Memories of my dear friend Chef Patrick Clark

Patrick Clark March 17, 1955- February 11, 1998 While I have many wonderful memories of my dear friend Patrick Clark, a few great moments do come to mind. Patrick was always willing to help whenever I called upon him to share his talents and expertise. He worked with me on several events for the National Counsel of Negro Women in … Read More

Chef Edna Lewis In Her Own Words

Ms. Lewis gained tremendous accolades for her cookbooks on the pleasures of southern cooking and heritage. Some of her most prized cookbooks included, The Edna Lewis Cookbook, The Taste of Country Cooking, and In Pursuit of Flavor. Chef Edna Lewis’ passion for fresh ingredients and authentic flavors will live on through the work of generations of African American chefs to … Read More

Memories of My Dear Friend Edna Lewis

Edna Lewis April 13, 1916 – February 13, 2006 Today, I found myself reminiscing about the first time I spoke with my dear friend Chef Edna Lewis. At the time of our very first conversation, Ms. Lewis was a few years shy of retirement and was serving as the executive chef at Gage & Tollner in Brooklyn, New York. I … Read More

Oyster and Shrimp Purloo

The Geechee-Gullah Influence Some of the strongest influences on US cuisine came from African slaves, the people who least intended to be here. American food is inconceivable without barbecue in its many variations, all kinds of fritters and a mess of greens. Indeed Africans brought with them important techniques including smoking meats, frying grains and legumes into fritters, boiling leafy … Read More

Shrimp and Grits Competitions on Jekyll Island

Just returned from Jekyll Island for the Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival. A weekend celebration of two of Georgia’s most beloved foods – shrimp & grits. The festival featured cook-offs, shrimp boat tours, live entertainment and kid-friendly fun zone. I hosted a cooking demonstration and was a judge for the amateur and professional shrimp & grits cooking … Read More