On the heels of announcing her debut TV series, The Lisa Ekus Group has announced that Southern cooking authority, chef, and writer Virginia Willis has closed a deal with publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for her sixth cookbook. Her editor will be Cynthia Kitchel, Editorial Director.
Earlier this month, Eater broke the news that Virginia was partnering with Boston’s WGBH-TV in the development of SECRETS OF THE SOUTHERN TABLE: A Food Lover’s Tour of the Global South™. The 13-episode, half-hour cooking and travel show will showcase the cuisine of the traditional South with the vibrant new cooking of the modern South. The first season is expected to premiere Spring 2017.
The book will be published in Spring 2017. It will be photographed by the nationally renowned, Atlanta-based photographer Angie Mosier of Placemat Productions.
“Virginia Willis’s authenticity, warmth, and exceptional recipes appealed to us immediately,” said Natalie Chapman, Vice President and Publisher of HMH. “We’re so thrilled to have her on the list and are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with her.”
“I am hugely honored to partner with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Cindy for my next book,” Virginia said. “This exciting opportunity will bring to life – on the page and on the screen – the rich culture and multifaceted stories that encompass real Southern food and cooking. “
Virginia Willis is a nationally recognized chef whose style of cooking is defined as “refined Southern cuisine,” a potent blend of classic technique, balanced flavors, and a keen sense of tradition. Georgia-born and French-trained, she is the author of Bon Appétit, Y’all; Basic to Brilliant, Y’all; and Lighten Up, Y’all for Ten Speed Press as well as Okra, part of the UNC Press SAVOR THE SOUTH® series, and Grits by Short Stack Editions. Named by the Chicago Tribune as one of “Seven Food Writers You Need to Know,” she is beloved by fans for giving classic French dishes a down-home comfort feel and reimagining Southern favorites. Learn more about Virginia and follow her culinary and travel exploits at www.virginiawillis.com.
