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?

A FAVORITE SINCE 2002

Everyone raves about Louisiana cuisine; this is evidenced by the great success if various regional titles throughout the state. River Road Recipes, Come On In, Tell Me More, Secret Ingredients, Roux to Do and Krewes in the Kitchen are just a few successful titles out of dozens I could mention.

However, in 2002 one of my all time favorites was published by noted restaurateur Dickie Brennan. Palace Cafe, The Flavor of New Orleans was introduced as a marketing and sales tool for The Palace Cafe.  I mention this title as a new copy just came across my desk from the latest printing of this excellent title.

What I like best (among many features in this title) is the fact that he holds nothing back. Each recipe features a tidbit of special information about it and this information brings the book to life.  Aside from the fabulous recipes, food photos and photos of staff within the Cafe are Dickie's sauces, stocks and seasonings--truly a treasure of insider information.

If you like Louisiana cuisine at its best do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Dickie Brennan's Palace Cafe.

TESTIMONIAL TO SOCIAL MEDIA

The two co-chairs for A Thyme to Celebrate are Emily Howard and Sara Collins. These are two very "fired up" ladies who are on top of every marketing detail.  These ladies and this League are well aware that getting the word out about their fantastic book through social media will pay off in sales results. 
I received this note from them last week,

"We are so excited to tell you about the launch of our new blog, athymetocelebrate.blogspot.com! Published in 2009, A Thyme to Celebrate is the Junior League of Tallahassee's second cookbook installment. This year, we have taken on the challenge of "cooking our way through the cookbook"! Be sure to follow our adventures on the blog as we cook/bake/mix, photograph, and document each delicious recipe!"

They have promised to share some stories of the results generated from the blog. Please join me in signing up and following along with this fun and informative blog.