On Wednesday, October 3rd, four of Portland's top chefs Jenn Louis (Lincoln), Cathy Whims (Nostrana), Sarah Schafer (Irving Street Kitchen), and Johanna Ware (Smallwares) will join journalist Charlotte Druckman to launch her new book Skirt Steak: Women Chefs on Standing the Heat and Staying in the Kitchen (out in November from Chronicle Books; $25; 320 pages).

Skirt Steak dives into the stories behind 73 of the best women chefs in America and their experiences at the helm of top restaurants. The book is an extension of Druckman's popular Gastronomica article “Why Are There No Great Women Chefs?”, and expands upon dozens of stories of women that are at the top of their field, bringing up money, motherhood, egos, and "survival secrets" along the way. 

Included in the Skirt Steak Profiles? Alice Waters, Momofuku's Christina Tosi, recent superstar Feast attendee Gabrielle Hamilton, and several of Portland's own power players. 

What better way to dive deeper into the world of women chefs than via a multi-course meal prepared by our hometown heroes? Proceeds from the $80 Skirt Steak dinner/book signing will benefit Janus Youth, and guests will receive a full dinner, wine pairings from Domaine Serene, and a copy of the book. For reservations, call 503-288-6200 or email [email protected] (include “Skirt” in the subject line), and stay tuned for a Skirt Steak book giveaway on Eat Beat in the coming weeks!