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Join one of the world’s best-known food writers Claudia Roden for her 80th birthday party and enjoy a meal prepared by the acclaimed Spanish chef Josè Pizarro. The evening will include a canapés and drinks reception and a three-course meal. Dress code: business suits/evening wear.

Roden was born and brought up in Cairo. Her bestselling A Book of Middle Eastern Food revolutionised attitudes to the cuisine of the Middle East when it was published in 1968. Her work has always been characterised by a particular interest in the social and historical background to the food she is writing about and has received great critical acclaim. Other works include Mediterranean Cookery with Claudia Roden, The Food of Spain and The Food of Italy. Roden is winner of many awards, including six Glenfiddich awards, two Andre Simon awards, four World Gourmand awards, the James Beard Best Cookbook of the Year award in the USA, and the National Jewish Book Award in the USA.

Pizarro worked in the award-winning Meson de Doña Filo in Madrid before moving to London. He opened his first restaurant, Josè Tapas Bar, in 2011, followed by Pizarro Restaurant later that year, and a third restaurant in the Broadgate Circle development in the City last year.

The evening is organised by Oxford Gastronomica, a specialist centre for the study of food, drink and culture that works to enhance our relationship with food and drink and to celebrate their place in our lives, and hosted by Donald Sloan, head of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University and chair of Oxford Gastronomica.