Bestselling Author Speech at Books Inc.

Debra Samuels, a bestselling author, cooking instructor and food writer, will be at Books Inc (74 Town and Country Village) in Palo Alto on Friday, September 23 from 7 to 8 PM to discuss her latest book, My Japanese Table: A Lifetime of Cooking with Friends and Family.  This free event includes a book talk and book signing.

Debra Samuels brings a collection of recipes gathered from friends, chefs and her own creations together in her latest cookbook, My Japanese Table.  Samuels has more than 25 years of experience teaching Japanese cuisine to groups of Americans and in My Japanese Table she presents dishes that are accessible to the home cook.

“Debra is able to take the intricacies of Japanese cuisine and translate them into a very approachable cookbook," said Roy Yamaguchi, the Chef and Founder of Roy's Restaurants. "From simple street foods to sushi, seafood and comforting desserts, it’s a journey through my memories of Japan.”

Samuels grew up in a Jewish family in New York, but she says she and her palate came of age when she studied in Japan as a young adult.  Since that first visit, Samuels has spent more than ten years living in Japan over the span of four decades.  My Japanese Table is sprinkled with personal stories that make clear Samuels love for Japan, its people and its cuisine.

My Japanese Table includes classic dishes such as Chicken Teriyaki, Japanese Potstickers, and Udon Noodles with Everything.  It also includes contemporary dishes such as Lobster Rolls with Wasabi Mayonnaise, Spicy Tuna Tartar Shiso Wraps, and Mochi Wrapped Strawberries.  Samuels makes entertaining easy with her Sushi Hand Roll Party and beautiful Smoked Salmon Pressed Sushi, and she gives the American lunchbox a makeover with her instructional chapter on bento, the traditional Japanese lunch.  Perfectly portioned and nutritionally balanced, bento is perfect for kids who need a healthier midday meal or for adults looking to lose weight through portion control.