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Fire, Passion, & Heritage: Native American & Mexican Cooking

with Chef Pyet DeSpain
2026-11-12 13:00:00 2026-11-12 14:00:00 America/Chicago Fire, Passion, & Heritage: Native American & Mexican Cooking Join chef Pyet DeSpain, winner of <i>Next Level Chef</i>, for a vibrant culinary journey through <i>Rooted in Fire</i> and the Native American and Mexican foodways that inspire it. Please register. Virtual -

Thursday, November 12
1:00pm - 2:00pm

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Join chef Pyet DeSpain, winner of Next Level Chef, for a vibrant culinary journey through Rooted in Fire and the Native American and Mexican foodways that inspire it. Please register.

Prepare your palate for a vibrant culinary journey with star chef Pyet DeSpain, the inaugural winner of Gordon Ramsay’s hit television competition Next Level Chef, as she presents her debut cookbook, Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking, in which she shares the joy of cooking fueled by her burning passion for Native American and Mexican American cuisine.

Pyet shows you how to incorporate a delicious range of key ingredients—from venison and dandelion greens to sunchokes, bison, and native berries—into more than sixty fusion dishes. Family and friends will be excited to gather around the table to enjoy sweet and savory food such as:

  • Three Sisters Salad
  • Bison and Sweet Corn Soup
  • Fry Bread
  • Mexican Chocolate & Mezcal Cake
  • Corn Silk and Honey Tea
  • Wojapi BBQ Sauce

Rooted in Fire is far more than just a collection of recipes; it is a movement giving voice to Indigenous culture, histories, and foodways through the universal language of food.

Register for this event today and learn how to work with nature in your own kitchen.


About the Author: Pyet—short for her inherited Native American name, Pyetwetmokwe—is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and an award-winning global private chef. She made history as the first winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef and was named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 25 Private Chefs in Los Angeles. Her work is centered on uplifting Indigenous foodways within the culinary industry while advocating for a more sustainable and sovereign food system for Indigenous peoples.

Please Register for link to program.

Live Virtual Author Talks - This new series through Library Speakers Consortium offers live online talks by bestselling authors of books in a variety of genres. Participants receive a link to the program when they register. Please see https://libraryc.org/gailborden to register and also view recorded videos of past speakers.

AGE GROUP: | Virtual Live | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Cultural | Adult Programs |

TAGS: | |

Virtual
Phone: 847-742-2411
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Mon, Oct 19 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Oct 20 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Oct 21 9:00AM to 9:00PM
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Fri, Oct 23 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Oct 24 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Oct 25 12:00PM to 5:00PM
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Programs presented virtually through FB, Zoom, YouTube, and other online sources.

Upcoming Events

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Ofrenda Comunitaria del Día de Muertos- Exhibición - Day of the Dead Community Ofrenda- Exhibit
Mon, Oct 19, All day
Main Library - Grove Room
Conoce una ofrenda tradicional del Día de Muertos y el significado de sus elementos. Ven y disfruta de esta experiencia.
Muestra de arte del Día de Muertos- - Day of the Dead Art Display
Mon, Oct 19, 9:00am - 10:00am
Main Library
Disfruta de las obras de Círculo de Artistas Latinos, celebrando la belleza, las tradiciones y el significado cultural del Día de los Muertos.
Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2 - Hollywood Costumes Exhibit
Mon, Oct 19, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Main Library
The Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2: Hollywood Costumes exhibit returns with more than 20 new, one-of-a-kind costumes worn by legendary stars including Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers and more.
Nuestras Historias - Hispanic Heritage Project - Celebrating Hispanic Culture & Community Exhibit
Mon, Oct 19, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Main Library
A documentary, traveling exhibit, and community project preserving the stories and contributions of Elgin area’s Hispanic community.
Early Voting--Kane County
Mon, Oct 19, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Main Library - Alft River Room
Early Voting and Grace Period Registration for all Kane County voters and precincts
Piano Performance - Jeremy Cassidy
Mon, Oct 19, 10:00am - 11:00am
Main Library - Lobby - Piano
Piano performance in the lobby by volunteer community members.
Tour the Library
Mon, Oct 19, 10:00am - 11:00am
Main Library
Join staff from the Information Services department to tour the Main Library building.
Singer Featherweight Friends
Mon, Oct 19, 11:30am - 4:30pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Come sew with fellow Singer Featherweight machine users, make new friends, learn new tips and tricks. Please bring your own machine and supplies. Ideas & suggestions offered Registration Recommended
Registration is now closed
Beginner sewing techniques
Mon, Oct 19, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
Learn from Emily how to hand stitch, tying a knot, and which tools are necessary.
Registration is now closed
Bookmobile Stop: Willow Bay Park
Mon, Oct 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Mobile Services
Annandale Dr & Willow Bay, Elgin
Tech Mobile Stop: Rivers Landing
Mon, Oct 19, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Mobile Services
3 Times Square Rd, Elgin, IL 60120
Bookmobile Stop: College Green Park
Mon, Oct 19, 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Mobile Services
1900 College Green Dr, Elgin
Bookmobile Stop: Millenium Park
Mon, Oct 19, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Mobile Services
Red Barn Ln, Elgin
Evening Chess Club
Mon, Oct 19, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Main Library
Join fellow chess players of all ages and skill levels on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month for this open play program! Chess sets will be provided.
Healing Anxiety & Depression with Meditation
Mon, Oct 19, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Adult Programs - Zoom
Discover how meditation may help reduce stress, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve well-being. Learn a simple technique and try it during this interactive workshop. Please register.
Registration is now closed
Inicia Tu Negocio
Mon, Oct 19, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Room C
¿Quiera iniciar su propio negocio pero no sabe por dónde empezar? Únase a nuestros talleres gratuitos y aprenderá herramientas reales con Fernando Adorno, experto en negocios locales.
Registration is now closed
Contemporary Book Group - The Last Witch by C.J. Cooke
Mon, Oct 19, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Conference Room
The Contemporary Book Group meets monthly to discuss current, interesting books in assorted genres. Meetings are held the third Monday of the month at 7 pm in the Conference Room at the Main Library.
Ofrenda Comunitaria del Día de Muertos- Exhibición - Day of the Dead Community Ofrenda- Exhibit
Tue, Oct 20, All day
Main Library - Grove Room
Conoce una ofrenda tradicional del Día de Muertos y el significado de sus elementos. Ven y disfruta de esta experiencia.
Muestra de arte del Día de Muertos- - Day of the Dead Art Display
Tue, Oct 20, 9:00am - 10:00am
Main Library
Disfruta de las obras de Círculo de Artistas Latinos, celebrando la belleza, las tradiciones y el significado cultural del Día de los Muertos.
Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2 - Hollywood Costumes Exhibit
Tue, Oct 20, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Main Library
The Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2: Hollywood Costumes exhibit returns with more than 20 new, one-of-a-kind costumes worn by legendary stars including Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers and more.
Early Voting--Kane County
Tue, Oct 20, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Main Library - Alft River Room
Early Voting and Grace Period Registration for all Kane County voters and precincts
Nuestras Historias - Hispanic Heritage Project - Celebrating Hispanic Culture & Community Exhibit
Tue, Oct 20, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Main Library
A documentary, traveling exhibit, and community project preserving the stories and contributions of Elgin area’s Hispanic community.
Toddler Tunes - For ages 12-36 months
Tue, Oct 20, 9:15am - 9:45am
Main Library - Meadows Community Room C
Please join us for a music and movement filled storytime that includes exploration of musical instruments and other fun props with a parent or caregiver. Registration required
This event is full
Android Basics for Seniors
Tue, Oct 20, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Main Library - Computer Training Room
Learn basic Android operations: adding and removing apps, increase text size, battery care, what to do with that pesky "low memory" message, and much more. This class is best suited for new users.
Registration is now closed
The Music Salon - with Jim Kendros
Tue, Oct 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms ABC
Music appreciation with acclaimed Composer and Music Researcher Jim Kendros. Enjoy dynamic, enjoyable and highly informative presentations on some of the great composers and their music. Register
Bookmobile Stop: Southwicke
Tue, Oct 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Mobile Services
Southwicke Park, Streamwood
Bookmobile Stop: Buckskin Park
Tue, Oct 20, 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Mobile Services
Buckskin Ln Park, Streamwood
Pokémon Club - Grades K-5
Tue, Oct 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Calling all Pokémon fans, from beginners to experienced! Let's explore and have fun with Pokémon together! Registration required.
Registration is now closed
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, Oct 20, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Main Library - Conference Room
This session is a teen volunteer orientation only. We'll go over the program as well as volunteer expectations.
Bookmobile Stop: Princeton Park
Tue, Oct 20, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Mobile Services
McDonough Rd, Hoffman Estates
Creativity Corner: Create a Haunted House- Grades: K-2 - South Elgin Branch
Tue, Oct 20, 4:45pm - 5:30pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Shales Children's Activity Room
Register to create a haunted house using cutting skills and directive drawing instructions.
Registration is now closed
Teen Volunteer Session - Crafting for the Community
Tue, Oct 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Main Library - Conference Room
Join us as we make a craft which will be distributed in our monthly activity kits to our care communities.
Creepypasta Escape Room (Grades 6-12)
Tue, Oct 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms AB
The Backrooms. Slenderman. Smile Dog. Work with other teens to solve creepypasta-inspired puzzles and unlock boxes. The last people to enter the room went missing. Will YOU have better luck?
355: The Women of Washington's Spy Ring - Author Kit Sergeant
Tue, Oct 20, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Elgin Room
Back by popular demand! Author Kit Sergeant returns to take on the fascinating, fearless women of 355, Washington's spy ring. Please register. Co-sponsored by the AAUW-Elgin Area.
Grupo de conversación en inglés en línea o en la biblioteca - English Conversation Group -Main Library and Zoom
Tue, Oct 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox Room
Participantes de nivel intermedio, practican conversaciones en inglés, adquieren confianza y mejoran su pronunciación. El grupo es liderado por un tutor de Literacy Connection. Favor registrarse
Registration is now closed
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