Briggs Library Foundation to Host Chef Villegas of Public Television

 
Well into its sixth year since reorganization, the Briggs Public Library Foundation is gearing up for the fifth annual Honors and Authors night, Tuesday April 27 at the Emerald Golf Course.   The yearly event, designed to recognize donors and supporters of the Foundation, features an appearance by an author or writer along with refreshments and a social period to mingle with guests. 
 
Previous guest presenters included St. Johns natives Lynn Henning, sports writer for the Detroit Free Press and Janet Sinke, author and publisher of widely acclaimed children’s books.  Others were Elsie poet Larry Howland and artist/author Gijsbert VanFrankenhayzen.
 
This year’s event will include a new attraction.  The principal speaker is a current Public Broadcast Service personality; cook book author and former restaurateur who will not only discuss his various roles, but will also perform a cooking demonstration with samples.  Eric Villegas who, from 1987 to 2007, owned and operated two of mid-Michigan’s most unique award winning restaurants, Dusty’s Wine Bar and Restaurant Villegas, will be the special guest. 

Jay Eccleton, left, of The Emerald Golf Course and Tom French, center, confirm arrangements for this year’s “Honors and Authors Night” at the Emerald. French and Bill Brewbaker, right, are co-chairs of the annual event which is sponsored by the Board of Directors of Briggs Public Library Foundation.
 
The Michigan born Villegas embarked on his culinary career after studying liberal arts at Michigan State University.  Moving to Paris, he attended Anne Willan’s LaVarenne Ecole de Cuisine and Steven Spurrier’s Academie du Vin.  After two years abroad, Chef Villegas returned to the States to continue his studies at the New England Culinary Institute, where he specialized in the service aspect of hospitality supervising the school’s flagship dining room.
 
Villegas debuted on PBS in 2001 with his “Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas.”  In late 2007 “Fork” began national distribution on PBS offering his unique take on regional and sustainable Michigan agriculture and cuisine to the rest of the country.  His companion cook book hit store shelves in late 2007 and immediately was honored as one of Michigan’s most notable books of the year.
 
Villegas’ appearance in St. Johns is but one of many appearances he makes throughout the year, offering audiences a refreshing and delightful evening of humor, information and taste.