Jacques Pépin presents “Art of the Chicken”

The Texas Book Festival is thrilled to announce hosting sixteen-time James Beard Award winner Jacques Pépin with his newest book Jacques Pépin Art of the Chicken, a book celebrating his lifelong love of chickens, featuring dozens of his celebrated paintings and more than 50 recipes, along with a treasure trove of poignant and often humorous stories. Pépin’s session will take place Saturday, November 5 at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Austin.

Book tickets to see this legendary chef are available now, and each book ticket includes one copy of Art of the Chicken and grants access to priority seating and the signing line. 

ABOUT ART OF THE CHICKEN

Chicken may not be a fancy or extravagant ingredient, but for master chef Jacques Pépin, it is the one he turns to regularly. In this beautifully illustrated book, Jacques reminisces on his life through the lens of the humble bird, from his childhood in rural France, where he chased chickens and watched as his maman turned them into her poulet à la crème, to his demanding apprenticeship and long, illustrious career—cooking Chicken Chasseur for Charles de Gaulle and his family, turning down a chance to work as JFK’s White House Chef for a job at Howard Johnson’s, and appearing on television alongside food-world luminaries like Julia Child. Throughout are Jacques’ favorite chicken and egg recipes, conveyed as if he were sharing them over a dinner table. Most significantly, the book displays dozens of Jacques’ stunning paintings of chickens. “If it clucks or scratches, it’s likely that Jacques has painted it.” This unique little book is the next best thing to a visit to Jacques’ home, which would include a tour of his art studio, captivating conversation as he cooks, and a toast with a glass of wine over a simple meal of perfect roast chicken.

ABOUT Jacques Pépin

The winner of sixteen James Beard Awards and author of over 30 cookbooks, including The Apprentice, Essential Pépin, and Jacques Pépin Quick & Simple, Jacques Pépin is a chef, author, television personality, educator, and artist, and has starred in 12 acclaimed PBS cooking series. His dedication to culinary education led to the creation of the Jacques Pépin Foundation in 2016.