David Sedaris decodes contemporary cuisine, M.F.K. Fisher considers the oyster, Eric Schlosser uncovers the horrors of fast food--these are just a few of the delights served up in American Food Writing: An Anthology with Classic Recipes, a new collection from The Library of America that covers 250 years of writing about American foodways. To celebrate its publication, CalArts president Steven Lavine welcomes the volume’s editor, Molly O’Neill, for a roundtable on the pleasures of great food writing. O’Neill, a columnist for The New York Times Magazine and the host of the PBS series Great Food, is joined by top Los Angeles chefs and food writers to read and reflect on favorite passages from the anthology. Hunger, fast food, dieting, food and sex--all are fair game in this mouthwatering discussion.

Steven D. Lavine welcomes the American Food Writing: An Anthology with Classic Recipes editor for a roundtable discussion.

Panelists include:
Barry Glassner: Author of "The Gospel of Food," and USC Professor.

Evan Kleiman: Host of 'Good Food' on KCRW , and executive chef of Angeli Caffe in Los Angeles

Shirley Lim: Chef, Professor, English Department UC Santa Barbara

Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger: Chef-owners, cookbook authors, radio and TV personalities

Before we get started, join us for gourmet snacks created from recipes in Molly O’Neill’s book, provided by some of downtown L.A.’s hottest chefs from Café Metropol, Ciudad and Weiland Brewery.

Border Grill and Ciudad - Chef and owners Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger

Cafe Metropol - Owner Angie An, chef Michael Rupp

Weiland's Brewery - Owner Rick Bennett; chef Seth Juncal