Eat Drink Read Write Starts October 1 at Central Library

The Birmingham Public Library’s Eat Drink Read Write festival is a culinary and literary experience that highlights Birmingham’s burgeoning food landscape. The 2017 festival brings together food, culinary arts, and literature in a fun and engaging format.

Come and sample amazing dishes from all over the globe and hear the wonderful stories behind them!

2017 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Sunday, October 1, 2017, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Central Library 
Food Stories: A Cultural & Culinary Journey
How do cultural experiences inform culinary creations? Join chefs from the Pizitz Food Hall as they discuss their culinary journeys and the experiences that shaped their palates and inspired their passions. Sample “off menu” selections created especially for the evening. REV Birmingham’s Dion Gordon moderates the discussion. Chefs participating in the food panel are: Abhi Sainju of MoMo; Amanshiva Takele of Ghion Hall Ethiopian Restaurant; Kimberly McNair Brock of Bitty’s Living Kitchen/REV Reveal Kitchen; and Eli Markshtien of Eli’s Jerusalem Grill.

$20 admission includes: Samples of signature dishes prepared by the four featured chefs from the Pizitz Food Hall, as well as samples from local restaurants, music, and complimentary beer/wine. Purchase tickets online at a discount on Groupon. 

Monday, October 2, 2017, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Arrington Auditorium, Central Library 
Grow It & Eat It! Instant Garden
Yard too small for a garden? No yard at all? You can still have a garden! From corn in a five-gallon bucket to salad in a pot, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) will show you how to grow food in the most unusual spaces. Free admission

Tuesday, October 3, 2017, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Arrington Auditorium, Central Library 
WHAT WAS THAT?! Social Media + Food Trends Panel Discussion
From sushi donuts to rolled ice cream, food sharing on social media sparks trends. Join local food bloggers and Joy King, TV host of Dining Out with Comedienne Joy, to discuss the influence of social media on food in Birmingham and the nation. Speakers: Emily Brown, author, Birmingham Food: A Magic City Menu; Russell Hooks, founder, Happenin's in the 'Ham; Tara Massouleh, assistant editor, Birmingham Magazine; Janece Maze, lifestyle blogger, Eat Drink Savor Life; Rocky Prince, executive chef, Itta Bena Wind Creek Montgomery; Julia Sayers, editor-in-chief, Birmingham Magazine; Justin White, co-owner, Cosecha Urban Kitchen. Free admission

Friday, October 6, 2017, 6:30-9:00 p.m., Central Library 
Bards & Brews Spoken Word Poetry Slam
Spoken word poets from across Alabama compete for cash prizes, while attendees sample SweetWater craft beer and the sounds of hip hop artists Shaheed & DJ Supreme. Performance artist Voice Porter hosts this showcase of homegrown talent. Free admission

Tuesday, October 10, 2017, 5:30 p.m., Central Library
Wenonah High School Culinary Arts Program
Teens in the award-winning Wenonah High School Culinary Arts Program will present a cooking demonstration and tasting featuring delectable dishes mastered during the school year. Meet our future chefs and restaurateurs! Free admission

August 30-September 30, 2017, Central Library and online through BPL website, Twitter, and Instagram
Six-Word Food Story Contest
In only six words, tell us your food story using Twitter, Instagram, or email. The judges are storyteller Dolores Hydock and culinary writer Fletcher Harvey. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded on Friday, October 6, at the Bards & Brews event. See BPL website for details and send us your very, very short story. Free submission

Tell us your short, short, short story about food and you may win a prize.  Here’s the link for rules and details: http://www.bplonline.org/programs/EatDrinkFest/2017/Contest

BPL’s 2017 Eat Drink Read Write Festival is made possible by donations from the following: Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library, EvaBank, Maynard Cooper & Gale, SweetWater Brewing, Dining Out With Comedienne Joy, Birmingham City Councilor Jay Roberson, Vi's Pies, Kat's Kreations, Taj India, Taco Morro Loco, Tropcialeo, Black Pearl, and US Foods.