Library of Virginia to host talk with culinary historians Michael Twitty and Leni Sorensen

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Library of Virginia will host a talk with award-winning culinary historian Michael W. Twitty on his new book, "Recipes From the American South," alongside culinary historian Leni Sorenson.

The talk will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the Library of Virginia's Lecture Hall, followed by a book signing.

Twitty is an acclaimed culinary historian and the author of "The Cooking Gene," a memoir that won a James Beard Award. He has also written "Rice" and "Koshersoul."

Sorensen has worked as a university lecturer, museum consultant, hands-on presenter and researcher with a focus on African American slavery, American agriculture, and women’s work in colonial and post-colonial America, according to the Library of Virginia.

Michael W. Twitty. (Photo: Library of Virginia)

Leni Sorenson. (Photo: Library of Virginia)

"Recipes From the American South" builds on Twitty's memoir to showcase the complexity of food traditions influenced by European, Indigenous, African and immigrant communities.

"With more than 260 recipes, Twitty offers a broad view of the culinary sweep of Southern history and its many cultures, bringing to life everything from timeless classics to lesser-known regional specialties," said a spokesperson for the Library of Virginia. "'Recipes From the American South' celebrates Southern food’s memory keepers and practitioners."

The event comes as part of the Carole Weinstein Author Series, with each book talk being free and open to the public, and followed by a Q&A with audience members and a book signing.

Registration is required. Seating in the Lecture Hall is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited free parking is available in the deck underneath the library's building.

To find more information and to register, visit the Library of Virginia's website.