April 4, 2008

The Library of Michigan Foundation today announced Eric Villegas - chef and author of the 2008 Michigan Notable Book "Fork in the Road" - will headline the annual "Night for Notables" celebration on Saturday, April 26. A tribute to all of the 2008 Michigan Notable Books authors, the program takes place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Library of Michigan and includes a sampling of Villegas' cuisine, Michigan wines and book signings with many of the Notables authors.

"Book lovers, food connoisseurs and amateur chefs alike are sure to enjoy this year's celebration, which will give guests a taste of the best Michigan has to offer," said Judith K. Moore, executive director of the Library of Michigan Foundation. "It's a unique opportunity to meet the talented authors behind a diverse mix of the most compelling Michigan-made stories."

Known for his namesake restaurant and his love of local food, Villegas has shared his culinary passion and zest for life in his award-winning PBS show "Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas" since 2001, in which he tirelessly seeks out the artisan growers, farmers, ranchers and fishmongers who produce top-quality foods throughout Michigan.

"Fork in the Road," the book based on Villegas' cooking show, features recipes rich in Michigan's best local ingredients. Villegas' energetic and lively personality comes through in conversational sidebars discussing Michigan's agriculture and history. Mouth-watering photos showcase most of the dishes, and additional photos, from waterfalls to roadside food stands, evoke the spirit of Michigan.

Guests will have the chance to win five of the Michigan Notable Books titles signed by their authors. Copies of all the 2008 Michigan Notable Books will be available for purchase. "Night for Notables" is open to all, with tickets priced at $35 per person. A portion of the evening's proceeds will be used to support the Library of Michigan's special collections and programs.

To reserve a spot and get more details about this special event sponsored by the Library of Michigan Foundation, call (517) 373-4692. The Library of Michigan is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., in downtown Lansing. Weekend parking is free.

The Michigan Notable Books list is the Library of Michigan's annual selection of books that reflect the state's rich cultural heritage by highlighting Michigan people, places and events. Each year's list features 20 books published the previous calendar year that are about or set in Michigan or the Great Lakes region or are written by a native or resident of Michigan. Selections include nonfiction and fiction and typically have a wide appeal to the audience, covering a range of topics and issues close to the hearts of Michigan residents.  For more information about the Michigan Notable Books, please visit www.michigan.gov/notablebooks.

The programming and author tour centered around the 2008 Michigan Notable Books list are sponsored by the Library of Michigan, the Library of Michigan Foundation, the Michigan Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Cooley Law School, ProQuest, Meijer, Borders, Auto Owners Insurance, LaSalle Bank/Bank of America, Michigan Center for the Book, Schuler Books & Music, Daniel and Victoria Arbour, and Paul and Marge Byington. Media partners for this project are WKAR, Queue Advertising, Gennara Photography and the Lansing State Journal.

The Michigan Notable Books program is designed to promote reading and raise awareness of Michigan's strong literary heritage. Throughout the spring, many of the 2008 Michigan Notable Books authors will take their stories on the road, visiting libraries throughout the state - nearly 60 stops in all - to talk with the public about their books. A full schedule of author visits is available on the Michigan Notable Books Web site.

The Library of Michigan Foundation raises funds to support special programs, services and collections of the Library of Michigan.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).