Local, national star chefs to gather in Sarasota for book signing

EHS Recruiting Company, a Sarasota-based staffing firm focused on the restaurant and hospitality industry, has released a cookbook — with proceeds going toward a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to chefs and those in the culinary arts. 

The book, according to a statement, is “Cooking WIth Friends: An EHS Culinary Adventure.” A cookbook signing is scheduled for 1 p.m., Sunday, May 21 at Daiquiri Deck on St. Armands Circle, 325 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

The cookbook features recipes from James Beard Award-winning chefs Rick Tramonto and Nicola Zanghi, in addition to local chefs Greg Campbell with Pier 22 in Bradenton and The Grove in Lakewood Ranch; Steven Phelps with Indigenous in Sarasota; and Jeremy Thayer with Daiquiri Deck in Sarasota. Other signature dishes in the book are from TV culinary stars including pastry chef Gale Gand; “MasterChef” judge and host Graham Elliott; “Top Chef” alum Ron Duprat; and Food Network’s “Vegas Chef Prizefight” winner Lamar Moore, 

Each recipe in the book is accompanied by a story about the chef's career and personal journey, offering readers a unique and personal look at the culinary industry, the release states. The book includes a range of dishes, from classic comfort food to contemporary cuisine, and “showcases the diverse flavors and cultures that make up the American culinary landscape,” the release adds. 

"We are thrilled to be able to share this book with our community," says Scott Rosenthal with EHS Recruiting, in the release.  "We believe that food has the power to unite people, and we wanted to celebrate that by featuring some of the best chefs here in Sarasota and across the country."

Books will be available on-site for $40 or pre-order on Amazon.  All proceeds support EHS Relief. 

The following chefs are scheduled to be at the book signing:

Local chefs:

• Greg Campbell, Pier 22 in Bradenton and The Grove 

• Stephen Phelps, Indigenous

• Jamil Pineda, Michael’s on East

• Jeremy Thayer, Daiquiri Deck

National chefs:

 • Chrissy Benoit, Culinary consultant

• Bobby Brown, longtime Tampa Bay area chef 

• Ron Duprat, Bravo TV’s “Top Chef, Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” “Bar Rescue” and “Beat Bobby Flay”

• Jessica “Spear” Larusso, Aramark

• Phillip Valdez, Executive Chef, Retired, Universal Studios Hollywood, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, 3 Broomsticks

• Master Sommelier, Kelly Fried, WSET Level 3

 EHS Contributing chefs:

·  Lauren Hodges

·  John Kolakowski

(This story was updated to reflect that Valdez is retired. It was also updated to add Brown to the list of chefs.)