SPECIAL EVENTS--GREAT EXAMPLE

I was in Tampa last week and attended a special event hosted by the Junior League of Tampa at a local eatery and gourmet food store called Datz. It was an experience that captured my imagination and is a testimonial to the power of a special event centered around a regional cookbook.

The League is heavily promoting the 50th Anniversary of Gasparilla---one of the oldest continually published League cookbooks in the US. The special anniversary edition contains a special "anniversary" cover as well as original end sheet design and a unique "history" section in the back of the book with archived materials from the books creation.

One of the League promotions was a cooking demonstration and lunch conducted at Datz by one of their chefs.  The event is one week long and consists of a seating each day and each evening for up to 12 people with the recipes for the menu coming from Gasparilla. For the luncheon I attended, and  for each seating, a League member hosts as "Guest Chef", assisting the Datz chef.  During the week there is also a larger event for all League members and the public centered around the food with plenty of opportunities to purchase copies of the book.

The luncheon I attended was casual, allowed time for questions to the chef and was chock full of chef's tips for each recipe.  We had a a menu composed of:

• Herb Dip (page 12) and chips
• Louis Pappas Greek Salad (page 46)
• Ann Lauries Potato Salad for Greek Salad (page 47)
• Cuban Sandwich (page 305)

This event was a ton of fun, showcased the cookbook, promoted Datz and its support of the League. All of the proceeds go to the League and its a win/win for all.

I would love to know of a special event you have been involved in with your cookbook?