Readings-and-Dinner Series Resumes at Chutney Masala

Authors will read passages, answers questions and autograph books during a new series of discussions intended to acquaint attendees with recently released novels and other newly published literature. Conducted by Spoken Interludes at Chutney Masala in Irvington, the programs combine buffet-style Indian dinners with readings from published writers at a cost of $25 per person.

The fall 2010 season begins on September 14 with participation from former New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni, novelist Nancy Mauro who wrote "New World Monkeys," and Sloan Crosley, the author of a humorous book called "How Did You Get This Number?"

Bruni's book, "Born Round: A Story of Family, Food and a Ferocious Appetite," is about the author's obsession with eating; it is not intended to provide much insight on his career as a restaurant reviewer, but instead chronicles an ongoing struggle with overeating and the impact this had on his life.

The series will continue on October 13 with appearances by Darin Strauss commenting on his memoir "Half a Life," Jennifer Egan who reads from her new novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad," and novelist Martha McPhee whose "Dear Money" is described by The Boston Globe as "a funny, generous piece of social commentary, populated by  a cast of characters who are amusingly, painfully human."

Advance registration is required as the events tend to sell out.

The programs are organized and conduced by Irvington resident DeLaune Michael who was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is the author of two novels published by Harper-Collins: "Aftermath of Dreaming" and "The Safely of Secrets." She is currently working on her third book.

Childhood experiences were Michel's inspiration to start Spoken Interludes more than 13 years ago; she had been familiar with the practice of dining with discussion since she was a small child. While growing up in south Louisiana, Michel's parents and four older sisters  were ardent conversationalists at dinner time.

"The dinner hour was the highlight of my day, partly for the food--my Momma's incredible Creole cuisine--but mostly for the conversation," said Michel. "Or should I say the storytelling. Because that's what it was--long, funny and illuminating stories."

"Every night, my four older sisters and I would sit quietly, eating our dinner while Daddy told Momma about his day. We were expected to understand what Daddy did running the insurance company. But we were not expected to be part of that conversation," said Michel.

"Then Momma talked about running the Arts Council or working on her Ph. D., or writing her novels and at this point, we were more than a silent audience because we were involved in some of those stories," she continued.

Finally it was the girls' turn. "And let's just say with four extremely verbal and highly intelligent older sisters, getting a word in edgewise was not an easy task. So I didn't. Not at all."

When she was 6, Michel's parents invoked a new rule. Every night she would get a turn to speak--as will each of the three authors invited to speak at the Spoken Interludes program.

In addition to being a novelist and producing the Spoken Interlude programs in Westchester County and Los Angeles, Michel is also a television and movies actress who has appeared in numerous TV series including: NYPD Blue, Gillmore Girls, Judging Amy, JAG and Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

Writing runs in Michel's family. Her uncle Andre Dubus III wrote the novel "House of Sand and Fog." And James Lee Burke, the award-wining mystery story writer, is Michel's cousin.

The buffet menu for the meeting on September 14, 2010 and the agenda follow:

• Aloo Tikki/Cholley
• Chicken Tikka
• Basmati Pulao
• Saag Paneer
• Baigan Bharta
• Dal Tadka
• Chicken Korma
• Goan shrimp curry
• Nan bread

 6 p.m. Buffer dinner begins

7:30 p.m. Buffet dinner ends

7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Authors speak and read from their books  

9:30 p.m. Book signings with authors 

Cash, check or a credit card will be accepted. The cost is $25. Parking is free.

Register at Spoken Interludes' website: www.spokeninterludes.com

Chutney Masala, 4 West Main Street, Irvington, New York. 914-591-5500. www.chuneymasala.com.