November 7:
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know: Writing Cookbooks and Cookbook Proposals
L’Academie de Cuisine
16006 Industrial Drive | Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (DC area)
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$325
For registration contact Daniele Mathras at 413-247-9325 or Daniele@Lisaekus.com

Lisa Ekus-Saffer, literary agent since the year 2000 with over 200 successful book deals and cookbook publicist for award-winning titles including The Splendid Table, The Cake Bible, The Union Square Café Cookbook, and The Country Cooking of France, and Virginia Willis, chef, food writer, and author of the critically acclaimed Bon Appetit, Y'all, Recipes and Stories of Three Generations of Southern Cooking, help aspiring authors navigate through the exciting, yet challenging world of publishing. The session seeks to educate and inspire those who dream of writing a cookbook and examines the publishing process from all angles and perspectives.

Topics covered include:

• Helpful resources for locating and working with a literary agent
• Pros and Cons of Working with an literary agent
• What exactly is a proposal and how do I create one
• Building marketing, platform, and brand
• Recipe research, writing, and testing
• Proposals and cover letters
• Crafting your Unique Selling Point
• Nuts and bolts — practical finances and what to expect
• Agent as advocate during the publishing process
• Getting to know the players in the culinary publishing world
• Organizations to network through and join

The course concludes with a Q & A session, although questions are encouraged throughout the presentation. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to "pitch" their idea to the group for feedback. The course is designed for all skill levels; formal writing experience is not required. Class will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Tuition: $325, No refunds. Registration by check only (no credit cards). Registration for this class: contact Daniele Mathras at 413-247-9325 or Daniele@Lisaekus.com.

November 8:
Honing Your Edge: Media Training for Culinary Professionals
L’Academie de Cuisine
16006 Industrial Drive | Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (DC area)
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
$699
For registration contact Daniele Mathras at 413-247-9325 or Daniele@Lisaekus.com

In this comprehensive course created for chefs and culinary professionals, experienced media trainer Lisa Ekus-Saffer and culinary television producer and author Virginia Willis provide the skills and confidence culinary professionals need to work effectively with the media. Beginning with an overview of today's media environment, the course examines television, internet, print, and radio interviews from all angles, as well as personal appearances and cooking demonstrations. The goal is to replace intimidation and fear with confidence and energy and, ultimately, to help chefs, chef educators, product spokespeople and cookbook authors perform as well in front of the camera as behind the stove. Ultimately, any chef committed to improving his or her performance in front of an audience — live or media — will benefit from this course.

Specific learning objectives include:

• Understand how to create and lead strong, interesting, mutually-beneficial segments for television, internet, radio, print, and personal appearances Learn how to build a "media tool kit"
• Learn how to physically and mentally prepare for appearances, interviews and demonstrations
• Gain many practical tips and ideas for improving responses to questions during interviews and appearances
• Develop a game plan for addressing individual weaknesses and anxieties

Attendees will also have the opportunity to view and critique video segments from real television cooking shows. The course concludes with a Q & A session, although questions are encouraged throughout the presentation. Additionally, if prescheduled, a select number of volunteers will have the opportunity to give a brief demonstration in front of the group. Class will be held Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. (lunch will be served by L’Academie de Cuisine) Tuition: $699; Checks only (no credit cards) no refunds. Registration for this class: contact Daniele@lisaekus.com or 413-247-9325.

November 15:
3rd Annual GRACE Awards Gala: Keynote Speaker
Reception at 6:00 PM
Dinner & Awards at 7:30 PM
$175

The 3rd Annual Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence Awards Gala signifies a landmark occasion as we recognize and pay tribute to the leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Georgia’s restaurant industry. Attire is black tie optional.

November 17:
Northside Hospital - Booksigning
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

November 18:
The Cook's Warehouse - Brookhaven
404-949-9945
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tradition is the name of the game when it comes to the Thanksgiving menu. Who can imagine celebrating without a generous helping of turkey and gravy alongside sweet potatoes? But just because you want to serve your family the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you have to follow the same recipes year after year. Virginia is here to show you how to inject some new ideas into your holiday meal while staying true to the flavors of the season. She’ll prepare a Brined Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Pan Gravy, Spiced Sweet Potato Mash, Winter Greens and Butternut Squash Gratin and Brussels Sprouts with Horseradish. With these exciting new recipes, you and your family will certainly have lots for which to be thankful.

November 19:
Everyday Food radio interview on Martha Stewart Living
Sirius XM Satellite Radio, channels 112 and 157
11:15 AM

November 19:
Easy & Inexpensive Hors d'Oeuvres for the Holidays
The Village Kitchen
1332 13th Street | Columbus, GA 31901
706-507-7676
$50

Space is limited and many have already made their reservations for this event. Only 12 spaces remain so RSVP as soon as possible.

Menu: La Varenne Gougeres, Vidalia Onion Confit with Garlic Toasts, Exotic Mushroom & Herb Tart and Wild American Potted Shrimp

November 20 & 21:
Mistletoe Market
Perry, GA
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