Celebrate Food and Books at the Upcoming Appetite for Words Festival
5 Reasons to get Excited for Stratford’s Appetite for Words Festival
Pack your bags and get ready for a weekend of delicious food, great conversations with inspiring authors, and new friends – the Appetite for Words Festival is fast approaching!
If you’ve been meaning to explore the charming town of Stratford, Ontario, now’s your chance. From October 25th to October 28th, you can join other book-loving foodies for a fantastic weekend line-up.
Here are 5 reasons we can’t wait to go:
- We’ll already be in the swing of things…
On October 20th, author Sarah Selecky is hosting an amazing event that will give you a taste of what’s to come. She’ll be discussing and sharing from her recent book Radiant Shimmering Light (which we can’t recommend enough), while you sip on a glass of wine and enjoy a delicious spread of treats. How relaxing does that sound? Make sure you start your Stratford trip off right and check out her book club event here! 6:00 PM at the Stratford Chefs School | $45.00
- We’ll explore different cultural and environmental approaches to food
Officially kicking off the festival on Thursday is a three-course meal with wine pairings alongside author and classically trained chef David Wolfman. A member of Xaxli’p First Nation, David is an expert in Indigenous cuisine as well as the executive producer and host of Cooking with the Wolfman. He’ll be sharing about his approach to cooking, traditional Indigenous cuisine, and more on his book Cooking with the Wolfman: Indigenous Fusion. 7:00 PM at the Stratford Chefs School Kitchens | $84.75
Saturday’s events start with a Perth County Farm Lunch, which sounds just about perfect to us. An earth-to-table experience awaits at this event hosted by executive chef and author of Earth to Table Every Day, Jeff Crump. Held at the sustainably-focused Church Hill Farm, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the grounds before enjoying a ploughman’s style buffet lunch as well as a discussion and reading with Jeff Crump. 10:30 AM at the Church Hill Farm | $56.50
- We’ll hear from inspiring female authors
Eat, Travel, Dream: A Literary Dinner with Jackie Kai Ellis – okay, those first three words had us immediately sold on this Saturday event! Our host is travel and lifestyle writer, founder of Beaucoup Bakery, owner of The Paris Tours, and author of The Measure of My Powers, Jackie Kai Ellis. You can enjoy delicious food and an empowering discussion as Jackie shares what she learned on her own journey of self-discovery, paved with good food, self-love, and finding true meaning in life. 7:00 PM at the Stratford Chefs School Kitchens | $84.75
Get a taste of France, without the price of a plane ticket! Join recipe developer, contributing editor for Food & Wine magazine, and author of nine cookbooks Jane Sigal for a Friday night full of French inspiration. This event features a three-course meal with wine pairings inspired by Jane’s books, a chance to hear from Jane as she shares about her life and career, and an opportunity to buy and have signed her latest book, Bistronomy: Recipes from the Best New Paris Bistros. 7:00 PM at the Stratford Chefs School | $84.75
- We’ll learn about food writing, hosting, and more, from the pros themselves
On Saturday, you can learn what it takes to succeed as a food writer from seasoned author and contributing Food & Wine magazine editor Jane Sigal. In this class, Jane will discuss writing strategies for recipes, magazines, and books, and will also share from her own vast career experience. Plus, it’s free! A total win-win. 3:30 PM at the Stratford Chefs School | Free
Brunch, books, and a Q&A with Anna Olson – what more could you ask for on a Sunday morning? Join Food Network star and author Anna Olson for an intimate brunch inspired by her favourite recipes. She’ll share her tips for hosting holiday get-togethers and guests will receive a copy of her latest cookbook, Set for the Holidays, as well as a Bradshaw’s gift bag and a meet-and-greet with Anna. 10:30 AM at the Revival House | $79.10
- We’ll get to explore Stratford!
Known for its artsy vibe, love of theatre (especially Shakespeare), and a certain pop music sensation, Stratford is a hub of creative energy and the perfect destination for a fall getaway – especially when you can come home to a cozy bed and breakfast like the Rosehurst. This thoughtfully-renovated century home, originally built in 1896, is our top pick if you want to live like a local and be within walking distance to Stratford’s amazing theatres and restaurants.
Excited? Us too! Tickets are available now, but events are selling out. Learn more about each event and get your tickets before they’re gone. See you there!
Shannon Hodgen is a lifelong writer, DIY enthusiast, and homebody. She satisfies her need to put pen to paper–or, more accurately, fingertips to keyboard–as an agency copywriter, blog contributor, and freelance editor in Toronto.
Favourite Book: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Favourite Brunch Spot: Dirty Food Eatery in The Junction
