A dynamic morning of culinary inspiration unfolds at the Open Space, from hands-on demonstrations to a celebrated cookbook panel — with something for every kind of food lover.
Kids in the Kitchen | 9:00 AM
The morning opens with a kid-friendly demonstration featuring chef Abra Berens alongside a group of young chefs — including two budding food entrepreneurs with aspiring businesses of their own — in a joyful celebration of curiosity and creativity in the kitchen.
The Cookbook Panel | 11:00 AM
Four celebrated cookbook authors take the stage for a wide-ranging conversation moderated by Matt Rodbard — writer, editor, founding editor of the James Beard Award-winning online magazine TASTE, and New York Times bestselling author of Koreatown: A Cookbook and Food IQ. Joining him are Abra Berens, Michigan-based chef and author of the beloved Ruffage, Pulp, and Grist; Lindsay Gardner, northern Michigan illustrator and author of Why We Cook: Women on Food, Identity, and Connection; Anna Ansari, Metro Detroit author of Silk Roads: A Flavor Odyssey with Recipes from Baku to Beijing; and Martin Sorge, winner of The Great American Baking Show and author of the debut cookbook Great Bakes: Modern Classic Recipes from the Midwest — with a foreword penned by his fellow panelist, Abra Berens. Expect a lively, candid conversation about writing, cooking, identity, and the stories that bring food to life on the page.
Kevin Tien | 12:00 PM
The morning concludes with chef Kevin Tien of Washington D.C.'s Moon Rabbit — recently named to North America's 50 Best Restaurants — taking the stage for a captivating demonstration showcasing the techniques and philosophy behind his celebrated modern Vietnamese cuisine.
Friday Morning Schedule
Guests are invited to come and go as the morning proceeds based on their interests and attention spans!
Coffee, Tea and Water will be available for all guests.
James Beard–Nominated Chef and Author | Advocate for Equitable Food Systems | Chef at Granor Farm in Michigan | Author of Ruffage, Grist, and Pulp
Winner of the Great American Baking Show | Cookbook Author | Baking Nerd
Cookbook Author | 2026 Food Writer of the Year
TASTE Magazine Founding Editor | NY Times Best Selling Author | James Beard Award Winner
Food & Wine Best New Chef Winner | 5 Time James Beard Nominee | Michelin Guide Recognized Chef