The Art of Dining on Amelia Island

       This summer I worked on a project for a talented artist from Memphis named Joy Bateman. She was working on her 5th book, a cookbook called the The Art of Dining on Amelia Island. Joy visited many of the restaurants on the island, procured their "secret" recipes, and drew pictures of their food, ingredients, and their establishments. My job was to take the recipes she received, and type them up into a standard recipe form, plus make sure the ingredients and preparation were correct. Basically, I had the easy part. Joy did all the schlepping around town, made all the contacts, created all the artwork, and even wrote commentaries about the restaurants, bakeries, bed & breakfasts, and their owners.

 
        Then when she returned to Memphis she worked with her graphics person to compile it all, proof it, and send it out to the printer. And all while she works full time as an account executive for Memphis Magazine! She is a busy woman, and I admire her spunk and boundless energy. I believe she even takes her sketch book to bed as she is determined to make her deadline, making sure that every detail is covered, and each drawing is perfect.
       As Joy premieres her new book, Amelia Island's Friends of the Library will sponsor a presentation and dinner at Slider's Seaside Grill, one of the book's featured restaurants, on Thursday, November 15 at 6 p.m. The next night, Friday, November 16, the Book Loft on Centre Street will sponsor a book release party, featuring food and wine from local eateries, 5:30 - 8 p.m. Bateman will be available to sign copies of her book at both events.
       "Perhaps because Amelia Island is so intimate and unique, it has grown very dear to my heart," says Joy. "The people make all the difference. Amelia Island has a community to be proud of - great cuisine and kind people. As a foodie and food writer, what more could one ask for?"
       For more information about Joy's Amelia Island book and the others she has written, visit her web site at: www.joysartofdining.com.