RPL’s One Book program featured renowned chef and television host Anthony Bourdain

Rockford Public Library’s fourth annual One Book, One Rockford featuring renowned chef and television host, Anthony Bourdain, and his bestseller Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly was a huge success. The event drew people from all over Rockford and the Chicago area.

On May 17, 297 people sampled some of the finest cuisine in the Midwest at “A Cook’s Tour of Downtown” from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. At $25.00 a ticket, participants enjoyed the culinary delights of Brio, Chocolat by Daniel, Cru, Kuma’s Asian Bistro, Irish Rose, Octane, Paragon and Zambuca’s restaurants. Diners also received a free souvenir cookbook with recipes and information from all participating restaurants.

Held at Giovanni’s Restaurant May 18, the “Anthony Bourdain: Kitchen Confidential” event was well received. With over 900 people in attendance, Bourdain captivated the crowd with stories from his book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, followed by a book signing of copies of his books.

Preceding the lecture, a silent auction was held, featuring a portrait of Bourdain drawn by Rockford Register Star graphics artist Kelley Simms.

“Dinner with Bourdain,” a fundraiser hosted by the Rockford Public Library Foundation held May 19 at Rockford Country Club, raised $10,000. Again, Bourdain entertained 260 guests with great stories of his world travels and the wonderful foods he has eaten. Attendees also enjoyed cocktails, music and a fabulous meal prepared by Rockford Country Club staff. Funds raised from this event will benefit the Rockford Public Library Foundation.

During the One Book, One Rockford 2007 promotions, copies of Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly circulated 500 times at Rockford Public Library.

“This year’s program was the most successful One Book, One Rockford to date,” said Frank Novak, Executive Director of Rockford Public Library.  “We hope to keep the momentum going with future exciting One Book, One Rockford programs which will bring our community together for fun and inspiration.”

About the Rockford Public Library

The Rockford Public Library, founded in 1872 as the second library in Illinois, currently has six facilities, including the Main Library and five Branch Libraries. The Rockford Public Library's mission is to enhance community life and development by informing, educating, entertaining, and providing cultural enrichment to all people of all ages by collecting information to address the diverse interests of our dynamic community.

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