Named Chef of the Year in 1995 by the James Beard Foundation, Bayless is not only a fantastic cook, but a scholar and a writer. With his wife Deann, Rick traveled throughout Mexico during the five years that the couple lived there as graduate students, he as a linguist and she in theater studies. Falling in love with the diversity of foods he encountered, Bayless left his academic career behind to pursue a career in the restaurant business. His two restaurants have earned him hero status in Chicago and his excellent cookbooks are favorites among many of us.

What we especially love about Rick Bayless is that he is one of the leading chefs in this country who has taken food from its original roots, and while remaining true to its tradition, has expanded its reach for the American palate. This same experience with Asian influences is what we enjoy about the food scene in the Northwest. Rick is also a great guy; he is chairman of Chef's Collaborative 2000 (promoting organic farming), was instrumental in getting Chicago chefs to adopt school lunch programs, and is also a longtime Taste of the Nation chef.

In Seattle this April to promote his most recent cookbook and a new line of salsas, we are honored to welcome Rick to the Palace Kitchen. With recipes taken from Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen, Rick will present a multi-course tasting menu. We invite you to explore the authentic Mexican dishes that we in Seattle have little exposure to.

A reception and book signing will begin at 6:30PM followed by dinner at 7:00PM. Tickets are $65.00 per person and reservations are required. Our April newsletter will have more menu details but please call Maureen (206) 448-2001 if you would like to reserve your space.