I haven't gotten very far into it yet, but I am really enjoying David Kamp's latest book, United States of Arugula which is subtitled, How We Became a Gourmet Nation. Is that the best title, or what? Several local food bloggers have read the whole thing, so check out the book reviews over at Obsession with Food, Jalapeno Girl and Food Notebook.

Tomorrow Kamp will be speaking at the Book Passage Ferry Building store. It will actually be a conversation with restaurant consultant and industry veteran Clark Wolf. And while I've never heard Kamp speak, I would go listen to Clark recite his grocery list. He is smart, funny and thoroughly entertaining. Kamp calls him a "bicoastal foodie yenta". I can't say I disagree with that assessment! Clark moderated a discussion at the San Francisco Professional Food Society earlier this year and it was a sell-out.

The event benefits CUESA and admission includes a copy of the book AND a reception with Charles Krug wines and nibbles from Mijita. Call it a win win win win win. Admission is $35 and if I wasn't already committed to going to another event (a panel discussion on sustainability) I would definitely be there. Go! You'll have a great time. I promise. More details are available here. Or go ahead and order tickets before they disappear faster than nibbles at a book reception...