James Hemming’s Contributions to American Cuisine

James Hemmings was a master chef, culinary innovator, teacher, valet…and a slave.

Thomas Jefferson, as commerce minister to France, took 19-year-old James to Paris with him with the purpose of training him in the art of French cuisine. While there James developed his signature style of half-Virginia half-French cuisine, one of the oldest examples of French fusion cooking. Hemings’ style and recipes greatly influenced Virginia plantation cooking and fine food preparation that spread from the kitchen at Monticello to Jefferson’s other plantations. It soon spread to the Mid Atlantic region and was adopted in kitchens north and south. He influenced generations of plantations cooks and black professional caterers, who were key to establishing fine dining in America. James also cooked the most famous dinner in American History to reconcile bitter enemies Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. (June 20, 1790.)

Ashbell Mcelveen, chef and Founder of the James Hemmings Society, will talk about Hemming’s culinary training and experience in Paris, and his contributions to American cuisine.

This online event is presented by The National Arts Club.











When: Thu., Feb. 18, 2021 at 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: The National Arts Club
15 Gramercy Park S.
212-475-3424
Price: Free, donation suggested
Buy tickets/get more info now
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James Hemmings was a master chef, culinary innovator, teacher, valet…and a slave.

Thomas Jefferson, as commerce minister to France, took 19-year-old James to Paris with him with the purpose of training him in the art of French cuisine. While there James developed his signature style of half-Virginia half-French cuisine, one of the oldest examples of French fusion cooking. Hemings’ style and recipes greatly influenced Virginia plantation cooking and fine food preparation that spread from the kitchen at Monticello to Jefferson’s other plantations. It soon spread to the Mid Atlantic region and was adopted in kitchens north and south. He influenced generations of plantations cooks and black professional caterers, who were key to establishing fine dining in America. James also cooked the most famous dinner in American History to reconcile bitter enemies Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. (June 20, 1790.)

Ashbell Mcelveen, chef and Founder of the James Hemmings Society, will talk about Hemming’s culinary training and experience in Paris, and his contributions to American cuisine.

This online event is presented by The National Arts Club.

Buy tickets/get more info now