The Dining Critic Tells All: Author Events and Book Signings
I'll be doing three public events this month. Come on out, and I'll tell you what it was really like to review restaurants in Des Moines!
As I’ve mentioned, my book, Love Is My Favorite Flavor: A Midwestern Dining Critic Tells All, will be published on July 17 by the University of Iowa Press. I’ll be making a few appearances around town, and it would be great to see you when I’m out and about.
Below is the schedule for July. Each event will cover a different topic, so choose whichever event interests you most—any and all! All events are free, though registration is requested for the Johnston Public Library event.
Books will be available for purchase at all events: $22 + tax = $23.32. Cash and checks appreciated, though credit cards will be accepted.
The Perils and Pitfalls of Reviewing Restaurants in Des Moines
Saturday, July 20, 10:30 a.m., Johnston Public Library
Mostly, reviewing local restaurants was a great gig, but it did come with some challenges—from being recognized by restaurateurs to getting hate-mail and backlash on social media. I’ll talk about the highs and lows over the 15 years I served as the Register’s food critic. A Q&A session will follow.
From Rarebit Burgers to Carrot Juice: Lessons from Working in Five Iconic Des Moines Restaurants
Tuesday, July 23, 2 p.m., Wesley Acres Auditorium, 3520 Grand Ave.
For the first 10 years of my working life, I served in a number of iconic (and long-gone) Des Moines restaurants—from the strait-laced Baker’s Cafeteria to the hippie-run Soup Kitchen, from the beloved Younkers restaurants (the Meadowlark Room, Tea Room, and Parkade Pantry), to an erstwhile Country Kitchen. Each helped me approach my later work as a food critic with a mix of high standards and genuine compassion. A Q&A session will follow.
Note: While this event is held at the Wesley Acres Retirement Community, it is open to the public.
Meet the Author + Book Signing
Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m., Beaverdale Books
The evening will start with a discussion of why I wrote this memoir. I’ll also read a few highlights from the book and offer plenty of time for questions.
I look forward to meeting you at one of these events! Please feel free to share this email with friends.