The man behind Mike’s, chef and restaurateur Jay Hajj, a frequent guest on The Food Network with Waterbury roots, recounts his dramatic immigrant success story and the delicious recipes that have flavored his life in his new cookbook, “Beirut to Boston: Comfort Food Inspired by A Rags-to-Restaurants Story.”

Hajj will be appearing and signing his book at Barnes & Noble in Waterbury on Saturday, June 3 at 1 p.m. Having originally lived in Waterbury as a child, he still enjoys a special closeness and connection to the Brass City, as he frequently returns for family visits and get-togethers. A portion of the proceeds from sales at Barnes & Noble that day will benefit Sacred Heart High School; the school many of his cousins attended that also boasts a scholarship in memory of a treasured aunt and uncle.

Any copies of Jay’s book purchased that day will automatically go toward the SHHS book fair, but for any other purchases (summer reading books, Nooks, cafe purchases, etc.), the customers just have to tell the cashiers (both on the bookstore side and the cafe) that they’re supporting Sacred Heart – The Nayla G. & George S. Noujaim Memorial Scholarship has been established by the Noujaim family to support Scholarship Assistance at the Heart. All are welcome to join Jay at Barnes Noble, June 3 at 1 p.m.