The palate-pleasing combination of signature food tastings from top local restaurants will be paired with well-known Lowcountry authors and topped with an exciting “The Heat Is On” chefs’ competition at Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry’s 4^th Annual Winter Fundraiser, COOKS & BOOKS, on Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 11:30 to 4:00 at The Mall at Shelter Cove.

Coordinated by LVL’s Friends of Literacy fund-raising organization, Cooks & Books promises to be an afternoon of culinary delights and entertainment.  Sonny Dixon of WTOC-TV Channel 11 in Savannah will serve as master of ceremonies.  Admission to Cooks & Books is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  The ticket includes unlimited tastings, access to the Lowcountry authors, the chefs’ competition, “The Heat is On” and the opportunity to vote for a favorite tasting in “The Peoples’ Choice.”    For information please call 815-6616 or check the website www.lowcountryliteracy.org.

14 Lowcountry Restaurants Offering Tastings

Red Fish, Old Fort Pub, Antonio’s, Tapas, CQ’s, Wise Guys Lounge      Frankie Bones,Bistro 17, Alligator Grille, Charley’s Crab, French Bakery, Deli-By-The-Beach, Aqua Grille & Lounge, Kenny B’s French Quarter Café

9 Lowcountry Authors and Cookbook Authors – 12:30 pm-2:30 pm

Kathryn Wall

Patti Callahan Henry

Sallie Ann Robinson

Karen White

C.J. Lyons

Mary Kay Andrews

Jackie K. Cooper

Joni Graybill

Mark Yarbrough

“The Heat is ON” – Chefs’ Competition

• The first two rounds are elimination rounds and the third round will pit the winners of the elimination rounds against each other.

• The first round begins at 12:00 and will run for 30 minutes.

• The second round begins at 1:00 and will run until 1:30.

• The final round starts at 2:00 and will finish at 2:30.

• Chefs will be judged on creativity, taste, presentation and number of dishes created within a half hour’s time.

10 Competing Chefs

Stephen Stewart of TidePointe

Ryan Alpaugh of Alligator Grille

Keith Josefiak of Old Fort Pub

Rob Britton of Charley’s Crab

Yuri Gow of Antonio’s

Eric Seaglund of Aqua Grille & Lounge

Luke Lyons of   Frankie Bones

Russell Keane of Wise Guys

Kenny Ballard of Kenny B’s French Quarter Café

Chris Carge of Bistro 17

Chefs’ Competition Judges

Ron Andrews – Executive Chef @ Bray’s Island Plantation

Wolfgang Biere – pastry chef

Jean Vandeville, Culinary Instructor – Savannah Tech

Premier Preview Party

Friday, February 19, 2010   6:00-9:00 pm

TidePointe, a Classic Residence by Hyatt

The party will showcase event authors and feature a silent auction.  Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres creations by TidePointe Executive Chef Stephen Stewart in the newly redecorated Club House Tickets are $75.00 per person

Advance Tickets to Cooks & Books

Advance tickets can be purchased at; Literacy Volunteers’ Hilton Head office, 4 Oak Park Drive – off Mathews Drive; Literacy Volunteers’ Bluffton Office, 1-B Kitties Landing Way – off Rt. 46; Literacy Volunteers’ Beaufort Office, 1403 Prince Street; Burke’s Main Street Pharmacy, Hilton Head; Markel’s Cards & Gifts, Kittie’s Crossing; Le Cookery, Wexford Village Shoppes, Hilton Head