A'la Art

Friends of Literacy Get Ready for Cooks and Books

    Hmm...yum...the art of eating and reading. What better way to spend a day, sampling great food and in the company of best-selling Lowcountry authors. How brilliant of the Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry to combine exciting chefs from top local restaurants with best-selling fiction and non-fiction authors, and how gracious of Key Infiniti and TidePointe, a Classic Residence by Hyatt, to sponsor Cooks and Books, an invaluable day for the literacy organization.
    "It's probably not a well-known fact that as many as 22 percent of Beaufort County adults lack basic literacy skills. We are here to assist those who need help in basic reading and math," said Carol Bruno, Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry's development and public relations director. "We understand it's a difficult decision to walk into our office, but we can enhance lives so very much and enable them to acquire skills necessary to succeed in family, workplace and community."
    Co-chairing Cooks and Books with Ann Coffey, Carol admits, "It's a busy time coordinating the area's best restaurants and writers, but it's an important and enjoyable day. On May 18, for only $20 per person, we'll welcome visitors from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., not only for scrumptious tastings and the opportunity to chat with popular writers and purchase autographed books, but to enjoy chefs challenging one another." Modeled after Iron Chefs TV competition, "The Heat is On" winners move into "Best Under Fire." They will have 45 minutes to create delicious dishes with a basket of mystery ingredients. In this competition, the chefs will be judged on taste, creativity and presentation. Monies raised go toward funding the literacy programs offered at 13 sites throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties.
    Among the featured chefs will be Stephen Stewart from TidePointe, Brad Blake of Blake's, James Hudson of Myrtle's, Luke Lyons of Alligator Grill, Keith Josefiak of Old Fort Pub, Ardis Mathews of Tapas, Bob Britton of Charlie's Crab, Branco Raiac of Flora's Italian Restaurant, Sean Walsh of Red Fish, Eric Sayers of CQ's and Chris Hewitt from Southern Grace's Catering.
    Writers adding to the excitement include Mary Alice Monroe, Wilbur Cross, Kathryn Wall, Kim Likins, Fran Marscher, Emory Campbell, Cassandra King, Roger Pinckney, Sallie Ann Robinson, Damon Lee Fowler, Catherine Forrester, Bob Waggoner and South Carolina's Poet Laureate, Marjory Wentworth. WTOC's Sonny Dixon will add his talents as Master of Ceremonies.
    TidePointe, a Classic Residence by Hyatt, will host a preview party on Friday, May 9. Tickets to the invitation-only evening, showcasing event authors and restaurants are $50 per person.
    Other companies participating in the Literacy fundraiser, coordinated by LVL's Friends of Literacy, include Hilton Head Monthly as a Premier Sponsor and Walden Book Company and Palmetto Electric Cooperative as Patron Sponsors. Area businesses recognize the importance of the 33-year history of Literacy Volunteers helping to bridge the gap between their needs and applicant's skills. Businesses are additionally aware that low literacy is responsible for more than $20 billion annually in lost wages, profits and productivity, and feel their assistance works towards eradicating this problem.
    A ticket purchased today, will mean higher skills for more tomorrow. Call 686-6655 for information and ticket locations. Practice the art of eating and reading to help those lacking basic literacy skills.
Literacy changes lives, and so can we by participating May 18 in the fun-filled Cooks and Books day at the Mall at Shelter Cove!