Top Chef fan favorite Grayson Schmitz is appearing tonight in downtown Jacksonville at the main branch of the Jacksonville Public Library to help launch the "My Favorite Cookbook" event to benefit Florida State College at Jacksonville's culinary program.
On tap for the evening, a private reception with Florida State College Foundation donors, sponsors and ticketed guests. The reception features the opportunity to meet Schmitz, who will work with FSCJ culinary students to create a signature dish inspired by her favorite cookbook, The Joy of Cooking.
Following the private reception, guests will be able to take advantage of priority seating to hear Schmitz speak about her culinary journey and why The Joy of Cooking is her favorite cookbook, as well as provide a "cheftestant's" view of Top Chef.
Cookbooks rank among the top categories at the Jacksonville Public Library.
"Cookbooks and culinary-themed books consistently are one of the most in-demand categories of books checked out," said library director Barbara Gubbin.
"The My Favorite Cookbook series is such a perfect fit for us to be able to bring to our customers and the community. Nothing brings people together like the love of cooking and food. We can't wait to launch this new event series with Grayson Schmitz."
Seating for the 7 p.m. program portion is free, but limited and available on first-come basis. Following the program, guests have the opportunity to meet Schmitz as well as purchase copies of The Joy of Cooking for signing.
Information on purchasing tickets to the reception can be found at FloridaStateCollegeFoundation.org.
