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Girl Power: Female Authors and Chefs Rock the WeHo Book Fair
Photo courtesy of Aida Mollenkamp
When it comes to professional kitchens, women still represent the minority in the culinary world. There have been books like Skirt Steak and Blood, Bones, and Butter that have attempted to bring light to this issue, and there's even a reality TV show on Bravo called "Eat Drink Love" that addresses the topic.
One place where chicks aren't in the minority, though, is in the food media. At industry events, it's often tough to find a single man in sight, which is why it's so surprising that the folks in "Eat Drink Love" claim that the food media is a boys' club. There are heaps of talented women writing cookbooks, running websites, and producing excellent journalism in the world of food.
This Sunday's culinary stage at the West Hollywood Book Fair is proof of that. With the exception of the stage's emcee, the entire list of booked talent is made up of ladies. Cooking demos and food talks begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and include guests Anne Willan with Evan Kleiman - on her brand-new food memoir "One Souffle at a Time"; Kathy Freston speaking on healthy weight loss and her book "The Lean Health/Wellness" and tips for healthy weight loss; Aida Mollenkamp on her "Keys to the Kitchen" cookbook; TV host and Food For Thought Blogger Claire Thomas; and Pati Zarate in discussion with L.A. Times Mind and Body Editor Mary MacVean about her new Homegirl Cafe cookbook "Hungry for Life."
The Book Fair is free and goes until 6 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park and West Hollywood Library. Bicycle and stroller valet (stroller valet!) will be provided. There are non-culinary events too.
Parking is available at Pacific Design Center for $10; West Hollywood CityLine (free) shuttles will apparently be transformed into a "book ferry" to and from the event. See the WHBF website for more information.
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