There’s A New James Beard Documentary On The Way!
James Beard was a cookbook author, teacher, and one of America’s first “TV Chefs.” Wikipedia called him:
“A champion of American cuisine who taught and mentored generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts. His legacy lives on in twenty books, other writings and his foundation’s annual James Beard awards in a number of culinary genres.”
PBS is premiering a new documentary, “James Beard: America’s First Foodie,” next month on its “American Masters” series.
The New York Times’ Frank Bruni had a terrific story about James Beard and the documentary in the paper and online, and I wanted to share a snippet of it with you, because it once again showcases how important journalism and analysis are to us!
The story was titled “Food, Sex And Silence” and for a good reason!
Here is the opening of the story:
James Beard was large. His obituaries told you so. “Portly” was how The Associated Press put it. The Los Angeles Times said that he was nearly 300 pounds at his apogee, though The New York Times clarified that a diet at one point “divested him of some of his heft.”
Nature divested him of his hair. He was bald, as all of those obituaries prominently noted.
He was also gay. Good luck finding a mention of that.
Oh, there were winks. “A lifelong bachelor.” “An Oregon-bred bachelor.” Oregon-bred? Makes him sound like a dairy cow. Or maybe a mushroom.
But there was nothing in those remembrances about his 30-year relationship — at first romantic, then less so — with Gino Cofacci, who was provided for in Beard’s will. Nothing about Beard’s expulsion from Reed College in the 1920s because of his involvements with other men. This newspaper’s obituary simply called him a “college dropout.”
As you can see, Beard lived with many secrets – due to the circumstances of a time he was born into – this is great writing!
Bravo again to Frank Bruni for terrific writing and insight – read the entire story here:
I recently subscribed to the digital edition of The New York Times because, now more than ever, we need intelligent, honest writing and reporting.
If you love to read about great food – and great restaurants, here is my story about a visit to the #1 rated restaurant in the world:
Eleven Madison Park in New York was voted the 2017 World’s Best Restaurant – here is my review of the night we are there:
My wife Alex and I also were lucky enough to attend the 20th anniversary of one of America’s greatest restaurants, The French Laundry.
Chef Thomas Keller has created some of the world’s most unique dishes, like his “Oysters and Pearls” dish:
See the entire menu here:
Bravo to PBS for their upcoming documentary and to Frank Bruni for the great articles about James Beard!
