Gourmet Magazine editor-in-chief Ruth Reichl is the guest of honor at a sumptuous four-course dinner at highly-praised Supper restaurant–and you’re invited! You’ll sample fresh and local food prepared by chef Mitch Prensky, who offers his own take on recipes from the new Gourmet Now cookbook. As you drink and dine on fine cuisine, you’ll hear about Reichl’s fascinating life and get a “first taste” of the 2009 First Person Festival from one of the artists seated at your table. This palate-pleasing preview fills up fast, so purchase early!

Edible World Foobooz Burger Cruise – Tuesday, November 3

Tour starts at 1 South Broad Street

6-9pm

Food & Drink

In advance: $45 (First Person Arts members) / $50 (general public) – $50/$55 after 10/25

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Philadelphia is known for its gastropub phenomenon–bars serving top notch food and excellent beers in a casual atmosphere. And every gastropub worth its salt needs a good burger. Join Foobooz Editor Art Etchells as we tour Center City, sampling the best burgers and beers from bars and restaurants that have also gotten on board with the burger explosion. Space for this event is extremely limited, so buy your tickets early!

Speakeasy Opening Night Reception – Wednesday, November 4

Food & Drink, Free For Members

5-6pm

Free for members, $20 general public at door

In the spirit of the 1930’s, First Person Arts recreates the electric atmosphere of the prohibition speakeasy. From Wednesday through Saturday, from 5-9pm, the Festival Speakeasy will host an open bar and snacks free for our members in your own private lounge, where you can meet and mingle and share a drink with First Person Arts staff and Festival artists. This special opening-night party features Tub Gin drinks and a delicious spread from Tria Café. The Speakeasy will be opening Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights FREE for members!

America Eats – Wednesday, November 4

6-7:30 pm

Food & Drink, Reading/Presentation, Book Signing

In advance: $20 (First Person Arts members) / $25 (general public) – $25/$30 after 10/25

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Chitlin Feasts. Fish Fries. Box Supper Socials. Food rituals bring people together — especially in hard times. Resurrecting a Depression-era writers’ project that dispatched writers across America to document the roots of American regional cuisine, renowned food writer Pat Willard re-traced the steps of writers like Eudora Welty and Ralph Ellison to discover how those traditions are being carried forward today. Willard will serve up stories as they are meant to be heard — over a full plate at a family-style buffet from Jack’s Firehouse. Space for this event is limited, so purchase tickets early.

The Girl From Foreign – Sunday, November 8

Noon-2 pm

In advance: $20 (First Person Arts members) / $25 (general public) – $25/$30 after 10/25

Presentation, film screening, Q&A, book signing, lunch, concert

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Sadia Shepard, daughter of a Christian/American father and Muslim/Pakistani mother, understood the complexities of a multi-cultural household. What made her melting pot overflow was the discovery that her grandmother had been born Jewish. Compelled to reclaim her roots, she travelled to India to discover the history of the Jews of India, believed to be descendents of the lost tribes of Israel. She brings this journey to life in her memoir The Girl from Foreign and her film In Search of the Bene Israel, which she presents at the festival. Music by the Lenny Seidman Tabla Choir and a buffet by Ekta Indian Restaurant evoke the tastes and sounds of her unusual history.