October Food Programs

Forget Restaurant Week, October is Restaurant Month at the New York Public Library, with three public programs that explore the past and the future of restaurant culture.

We start things off on October 10th with Spain's master molecular gastronomist Ferran Adria discussing A Day at elBulli - a new book that documents a day in the life at Adria's restaurant. From dawn until way past dusk, A Day at... gives readers a way to experience elBulli without having to make a reservation.

Farewell to Quenelles: Changing Restaurant Culture in New York, will be held on October 15th, and will bring together food writers and scholars Paul Freedman, Laura Shapiro, Krishnendu Ray, and Josh Ozersky to discuss New York City's culinary past, present and future. The panel discussion will be moderated by Mitchell Davis, the Vice President of the James Beard Foundation. A small exhibit featuring some menus from the Library's collection will be put together by Yours Truly.

Finally, on Wednesday, October 29th, Alinea chef -- and James Beard Outstanding Chef of 2008 winner -- Grant Achatz will discuss science, technology, and food with Nathan Myhrvold. According to the Library's website, this event is sold out, but you can still buy tickets for the live telecast held right near the auditorium.