The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

The world, set in a low-fantasy England following the Norman invasion, has become shrouded in a fog that leaves all memories indistinct and hard to grasp, a condition which is connected to a dragon but also to a terrible crime that no one can recall. This will be a feast of Arthurian legend. Imagine roasted meats and hearty stew along with rustic sourdough bread, spiced wine, and a decadent dessert.

Heartwood by Amity Gaige

Have you ever been lost and hungry? Lost in the Maine 100-mile woods hungry? Follow the twisty, hilly contemporary fictional tale of a lost Appalachian hiker and the Search and Rescue efforts that ensue. No worries about hunger at this dinner. Your belly and soul will be nourished with both the warmth of the friendly woodstove and amiable conversation around the table.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Inspired by the real-life diary of midwife Martha Ballard, this historical mystery set in 1789 Maine, investigates the murder of a man found in the frozen Kennebec River, uncovering a scandal involving rape and challenging the patriarchal society of her time as she seeks justice. Warm up with hearty New England fare at a historic Norwich Farm.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Experience a powerful evening of storytelling as we dive into Ocean Vuong’s lyrical and hauntingly beautiful debut novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. A profound exploration of family, memory, and the immigrant experience, our discussion will be paired with a vibrant menu of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. From savory classics to modern favorites, join us for a night where exquisite literature meets a wide range of yummy Vietnamese flavors.

What We Can Know by Ian McEwan

It’s 2119, a world transformed by climate change and nuclear destruction. The UK is now an archipelago. A British scholar takes on a century-old mystery: discovering the single copy of “A Corona for Vivien,” a lost poem that the poet Francis Bundy wrote and read at a 2014 dinner party honoring his wife. In the search, he uncovers secrets about the people at the dinner party where it was read. Time travel with us at another mysterious dinner party. No promises for a second Corona, but for sure, good food, drink and conversation!

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

The dust has settled at the Hat Creek Cattle Company, and the evening star is rising. You are cordially invited to a night of frontier hospitality inspired by the dusty trails and plains of Lonesome Dove. We’ll be serving up hearty frontier fare, cold refreshments, and enough cornbread to get us to Montana.

The Orchard by Peter Heller

Set in rural Vermont, this story explores the fragility of childhood, motherhood, love, loss and friendship amid the enduring solace of nature. Join us for a fresh farm-to-table Vermont meal.

The Gossip Columnists Daughter by Peter Orner

Written by a local author, this novel is based on the unsolved 1963 murder of Hollywood starlet Karyn “Cookie” Kupcinet, the daughter of a famous Chicago gossip columnist. The novel explores the price of fame and how connected families are torn apart.
Enjoy an evening filled with Chicago favorites such as deep dish pizza, roast beef sliders, and a craft cocktail.

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

A wrenching family saga, love letter to the art of medicine, and powerful statement about colonialism and violence, this novel resonates on many levels. And yet, when I recall it many years after my first reading, what I remember most are its vivid descriptions of the landscape, people and food of Ethiopia. We invite you to explore and pay homage to the bold, unique flavors of Ethiopian cuisine!

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

Ina Garten is a brilliant scientist, author, television host, and culinary expert known for the Barefoot Contessa. Formerly a White House nuclear policy analyst, she switched to her true love, gourmet home cooking. She owned a specialty food store in the Hamptons and eventually became a beloved television personality. Kick off your shoes, wear your favorite scarf, and enjoy a dinner of her favorite dishes!

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

Moving between Cyprus in 1970s and contemporary London this book reveals island history, forbidden love, and displacement after war. Told in part from the perspective of a fig tree who observed budding love and ethnic animosity in cyprus and was later transplanted to London this tree serves as a bond between a homeland and a new land. We will share a meal with a menu whose “roots” are inspired by the cafe where the original fig tree silently witnessed it all.

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

This is the story of Salamanca Hiddle, a girl searching to understand why her mother went away, as well as the many eccentric characters who support her. Sharon Creech intricately weaves together multiple tales, both funny and bittersweet, to create a heartwarming and compelling story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion. Come enjoy a comfort food dinner featuring yummy dishes from the book such as fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese, and of course…blackberry pie!

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Walk Two Moons is a children’s book, and as such, this will be the first ever Tables of Content for kids!
ONE TICKET is good for an adult and a child. ***