Meet the cookie book authors

Want to chat with the authors of "The Great Minnesota Cookie Book" (University of Minnesota Press, $24.95)? Lee Svitak Dean and Rick Nelson will be at several locations this weekend.

• Glensheen Mansion (3300 London Road, Duluth, 1-218-726-8910, glensheen.org) will be where to find them on Saturday from 2-4 p.m., where they will be speaking once again on their favorite subject. Yes, there will be cookies to eat. Free. Meet the authors at Zenith Bookstore (318 N. Central Av., Duluth, 1-218-606-1777) on Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon for a signing. Free.

• Golden Fig Fine Foods (794 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-602-0144, goldenfig.com) will have a book signing for the authors on Sunday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free.

• Common Good Books (38 S. Snelling Av., St. Paul, 651-225-898, commongoodbooks.com) will host the authors on Sunday from 2-3 p.m. for a book signing. Free.

The finalists for the eighth annual Charlie Awards were recently announced for the awards program that celebrates the best in food and drink in the Twin Cities.

The event itself will be held Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m. at the Pantages Theatre (710 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.), followed by a reception next door at Seven Steakhouse (700 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.).

Tickets for the Charlie Awards Show and after-party are $30 per person; call 612-767-3229 or go to charliesexceptionale.com. Tickets can also be picked up at the Pantages box office. Proceeds from the event go toward Open Arms.

Outstanding service: 112 Eatery, Joan's in the Park, Meritage.

Outstanding restaurateur: Thomas Boemer and Nick Rancone of Twist Davis Group (Corner Table, Revival, In Bloom); Tim Niver of Meyvn, Mucci's Italian, Saint Dinette; Luke Shimp of kindRed Hospitality (Red Cow, Red Rabbit).

Outstanding restaurant: Grand Cafe, Hai Hai, Martina.

Outstanding baker/pastry chef: Christina Kaelberer of Edwards Dessert Kitchen, Carrie Riggs of Alma, Diane (Yang) Moua of Soigné Hospitality (Spoon and Stable, Bellecour).

Outstanding chef: Ann Ahmed of Lat14, Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine; Justin Sutherland of Pearl and the Thief, Handsome Hog); Karyn Tomlinson of Corner Table.

Beverage innovator: Adam Gorski of Young Joni, Tyler Kleinow of Marvel Bar, Marco Zappia of Martina and Colita.

Outstanding bartender: Paul Hennessy of the Bachelor Farmer, Shawn Jones of Fhima, and Scott Weller of Parlour.

Best brewery: Indeed Brewing Co., Lift Bridge Brewing Co., Summit Brewing Co.

Entertainment restaurant venue: Can Can Wonderland, the Dakota, Icehouse Mpls.

Outstanding caterer: Breaking Bread Cafe and Catering; Chowgirls Killer Catering; D'Amico Catering.