One of Canada’s best-known foodies will share some of his opinions on his favourite dishes and restaurants at a gathering in Turner Valley next week —reservations are required.

John Gilchrist, a restaurant reviewer for the Calgary Herald, CBC Radio One and various magazines, author, instructor, lecturer and judge for culinary competitions is giving foodies a few pointers at the Sheep River Library on March 26 at 7 p.m.

“It’s meant to be a fun evening where we just talk about food and restaurants and have a good time,” he said. “I know people in the area are always up for a good feed and I’ve had many a good meal in that area, too, so we’ll talk about what’s happening.”

The author of “Cheap Eats,” a guide to less expensive Calgary and area restaurants, said he will talk about food trends and what’s happening in the local and global food scenes.

“I’ll talk about the increase in Latin American cuisines, the return of beer as the new wine, pubs you can go to that have good food, I’ll be talking about trends like that,” he said. “It’s meant to be casual and fun. I will definitely give my opinion for what it’s worth.”

Among the Calgary restaurants featured in Gilchrist’s book are Candela Lounge, Avec Bistro and Carino Japanese Bistro. Foothills establishments include High Country Café in Millarville, the Chuckwagon Café in Turner Valley and Little New York Bistro in Longview.

“There is lots of good eating in the foothills,” he said. “The folks out there have quite refined tastes.”

Sheep River Library board chairperson Diane Osberg said it was the popularity of the library’s food courses on preparing dishes, growing food and shopping locally that prompted the idea to bring Gilchrist for a free information session on food.

“We have people who are really interested in some of our food courses,” she said. “We thought wouldn’t it be interesting to hear from someone who knows about food.”

An avid listener of John Gilchrist on CBC and reader of his reviews, Osberg figured he’d be a perfect fit.

“He is going to share his expertise in the current restaurant scene in and around southern Alberta and in and around the foothills,” she said. “He’s a great speaker. People will find him entertaining.”

To secure a seat call the Sheep River Library at 403-933-3278.

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