Next month's dinner with chef Thomas Keller at Fearrington House has a waiting list of more than 100 guests.

And so, McIntyre's Books in Fearrington Village has organized a book signing at 3 p.m. May 17 so those shut out of the dinner can still meet the superstar chef. Keller owns the famed French Laundry in Yountville, Calif., as well as Ad Hoc, Bouchon, Per Se and Bouchon Bakery.

The bookstore is asking folks to reserve a space at the book signing because the restaurant will be serving samples from Keller's latest book, "Bouchon Bakery." The bookstore is also asking that attendees purchase a copy of the book or any other Keller books at the bookstore beforehand or via the bookstore's website. Keller and his co-author, pastry chef Sebastien Rouxel, will be on hand to sign copies of the books.

To make a reservation for the signing, call 919-542-3030.

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/