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The Friends of Westwood Library have three programs centered around To Live and Dine in LA this week, August 19, 22, and 29

We have 3 programs around centered around the ‘To Live and Dine in LA’ initiative.

Wednesday 8/19 at 6:30
Richard Foss from the group The Culinary Historians of Southern CA will present: ‘Drinking with Jane Austen’ The world portrayed in Jane Austen’s books was one of elaborate banquets and sumptuous parties, but the author provided very few details on just what was consumed at those events, and some of the items she did describe are unfamiliar to the modern reader. This lecture will supply some of the details Ms. Austen left out – what refreshments both alcoholic and non-intoxicating were imbibed by the various social classes in England of 1800, and how Ms. Austen indicated the character of her characters from the things they chose to drink, or to serve. Handout with recipe provided and will be presented in period costume.

Saturday, 8/22 at 1:00
Chef Ernest Miller is back to present: Chili, Chiles and Hot Sauce: A spicy Sampling of California History—When you think chiles and hot sauces, you often think of Mexico but you should really think of southern California, as we are one of the world’s largest growers and many recipes were invented here. This talk covers the popular pepper and how it has been used through history. Includes preparation of a chili-related snack by the chef.

Next Tuesday 8/25 at 5:15
we present the movie ‘Chef’: “Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) is an acclaimed chef with a family life that seems as decaying as his artistic freedom. Those frustrations boil over into a raucous viral-videoed public confrontation against a restaurant critic who panned his cooking of food that his boss ordered him to make against his instincts. Now with his career ruined, Carl’s ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) offers an unorthodox solution in Miami: refit an old food truck to offer quality cooking on his own terms. Now with his young son, Percy, and old colleague, Martin, helping, Carl takes a working trip across America with that truck to rediscover his gastronomic passion. With Percy’s tech savvy and Martin’s enthusiasm, Carl finds that he is creating a traveling sensation on the way home. In doing so, Carl discovers he is serving up more than simply food, but also a deeper connection with his life and his family that is truly delicious in its own way.”
Roy Choi, a culinary institution in this town, and creator of the wildly popular Kogi BBQ Taco Truck consulted on this film. 114 minutes, rated R.

All programs are free and parking is validated.