SUNDRE — The local library once again paired up the culinary and literary arts after teaming up with local restaurants to offer themed meals.
“There’s no doubt that two of the great things in life are delicious food and great books,” Karen Tubb, Sundre Municipal Library manager, wrote in a press release.
“So why not put them together into one fabulous event! That is the premise behind Books2Eat, an annual event held in the spring in venues around the world.”
The inaugural Books2Eat at the Sundre library was held in 2019 as a fundraiser, at the time bringing in more than $500 for programs.
“An enthusiastic group of foodies and readers gathered to chat with chefs from eight local restaurants, and taste-test their scrumptious, literature-based dishes,” she said.
But what would have been the second annual event last year was cancelled because of the pandemic.
“The arrival of COVID in 2020 prevented a repeat of this delicious event, but in 2021 the library decided to create Books2Eat with a twist,” she said, adding four local restaurants agreed to partner up with the library to conjure up culinary creations inspired by a literary theme.
“Backwoods Bakery created the Harry Potter/Hogwarts meal of shepherd’s pie and apple crisp, Cedar’s Pub offered The Canadian No. 1 with an elk burger with all the fixings while Original T’s presented The Canadian No. 2 with the bison burger and fixings, and Piros Family Restaurant provided The Island Escape, complete with Greek entrees and baklava.”
Additionally, Main Avenue Liquor Store made available beverage pairing suggestions for any feasters who were interested.
“We are so grateful to these restaurants for their partnership and their generosity in donating a share of ticket sales to the library,” she said.
Since a social dine-in experience similar to the one hosted at the library in 2019 was not an option amid the ongoing pandemic, people who purchased tickets simply had to drop by the participating restaurants to pick up their respective meals.
Just shy of $800 was raised this year — almost $300 more than in 2019 — with no shortage of enthusiasm for next spring, by which point it is hoped people will once again be able to gather for the literary feast.
