Not Just Plain Vanilla

Join Hank Kaestner , former McCormick Spice executive, for a fascinating spice story!

According to Hank, "Vanilla is one of the world’s most popular flavors, but is very much misunderstood. It’s the only orchid species of any commercial importance; it was used by the Aztec indians in Mexico as a ceremonial drink (Montezuma gave Cortez a vanilla drink when the invading Spaniard arrived in Mexico) ; the Mexican indians held a complete monopoly on vanilla production from 1512 until 1842 (I’ll tell you how they did that); today production is centered in Madagascar, one of the poorest, yet most interesting of the world’s islands (I’ve visited there 25 times); and Vermont has a special claim on vanilla flavoring…I’ll tell you how."

Refreshments served highlighting this familiar yet enchanting flavor!

You may also like the following events from Charlotte Library:

• Next Tuesday, 19th August, 05:30 pm, Gallery Talk: Jeffrey Trubisz in Charlotte
• Next Wednesday, 20th August, 06:30 pm, Author Talk: Robert Macauley: "Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor's S in Charlotte
• This month, 26th August, 05:00 pm, The Art & Tradition of Japanese Boat Building in Charlotte