Former Suffolk resident and Southern food author Patrick Evans-Hylton will hold a book signing and appearance Saturday at downtown’s Shooting Star Gallery.

Touting his recently published “Dishing Up Virginia,” Evans-Hylton will pair up with the neighboring Harper’s Table and chef Harper Bradshaw to offer samples of recipes from the book.

“I am very excited to come to Suffolk, a place I called home for 10 years and that is still dear to my heart, for this book signing,” Evans-Hylton said. “My food writing career started in December 1995 at the Suffolk News-Herald, so it’s fitting to be here to share my latest project that grew out of that first start almost 18 years ago and has been fostered over the years.”

The full-color book compiles many years of travel and research to give a glimpse at Virginia foods and traditions from the ocean to the mountains. It balances recipes and photos with profiles of farmers, wineries and restaurants.

Evans-Hylton now is an instructor at the Culinary Institute of Virginia, a food reporter for the “Hampton Roads Show” and co-host of a local National Public Radio show, “What’s Cooking Wednesday.”

Shooting Star Gallery owner Brenda Wright admitted she’s a “non-cook” but said she still loves the book.

“It’s a beautiful book and very interesting to read,” she said, adding the gallery aims to begin carrying “artisan books” about all types of art — including culinary arts — as well as books by local authors. Evans-Hylton fills both roles, she said.

“I wanted to have him here because of his local connection to Suffolk,” she said.

The book signing and reception will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Shooting Star Gallery, 118 N. Main St. The portion of the event at Harper’s Table will be from 3 to 5 p.m. at 122 N. Main St.