Author Deborah Madison in Austin

Award-winning cookbook author Deborah Madison will be in Austin, Aug. 3-6, to promote her newest book, Local Flavors: Cooking & Eating From America's Farmers' Markets (Broadway Books, $39.95). It chronicles the resurgence of farmers' markets across the country and celebrates cooking with fresh produce, as well as developing an invaluable connection to the land and the people who actually grow our food. The author's legion of Austin fans will have several opportunities to purchase the book and visit with Madison during her August stay:

Saturday, Aug. 3, 10am-1pm: At Westlake Farmer's Market, Local Flavors will be for sale, and Madison will be on hand to sign it. Open to the public. Sunday, Aug. 4, 4-6pm: Jeffrey's Josephine House (next door to Jeffrey's at 1204 W. Lynn, 477-5584) Executive Chef David Garrido will host guest of honor Madison at a fundraiser benefiting the Sustainable Food Center, a local nonprofit that promotes access to local, fresh, and affordable food for children and families in Central Texas. Admission to the event is $50, and books will be on sale. All proceeds for ticket and book sales go to SFC. Call Olga at Jeffrey's for reservations. Monday, Aug. 5, 2pm: Texas Culinary Academy's (11400 Burnet Rd., 339-2665, www.txca.com) student body will hear Madison speak and view a slide show presentation about the rewards of cooking with fresh, seasonal produce and the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture wherever they cook. Monday, Aug. 5, 7pm: Asti Trattoria (403-C E. 43rd, 451-1218) owners Wm. Emmett and Lisa Fox will host a dinner honoring Madison that will include a speech and slide show. The evening begins at 7pm with appetizers and Proseco. The four-course meal will be $35, $55 with wine tasting, and books will be on sale, which the author will be glad to sign. Reservations are necessary.