Alice Waters

By Robin Duncan

Fresh, seasonal and local – these words define Alice Waters’ approach to food. Alice Waters, author of over nine cookbooks and named by Gourmet magazine as the most influential figure of the American kitchen in the past 30 years, will be at The Book Works in Flower Hill Mall on Sunday, Oct. 14, from noon-3 p.m. to sign her latest book, The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution.
This most recent cookbook in the Waters’ collection, newly released Oct. 2, is filled with approachable and simple recipes meant to showcase great seasonal ingredients. Waters, a long time champion of farmers’ markets as well as a friend and supporter of Chino’s Vegetable Stand in Rancho Santa Fe believes in supporting local organic farmers and sustainable agriculture. For Waters and all of her followers, buying the perfect fruit or vegetable from the person who grew it inspires the meal. Her recipes echo the philosophy of Wendell Berry, “eating is an agricultural act” with social and ecological consequences.
 

Not only does Alice Waters have a long history with local farmers such as the Chinos, whose fresh produce is still flown up daily to her restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, but she has a special history with the local community. This will be Waters’ fourth visit to The Book Works in Del Mar. Her first visit was with the release of her cookbook, Chez Panisse Vegetables, in 1996. Followed by two more visits, in 1999 to sign Chez Panisse Café, and then in 2002 for Chez Panisse Fruit.
 

Milane Christiansen, the former owner of The Book Works, describes the author’s past visits as very special and the woman herself as genuine, passionate, enthusiastic and very supportive of an independent bookstore. The store is known by foodies in the community as a wonderful resource for specialty cookbooks. When it first opened The Book Works was joined by The Perfect Pan cooking school, now the site of The Pannikin, and this evolved into the store’s reputation for supporting the culinary arts.
 

In addition, a book signing at this independent store is a grand event – and never “just a signing.” The current owner, Lisa Stefanacci, looks at any book signing as an opportunity to throw a party with a theme for the book-loving community. The Alice Waters’ event is no exception. Other stores in Flower Hill Mall will be joining Stefanacci in showcasing their finest in honor of the restaurateur diva. Venissimo Cheese will be providing a selection of cheeses from their diverse collection, and The Wine Connection has selected Ramos Pinto red and white wines from Portugal to serve at the event.
 

Roasted pepper soup, heirloom tomato salad with slow-roasted salmon, local sea bass with shaved fennel, and plum tart with cardamom ice cream, are just a sampling of Chez Panisse recipes. But Waters’ latest cookbook is more than that. She also gives tips on everything from making the perfect broth to selecting first-rate produce, healthful grains, and responsibly raised meat, poultry, and seafood.
 

While learning how to cook the perfect onion custard pie may not be for everyone, Alice Waters is a woman who has also left her mark on many places outside the kitchen. She is the founder of the Chez Panisse Foundation that supports “school curriculum and lunch programs where growing, cooking and sharing food at the table gives students the knowledge and values to build a humane and sustainable future.”
In a world where many of today’s children think that all food comes in a package, it is nice to know that Alice Waters is making efforts to bring us back to the earth, and remind us of what is really important.
 

The Book Works welcomes pre-orders of The Art of Simple Food and suggests that the cookbook makes a wonderful gift for any of your favorite chefs. Call ahead if you would like to reserve a signed copy at 858-755-3735. Due to the enthusiastic crowd anticipated at this event, Waters will only be signing books purchased at The Book Works.
The Book Works is located at Flower Hill Mall (2670 Via de la Valle, Suite A230, Del Mar); www.book-works.com.