The Associates of the Boston Public Library is pleased to invite you to the 29th Annual Literary Lights awards dinner.
Join the BPL on Sunday, April 23, 2017, at the Boston Park Plaza for a spectacular black tie (optional) evening honoring distinguished authors from the Northeast for their contributions to literature and the written word. The evening begins with a reception at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner and the awards program at 7:00 PM.
The Associates of the Boston Public Library are honored to recognize the following authors as their 2017 Literary Lights:
Presented by: Hentry Louis Gates, Jr.
Appiah is a philosopher, novelist, professor and cultural theorist. He grew up in Ghana and earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy at Cambridge University in London. Professor Appiah has lectured around the world and taught at Princeton, Yale, Cornell, Duke and Harvard Universities before moving to New York University where he now teaches in the Department of Philosophy. In 2009 Forbes Magazine named him one of the world’s most powerful thinkers, in 2010 he was on the list of Foreign Policy Magazine’s top global thinkers, and he was awarded the National Humanitarian Medal at a White House ceremony in 2012. Appiah, the author of numerous books and articles, has traveled around the world giving lectures on multiculturalism, global citizenship, courage, identity, and religion. One of his early books, In My Father’s House, which explores the role of African American intellectuals in shaping contemporary African life, won the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award and the Herskovits Award for the most important scholarly work on African studies published in English. Appiah is well known for his columns and podcasts as the Ethicist for the New York Times.
Presented by: Christopher Lydon
Faludi is a journalist and author who has written extensively on gender issues. In 1991 she was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism for a piece on the leverage buyout of Safeway Stores, focusing on the “human cost of high finance.” After graduating from Harvard University, where she wrote for The Harvard Crimson, she was a contributor to the New Yorker, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Nation, as well as many other publications. In the 1980s Faludi wrote several pieces on the feminist movement and the resistance to it, resulting in her 1991 book, Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women, for which she won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction. She went on to write Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man, The Terror Dream, and, most recently, The Darkroom, which was inspired by her father’s transsexuality. She was a fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies in the 2008-2009 academic year and a 2013-2014 Tallman Scholar in the Gender and Women’s Studies Program at Bowdoin College.
Presented by: Andre Dubus III
Lamb is the best-selling author of She’s Come Undone, I know This Much is True, The Hour I First Believed, and Wishin’ and Hopin’. His first two books were selected for Oprah’s Book Club, were New York Times best-sellers, New York Times Notable Books of the Year and, between them, have been translated into 18 languages. His latest novel is We Are Water. Lamb has also edited two volumes of essays: Couldn’t Keep it to Myself and I’ll Fly Away, written by students in his writing workshops at a women’s prison in Connecticut. He has taught creative writing in the English department at the University of Connecticut, was founder and director of the Writing Center at Norwich Free Academy, has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and Connecticut Commission for the Arts, and was honored with the Connecticut Center for the Book’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Presented by: Gregory Maguire
Selznick graduated from RISD where he studied illustration and, while there, took classes in set design at Brown University. After graduation, he worked at a children’s book store in New York City while writing his debut book, The Houdini Box. In 2008 he won the Caldecott Medal from the American Library Association, for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the first such award for a book this long; 533 pages with 284 illustrations. The book was adapted into a 2011 film, Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese. He has also been awarded a 2002 Caldecott Honor for his illustrations of Barbara Kerley’s The Dinosaurs of Waterhorse Hawkins. In addition, Mr. Selznick has received the Texas Bluebonnet Award, the Rhode Island Children’s Book Award and the Christopher Award, given to media which “affirm the highest values of the human spirit.”
Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall (Keynote Speaker)
Presented by: David Leonard
Marshall was born in South Africa where, as a student, she led the National Union of South African Students, working to end oppressive minority rule and achieve equality for all South Africans. Marshall first came to the US as a high school exchange student in Wilmington, DL in 1962, as the civil rights battles were beginning to boil over, and later returned to the US for graduate school, where she became involved with the anti-war and the women’s movements. After Yale Law School, she entered private practice, became President of the Boston Bar Association, Vice President & General Counsel for Harvard University, and then went on to the State’s Supreme Court, where she became the first female Chief Justice of the oldest continuously serving appellate court in the Western Hemisphere. Though she has had many accomplishments, Justice Marshall is most renowned for her 2003 opinion which led Massachusetts to become the first state in the nation to outlaw the ban on same-sex marriage. Although she loved her time on the bench, Justice Marshall stepped down in 2010. She now mentors young lawyers at her former law firm, Choate Hall & Stewart, and teaches at Harvard University.
In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding writers, proceeds from Literary Lights support the David McCullough Conservation Fund, William O. Taylor Art Preservation Fund, Associates Endowment Fund, and the Associates of the Boston Public Library’s operations. The Associates created the McCullough Fund in 2001 to provide a consistent source of funding for the conservation and preservation of books, manuscripts, works of art and historic documents in the BPL’s Special Collections.
If you would prefer to receive a mailed invitation or for more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Associates office at associates@bpl.org or (617) 536-3886. Thank you.
Join Fleming’s Boston for a special cocktail dinner featuring four extraordinary cocktails from A Wicked Fleming’s Dinner. This one-night-only event includes a perfectly prepared four course menu, expertly curated by Sous Chef Poi Ali. Tables are limited, so please reserve yours today.
First Course
Passed Hor D’oeuvres
Savory Apple Flatbread & Seared Ahi Tuna Crostini
Witches Death- Prosecco over Cotton Candy with a Pop Rock Rim
Second Course
Passion Fruit Shrimp
Seared Jumbo Shrimp served with a Passion Fruit Agrodolce Sauce
Land of AHHHS- Malibu Rum Mango Puree lemon juice with a sugared rim
Third Course
Filet and Scallop
Filet over Crispy Potato Pancake garnished Asparagus and a Gorgonzola Cream Sauce paired with Pan Seared Sea Scallops and a Red Pepper Lime Drizzle
Flying Monkey Sangria, Dreaming Tree Merlot Blood Orange Vodka Fruit Juice
Dessert
White Chocolate Mousse
Choice of Good or Evil White Chocolate Mousse
Emerald City- Lemoncello Liqueur
Four Courses, One Great Cause
On October 20, Fleming’s will host a special dining experience with a menu inspired by Napa Valley. Some of the most wonderful Napa wines will be paired with dishes in their signature style of cuisine. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the United Way of the Wine Country to directly help with the relief efforts.
The Napa Valley Wine Harvest
Pairing Experience
First Course
ROASTED GOLDEN BEETS
Goat cheese, toasted pistachios, fresh microgreens drizzled with a lemon balsamic vinaigrette
Paired with Schramsberg, Blanc de Blancs North Coast
Second Course
SAN FRANCISCO BAY SEAFOOD CIOPPINO
Chilean sea bass and jumbo shrimp over hearty gnocchi and roasted tomato broth
paired with Franciscan Oakville Estate, Chardonnay Napa Valley
Third Course
VINTNER’S FILET
sautéed mushroom medley, Napa herb hollandaise, and merlot salt
Paired with Oberonm Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Daou Wine Dinner
Special Guest: George Daou, Owner/ Winemaker
Join Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar for a special wine dinner featuring three extraordinary wines from Daou Vineyards. This one-night-only event includes a perfectly prepared four course menu, expertly curated by Chef Partner Poi Ali. Tables are limited, so please reserve yours today.
First Course
Assorted Passed Hors d’Oeuvres
prosciutto-wrapped high country asparagus and bacon-wrapped scallops
DAOU, Chardonnay Paso Robles, 2015
Second Course
Carpaccio Salad
beef tenderloin, arugula, parmesan crouton, sun-dried tomato, onion, creamy caper vinaigrette
PESSIMIST by DAOU, Red Blend Paso Robles, 2016
Third Course
Iron-Crusted CAB Ribeye with Grilled Shrimp
horseradish mashed potatoes, daou reserve cabernet reduction
DAOU, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Paso Robles, 2015
Fourth Course
Rustic Berry Tart
blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, rustic pie crust
Coffee or Tea
CALL 617-292-0808 TO RESERVE
Fleming’s Boston Celebrates New Zealand and California Sauvignon Blanc
Join Fleming’s Boston for a special wine dinner featuring four extraordinary wines from New Zealand & California. This one-night-only event includes a perfectly prepared five course menu, expertly curated by Chef Partner Poi Ali. Tables are limited, so please reserve yours today.
First Course
Popcorn Crab
meyer lemon drizzle, stone fruit compote, pickled radish red onion
VILLA MARIA, Spring Fruit Sangria Marlborough New Zealand, 2015
Second Course
Seared Scallops
frisée, bacon, roasted tomato, lemon-chili vinaigrette
KIM CRAWFORD, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, 2015
Third Course
Seared Chilean Sea Bass
valencia orange beurre blanc, served aside a butter lettuce bouquet
FROG’S LEAP WINERY, Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford California, 2015
Fourth Course
Iron-Crusted Tenderloin of Beef
duchess potatoes, maître d’hôtel butter
WHITEHAVEN, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, 2015
Dessert
Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée
topped with fresh berries and chantilly cream
Coffee or Tea
Please call 617-292-0808 to reserve today!
Visit Fleming’s Boston at 217 Stuart Street or by clicking here.
Meet and mingle with other Francophiles while celebrating La Chandeleur!
Also called Crêpe Day, la Chandeleur is a French holiday during which people traditionally eat crêpes and drink cidre. Though la Chandeleur is often associated with the Catholic holiday of Candlemas, it actually stems from pagan traditions. And, of course, there is the traditional coin ritual: if you can flip a crêpe while holding a coin in your other hand, you and your family will not have to worry about financial problems. There is even a fun legend that ties Napoleon’s misfortune with his time in Russia with the flipping of the crêpes!
The French Cultural Center will observe this popular holiday with crêpes and a variety of delicious toppings. All ages are invited and welcome to attend!
Please note: When you register for a family, you are registering per family. You will be required to answer a question on the number of family members that will attend.
Early RSVP recommended.
To learn more about the French Cultural Center, please click here.
Kick off your Valentine’s celebrations early with chocolate and wine!
Enjoy a glass of bubbles or a cafe beverage while Rochambeau’s Executive Pastry Chef Michele Fadden and her team lead you through a truffle making class! Use the toppings bar to create six unique truffles and take them home in a heart shaped box for your sweetheart — or for yourself!
For more on Rochambeau, please click here.
Just in time for the most romantic day of the year and returning by popular demand, “15 Shades of Red” is back!
On February 13, step up your Galentine’s Day festivities (guys welcome, too!) with your best amici or main squeeze as you stroll through the store and explore a full range of vini rossi. Throughout the evening, you will discover over 15 shades of red wine—from blush pink colors of light rosés to the robust hues of full-bodied vino.
And because no wine tasting experience at Eataly is complete without food, Eataly is bringing you an array of Valentine’s Day-themed bites – from local oysters to artisanal cheeses to decadent Italian chocolate.
…we know. Is it February 13 yet? Get your tickets now!
For more about Eataly Boston, please click here.
Galentine’s Day = a celebration of female friendships. Galentine’s Day Party at OAK = a fun night out to celebrate with food, drink & more!
Back for year two! OAK Long Bar + Kitchen and The Food Lens are joining forces again to throw a party for ladies to celebrate the ladies in their lives the day before Valentine’s Day, popularly known as Galentine’s Day. On Thursday, February 13, from 6:00–9:00 PM, join their soirée for a night of sipping, snacking, and sweets—all while supporting a local charity that serves homeless women.
Here’s how they’ll be honoring the ladies:
- With a tasting of standout rosés produced by lady vintners
- With signature Galentine’s themed cocktails
- With a sweets station from OAK’s pastry chef, Lindsay Le Blanc
- With cheese sourced from female purveyors, plus a charcuterie spread
- With delicious passed hors d’oeuvres and a bountiful raw bar
- With a chance to win a gift basket filled with tasty and pampering items from local women-owned businesses
- With a playlist featuring the queens of pop
Tickets are $55 and include all food, two specialty cocktails, the wine tasting, and a charitable monetary donation. *They will donate $10 from your ticket* to Women’s Lunch Place, a daytime shelter on Newbury Street offering a safe sanctuary, nutritious meals and critical support services for Boston women experiencing poverty and homelessness.
“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year!” – Leslie Knope. The holiday was created by the show “Parks and Recreation” and has since transcended the TV screen to become a beloved tradition of celebrating female friendships annually on February 13, whether that be your friend, sister, co-worker, mom, partner, or other!
For more about OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, please click here.
ABOUT THE FOOD LENS
The Food Lens is a curated website that enables the culinarily curious to discover or rediscover Boston’s dining scene. Eternally curious and always hungry, female founders Molly Ford and Sarah Jesup have eaten their way through the city, culling the most authentic dining experiences Boston has to offer.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the three C’s: champagne, cheese and chocolate.
Sample our innovative and classic menu which will evoke your senses while you dine on a menu inspired by the C3‘s:.
Arrive to a warm welcome with acomplimentary champagne cocktail. You are then guided through an extraordinary 5 course dinner created by Swiss Executive Chef Markus Ripperger. Savor the sensuous flavors, smells, and textures, and challenge your palate to discover. There will be some commentary on the compilation of the menu items and the making of them.
Menu
Champagne Soup Sampler
Trilogy of gingered organic Veuve Clicquot carrot soup, crémant cheese, caramelized beet and Moet soup, cream of French pea with a hint of Perrier-Jouët and parmesan crisp.
Vegetarian option: Same as above
Textures from the Oceans
Skillet seared lobster and gulf shrimp, baked in a filo crisp, green apple, organic arugula, white chocolate ribbons, rosé champagne vinaigrette.
Vegetarian option: Garden vegetables baked in a filo crust with green apples, lemon thyme and arugula lettuce.
Intermezzo
Champagne sorbet with cantaloupe melon pearls and Madagascar coco dusting
The Big C³ entree
peppered beef tenderloin, coco crusted Lamb rib, cheese crusted veal tenderloin, Mousseline potatoes, haricot vert with miniature carrots.
Vegetarian option:Parmesan Polenta cakes with roasted red peppers, chargrilled portobella mushrooms, spinach, garden vegetables aged balsamic glaze, olive tapenade.
Heavenly Sweets
bittersweet crackle, double chocolate & champagne crème brûlée and Swiss chocolate cheesecake.
Vegetarian option: Same as above
For more about Hampshire House, please click here.
