How were Chicago's neighborhoods formed? Did you know that a handful of family-owned restaurants helped establish and anchor areas like Pilsen, Little India, and Chinatown? Author Jean Iversen will discuss her new book, Local Flavor: Restaurants That Shaped Chicago's Neighborhoods, which traces the histories of eight legendary Chicago restaurants and how they all helped establish their respective neighborhoods. 

Jean will share her experiences while writing the book, which involved interviewing restaurateurs, long-time customers, loyal staff, and local historians. She shares each family's stories and recipes and illuminates their significant impact on Chicago's history. From Won Kow in Chinatown to Hema's Kitchen in West Rogers Park, the book is a community-driven look at Chicago through a gastronomical lens.

Jean also will give a short workshop on food writing, and how to use food as an inspiration for various writing genres.