The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden held a reception for the patrons of the 11th annual “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon on October 30 in the home of Diane and Scott Sealy.
The symposium “AUTHENTIC TEXAS…food and gardens” to be held on November 2 features three authors presenting engaging histories showcasing the cultural influences that shaped the distinct styles of Texas food, heartfelt stories about the farming and ranching families that are in the forefront of the organic food movement, and personal experiences that celebrate the value of using native plants and flowers in the planned landscape.
For the reception, guests were treated not only to a preview of the books that will be available for sale at the event, but also sampled appetizers made with recipes from Texas author Jessica Dupuy’s new cookbook United Tastes of Texas: Authentic Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State.
Women’s Council President Melissa Lewis introduced Honorary Chair Nancy Bierman, founder of “A Writer’s Garden” and Past President of the Women’s Council. She also thanked Dorothea Meltzer for securing another stellar line up of authors for the program, ensuring the success of the event. Dorothea has worked tirelessly to plan the speakers for the past several years.
None of the featured authors could be present so special guests for the evening were Nanci Taylor and Terri Taylor from the local magazine Edible Dallas & Forth Worth. For eight years, they have shared stories of the North Texas food community including growers, food and drink artisans, merchants, restaurateurs and chefs. The quarterly publication features recipes from each season.
Sponsors for the event include Dallas law firm Geary, Porter & Donovan (third year of sponsorship), Hilton Dallas/Park Cities, Worth New York, and Edible Dallas & Fort Worth.
About the Symposium and Luncheon
The symposium was held Thursday, November 2, 2017, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, at the Arboretum’s Rosine Hall and is part of the Women’s Council’s 35th Anniversary Celebration.
The featured authors:
Jessica Dupuy, Austin, TX, well-known columnist for Texas Monthly and author of “United Tastes of Texas: Authentic Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State”;
Pamela Walker, Santa Fe, NM, local farm and food activist, and author of “Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas: Profiles of Organic Farmers and Ranchers across the State”;
Andrea De-Long-Amaya, Austin, TX, Director of Horticulture, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, garden columnist and teacher.