TimesTalks to Feature Celebrated Chefs and Restaurateurs 10/8-9

The New York Times will host two days of TimesTalks with The Times's Diner's Journal contributors and restaurant reviewers Frank Bruni, Julia Moskin, Kim Severson and Pete Wells in discussion with some of the world's most inspired chefs, successful restaurateurs and culinary stars, October 8 to 9 at TheTimesCenter. The two-day event will feature the acclaimed chefs Heston Blumenthal, Daniel Boulud, René Redzepi, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Michael White; Iron Chefs and Food Network personalities Bobby Flay, Jose Garces, Masaharu Morimoto, Alton Brown and Paula Deen; and renowned restaurateurs Donatella Arpaia, Ken Friedman and Danny Meyer.

"This series promises to be a mouth-watering celebration of food and its innovators, as well as a reflection of The Times's commitment to creative and engaging conversations," said Yasmin Namini, senior vice president, marketing and circulation, The New York Times. "With all of the ground-breaking restaurants, chefs and culinary trends to come out of New York, what better way to kick off this fall's TimesTalks at TheTimesCenter?"

Schedule of TimesTalks for Oct. 8 to 9

Friday, Oct. 8
6 - 7:15 p.m.
"New York's Star-Studded Chefs"
Three of the city's celebrated three- and four-Michelin star restaurant chefs Daniel Boulud (Daniel, db Bistro Moderne), Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Jean Georges, Perry St. and more) and Michael White (Convivio, Alto, Marea) come together to discuss getting to the top and staying there. Interviewed by Frank Bruni, New York Times Magazine writer, former Times restaurant critic and author of "Born Round."

Friday, Oct. 8
8 - 9:15 p.m.
"René Redzepi: NOMA"
His groundbreaking restaurant, Noma in Copenhagen, was named the number one restaurant in the world by the 2010 S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list for its dedication to regional products fashioned into startling creations. Meet the world's top chef on the publication of his first cookbook in English, "Noma: Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine." Interviewed by Frank Bruni, New York Times Magazine writer, former Times restaurant critic and author of "Born Round."

Saturday, Oct. 9
12 - 1:15 p.m.
"Iron Chef America: Behind the Scenes"
Hear from three legendary Iron Chefs of America about what happens in Kitchen Stadium when the battle is on. See the seemingly invincible Iron Chefs Bobby Flay, Jose Garces and Masaharu Morimoto and find out their secret ingredient for success. Interviewed by Kim Severson, New York Times food writer and author of "Spoon Fed."

Saturday, Oct. 9
2 - 3:15 p.m.
"Paula Deen: Butter, Baby!"
Hear the famed restaurateur, best-selling cookbook author, Food Network star and one of America's favorite foodies for down-home Southern cooking in conversation with Kim Severson, New York Times food writer and author of "Spoon Fed."

Saturday, Oct. 9
4 - 5:15 p.m.
"Alton Brown: Mixing It Up"
The creator/producer/host of the hit Food Network show "Good Eats," best-selling cookbook author and source of culinary wit and wisdom on "Iron Chef America" sits down to talk. Interviewed by Julia Moskin, New York Times food writer.

Saturday, Oct. 9
6 - 7:15 p.m.
"Restaurant Buzz"
There's the right cuisine, customers, connections and creativity. And then there's the right buzz. How does a restaurateur get that certain something happening and keep it going? Donatella Arpaia (Anthos, Mia Dona, Kefi), Ken Friedman (Spotted Pig, Rusty Knot, Breslin) and Danny Meyer (Maialino, Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Tabla and more). Interviewed by Frank Bruni, New York Times Magazine writer, former Times restaurant critic and author of "Born Round."

Saturday, Oct. 9
8 - 9:15 p.m.
"Heston Blumenthal: The Fat Duck"
The restaurant, The Fat Duck, in Bray, England, has been awarded three Michelin stars. The S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list ranked it at number one in 2005 and in the top three this year. Mr. Blumenthal's route to the top has involved rule-breaking, unusual experiments and exploration of multisensory perception. Hear him discuss his journey with Pete Wells, The New York Times's Dining editor.

For additional information or to purchase advance tickets, please call 1.888.NYT.1870 or visit www.TimesTalks.com. TheTimesCenter is located at 242 West 41st Street, New York City.

The 2010 presenting sponsor of The New York Times's TimesTalks series is Continental Airlines. The October 8 to 9 TimesTalks series is presented in collaboration with Food Network and Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival.

About TimesTalks
For 12 years, TimesTalks events have been evoking intelligent and entertaining conversations among some of the world's most engaging speakers. TimesTalks was created in 1998 to help build relationships between existing readers and the people behind the bylines and to introduce new readers to these talented journalists. TimesTalks brings members of The Times's prize-winning editing, reporting and writing staff together with today's most celebrated talents and thinkers in thought-provoking and entertaining discussions. As wide-ranging and diverse as The Times and its readers throughout the world, TimesTalks has been designed to speak to all interests in a range of categories. TimesTalks participants have included Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Jane Fonda, Ben Stiller, Sarah Jessica Parker, Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, Barbara Walters, Ron Darling, Mel Brooks, Quentin Tarantino, Annie Lennox, Carrie Fisher, James McAvoy and Kate Winslet.

About The New York Times Company
The New York Times Company, a leading media company with 2009 revenues of $2.4 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 15 other daily newspapers and more than 50 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, Boston.com and About.com. The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.