all, both globally and within our own Greenwich community. Food brings people together, whether it’s concern for the source and sustainability of our supplies to the simple pleasure of meal preparation and sitting down to a family dinner. Food offers endless opportunity to be creative, innovative and responsible.
Cookbooks are the top circulating collection at Greenwich Library with more than 10,000 titles checked out by patrons each year.
FocusOn: Food will engage patrons of all ages and interests. Author lectures, history and cooking demonstrations will stimulate intellectually curious adults and interactive hands-on gardening and storytimes will charm younger patrons and families.
The next FocusOn: Food event will take place on Wednesday, May 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. with Chef Edward Lee in conversation with Jeff Gordinier, food and drinks editor of Esquire Magazine. A natural-born storyteller, Lee decided to hit the road and spent two years uncovering fascinating narratives from every corner of the country, which he recorded in his fascinating new book, Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chef’s Journey to Discover America’s New Melting Pot Cuisine.
American food is the story of mash-ups. Immigrants arrive, cultures collide, and out of the push-pull comes exciting new dishes and flavors. But for Edward Lee, who, like Anthony Bourdain or Gabrielle Hamilton, is as much a writer as he is a chef, that first surprising bite is just the beginning. What about the people behind the food? What about the traditions, the innovations, the memories?
Registration, via the library’s online calendar, greenwichlibrary.org/focuson, is now available. Books will be available for sales and signing through Diane’s Books. For more information about the series, please contact Kate Petrov at kpetrov@greenwichlibrary.org
