After attending the Winter Park Public Library fundraiser Books & Cooks last night, our restaurant reviewer got the chance to mingle after hours at John Rivers’ shiny new test kitchen on Park Avenue. Here are photos from the exclusive Books & Cooks After Party, where noted chefs Richard Gonzmart (Columbia Restaurants), Hollis Wilder (Sweet by Good Golly Miss Holly), Brandon McGlamery (Luma on Park), John Rivers (4Rivers; the COOP) and James Beard Award nominee Norman Van Aken schmoozed with guests.

3/6/2014
Photos by Faiyaz Kara

Restaurateur and host John Rivers Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Guests mingle and munch Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Low Country staples simmer on the stove Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Credit: Faiyaz Kara
The COOP will specialize in fried chicken Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Sweet treats Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Jambalaya Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Best wishes Credit: Faiyaz Kara
How many cooks in the kitchen? Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Deviled eggs Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Where the ideas happen Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Winter Park Distilling reminds you to drink local Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Post-party gift bags await Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Aftermath Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Don’t get cocky. Credit: Faiyaz Kara