The Fearrington House in Pittsboro is offering a rare dining experience: a chance to meet and dine with renowned chef Thomas Keller.

Keller, whose flagship restaurant is the French Laundry in Yountville, Ca., is participating in McIntyre's Books' cooks and books series. The $250 dinner will be 6 p.m. May 17. It will include wine pairings and five courses based on recipes in Keller's books, including "Bouchon Bakery," which was recently a finalist for a James Beard cookbook award. Dinner guests will receive an autographed copy of the book.

Seats will go quickly for this event so call 919-542-3030.

Information: fearrington.com/event/cooks-books-thomas-keller/

Other upcoming cooks and books' events include:

• 6 p.m. April 11, Chapel Hill cookbook author Nancie McDermott will lead diners through a five-course Thai New Year's dinner based on the recipes in her book, "Real Thai: The Best of Thailand's Regional Cooking." It will cost $100 and diners receive a copy of McDermott's book.
• 6 p.m. April 24, Amy Stewart, author of "The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World's Great Drinks," will be the guest of honor at a cocktail party. Diners will enjoy the cocktails and heavy appetizers and receive an autographed copy of the book. The event costs $145.

Information: fearrington.com/village-shops/mcintyres-books/cooks-books/