The Art of Cookbook Writing

The Art and Evolution of Cookbook Writing: Inspiration, Process, and Impact

Join Jonathan Cheung, chef and owner of Appetite for Books, as he hosts a panel of esteemed writers from Nova Scotia and Montréal. With over 20 years of experience in the culinary world, Jonathan facilitates engaging discussions on food culture, creativity, and the art of culinary storytelling. This panel will explore the journey of writing your first cookbook, focusing on how ideas around specific recipes and memories develop, as well as the writing process itself. The event will conclude with a book signing featuring the assembled authors.

Panel participants include: Lesley Chesterman, Janice Tiefenbach, Aimee Wimbush-Bourque, Jean-Sébastien Giguère & Christine Flynn

Ticket Price: $15.00 regular, $12.00 student/senior
Books will be available for purchase from our Box Office
Sponsored by Appetite for Books and Community Partner: Taste Canada

Moderator Jonathan Cheung

Jonathan Cheung is the chef and owner of Appetite for Books, a renowned cookbook store and culinary space in Montréal. From here, he shares his love of food through engaging cooking classes and culinary events, earning him a loyal following for 20+ years. Originally from Vancouver, Jonathan attended the culinary program at VCC, which led him to work in Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Montréal. With over two decades of culinary experience, Jonathan continues to contribute to the food scene as Food Correspondent on CBC Radio One Montréal. He has been featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Layover, Iron Chef Canada, Breakfast Television Montréal, and is the co-author of Montréal Cooks: A Tasting Menu from the City’s Leading Chefs. @findmeinthedishpit @appetite4books

Janice Tiefenbach

Janice Tiefenbach is the Executive Chef at Gia Vin & Grill in Montréal and co-author of Salad Pizza Wine: And Many More Good Things from Elena. Inspired by traditional Italian cuisine, her human and intuitive approach to cooking celebrates the best of Québec’s local ingredients. Originally from Ontario, Janice has lived and worked in Montréal for over 20 years since coming to study fine arts at Concordia University. Québec is now her home, and she is passionate about all things Italian, especially handmade pasta. @staniceb @giagiagiamtl @elenamontreal

Aimee Wimbush-Bourque

Aimée Wimbush-Bourque is a Canadian food writer, chef, and the author of the bestselling Brown Eggs and Jam Jars and award-winning The Simple Bites Kitchen. Aimée’s website, Simple Bites, emphasizes the importance of bringing the whole family together around the table. Here, Aimée draws on her homesteading upbringing, culinary training, and years as a recipe developer to serve up simple, comprehensive recipes featuring seasonal ingredients. A passionate cookbook enthusiast, Aimée founded an East Coast cookbook club that celebrates creativity, community, and cake. An advocate for the #zerohunger Global Goal, she has worked with organizations like Plan Canada, World Food Program, and the UN to achieve SDG #2. She lives with her husband and three children in Halifax, Nova Scotia. @aimeebourque

Jean-Sébastien Giguère

Jean-Sébastien Giguère is a Montréal-based chef whose culinary journey began with his Italian grandmother and culminated at the esteemed Toqué!. A pivotal figure in numerous restaurant openings, he now serves as executive chef and partner at Cogir Restaurants, overseeing multiple concepts including Le Coureur des Bois, Restaurant h3, La Cabane du Coureur, and Climats at Time Out Market MTL. His cuisine beautifully blends Québec’s terroir with global influences. Additionally, he is the author of Climats, a cookbook that explores the flavours of Québec, harmonizing the region’s culinary offerings with the rhythm of its seasons. @cabaneducoureur @restaurantcoureurdesbois @restauranth3 @loungeh3 @terrassealize @climats_brasserie

Christine Flynn

Christine Flynn is a best-selling cookbook author, chef, recipe developer, and mother of three. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Chatelaine Magazine, and The Globe and Mail, among others. Christine has also appeared in various media, including The Good Stuff with Mary Berg, as a sous chef on all six seasons of Food Network’s Firemasters, and as a guest judge on Bravo’s Top Chef. Christine’s third cookbook, Easy Does It: Smart Techniques and Simple Strategies for Stunning Food, is now available for pre-order anywhere in North America. Christine lives on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, where she hosts fabulous dinner parties and teaches cooking classes. @christineanneflynn