Anne Willan has had a prolific career in the culinary arts and is recognized as one of the world’s preeminent authorities on French cooking. She founded Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris in 1975.
An experienced teacher, author, culinary historian, and food columnist, Willan has authored more than 30 books, including the influential La Varenne Pratique and the 17-volume Look and Cook series, showcased in her 26-part PBS program. Much in demand as a teacher, Willan has given demonstrations all over the world and has often appeared on The Martha Stewart Show. Published in April 2012, The Cookbook Library is based on her extensive antiquarian cookbook collection.
In her research, Willan discovered that the first printed cookbook came from Austria. After her talk, which will include insights about the food enjoyed by Gustav Klimt’s Viennese ancestors, guests will be invited to visit Gustav Klimt: The Magic of Line, the first retrospective dedicated to Klimt’s drawings, on view now at the Getty Center until September 23.
Willan signs books beginning at 10:30am. Afterward, participants will enjoy a formal, old-world French-inspired, three-course prix fixe lunch in the Private Dining Room at the Getty Center Restaurant.
The formal prix fixe lunch is $75 a person, or $90 with wine pairings. The book-signing is free, as is admission to the Getty Center. Parking is $15. The Cookbook Library and Willan’s previous book Country Cooking of France can be ordered online when you make reservations, and will be available for purchase in front of the restaurant on September 12, 2012.
The Getty will be scheduling more Celebrity Chef events at both the Getty Villa and the Getty Center, connecting food and wine with the collections and exhibitions at the Museum.