The Ultimate Holiday Cookbook Social brings together top chefs, foodies

Calling all foodies: Join the area's hottest chefs and cookbook authors at the Palace Ballroom on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. for the "Ultimate Holiday Cookbook Social." The tasty soirée features appearances by local food personalities – Jerry Traunfeld of The Herbfarm, Thierry Rautureau of Rover's Restaurant, Fran Bigelow of Fran's Chocolates Ltd., and Keith Robbins of Tini Bigs Lounge, to name a few – as well as cooking demonstrations, recipe tastings and cookbook signings.

Hosted by Tom Douglas, the chef and owner of the Dahlia Lounge, Etta's Seafood, Palace Kitchen and Lola, this is an occasion to bring your appetite and your gift list. Tuck Douglas' newest cookbook, "I Love Crab Cakes!" (Morrow/HarperCollins), under the tree for the gourmet on your list. Packed with dozens of Douglas' famous recipes, the book tackles every crab-cake related topic, from bread crumbs vs. panko to pan-frying vs. deep-frying.

Is your stomach growling? Tickets to the social are $15 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and include two drink tickets. Chef demonstrations and tastings are complimentary.

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