Kate McCarty, Author of Portland Food, at Book Signing at Sherman’s on Exchange Street.
McCarty, (R) with Her Mom, Anne Meadows, (M) and Her Sister, Elizabeth Hunter at Book Signing.
By Carol McCracken (Post # 2,104)
The history of Portland as a foodie city is the subject of a new book, “Portland Food The Culinary Capital of Maine” written by Munjoy Hill resident Kate McCarty. This afternoon Sherman’s Books & Stationery, at 49 Exchange Street was crowded as McCarty, 32, talked to friends and other well-wishers as she autographed copies of her new book at its launch party. The history is overdue and bound to fill a niche that has been left vacant up to this point. The book sold so well that Josh Christie, manager of Sherman’s, asked his local rep, who was in Portland, to restock his supply before he completely ran out of the book. Fortunately, for all, she did!
McCarty, who is also a food writer for the “Phoenix” comes from a family of creative people. Her mother, Anne Meadows is a painter. Her sister, Elizabeth Hunter is a designer for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. They both live in Maryland and made a special trip to Portland for the book signing. McCarty is a Maryland native as well.
Last June, the delightful McCarty was contacted by the History Press about writing this book. They were familiar with her interest in writing about food because of her blog – the blueberry files. She signed a contract with them. “It was nice to have a clear-cut and defined assignment,” McCarty said. If the opportunity arises again, she’d gladly take on a similar project again she said. In the meantime, she’s a welcome addition to the creative community of Portland.
McCarty has lived in different sections of Portland since she relocated to Portland from Maryland six years ago. “I love Portland and its accessbility. I especially like living on Munjoy Hill.”
McCarty will be greeting people and signing books again at Books A Million on Saturday, June 14th at the Maine Mall in South Portland betweem 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Carol, thanks for your lovely article on Kate. It was nice to meet you and so glad you jumped in there and made the interview happen. I’ll look for you in the community the next time I’m on the hill!