Quick Bites
Free sticky roll, anyone? They'll be serving them up at my book talk at the Clive Library. Plus, another event this week: a must-attend talk for lovers of France and Paris.
Greetings, readers! This is a quick missive to tell you about two upcoming events. Look for a more substantial newsletter early next week, when I’ll review a compelling new restaurant to the scene. Stay tuned!
1. Let’s Meet for Coffee and a Sticky Roll at the Clive Library
Book Talk: Love Is My Favorite Flavor
Saturday, September 21: Clive Public Library
Time: 10 to 11 a.m. (Optional book signing afterwards.)
Address: 1900 NW 114th St., Clive
RSVP: tnelson@cityofclive.com
Anyone who ever dined at a Younkers restaurant likely enjoyed one of their sticky buns—those little sweet rolls that were served with every non-sandwich entree, from the famed chicken salad to the prime rib special.
The closest thing I’ve ever found to Younkers rolls are at The Bake Shoppe in Windsor Heights. You can enjoy one of these treats—free—at my upcoming appearance at the Clive Library on Saturday, 9/21. (The Bake Shoppe is kindly sponsoring the treats for this event.) Coffee and tea will also be served.
But … you have to let the library know you’re coming, so they can get enough sticky buns! Email Teri Nelson at: tnelson@cityofclive.com and let her know how many are in your party.
What Will I Talk About?
First, I’ll discuss how my experiences working in the Younkers restaurants—from the Meadowlark Room to the Tea Room—and other iconic Des Moines restaurants helped inform my later work as the restaurant critic for the Des Moines Register. Then, I’ll share some of the perils and pitfalls of reviewing restaurants in Des Moines. These are just a few of the stories from my new memoir, Love Is My favorite Flavor: A Midwestern Dining Critic Tells All. An optional book signing will follow.
I’ll leave plenty of time for Q&As.
Come on by!
Please share with anyone you think might be interested in this event!
2. A Must-Attend Event for Lovers of France and Paris
What: Book Talk + Panel Discussion with Scott Dominic Carpenter, author of the new book, “Paris Lost & Found: A Memoir of Love.”
When: Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Ave., Des Moines.
I’ll be moderating a discussion for Scott Dominic Carpenter, who teaches French literature and creative writing at Carleton College in Minnesota. His new book, Paris Lost & Found recounts living in Paris as his wife struggles with dementia; for a time, he tries to spend precious time with her in the city they love, but all too soon, he finds himself alone in the City of Light—during the pandemic no less.
There are heartbreaking moments, for sure, but also eye-opening, head-scratching, laughter-inducing moments—many concerning the perils of French bureaucracy. Frankly, I never get tired of these stories, as every single trip I’ve taken to France, I’ve had to worry about something annoying (a currency strike? Go figure!).
Better yet, there’s light (in the form of love) at the end of the tunnel.
Please share this with anyone you think might enjoy these events!