HHBD (Happy Heavenly Birth Day) James Baldwin!
Beyond being one of our nation’s and the world’s most brilliant writers, James Baldwin was also known for creating a "welcome table" at his home in the South of France where he hosted guests, fostered open discussions and cultivated a sense of community around shared meals. His warm spirit of hospitality and inclusion aligns with the values I uphold here showcasing the breadth and richness of American foodways through a uniquely American lens. He had a passion for cooking and food, and his work subtly reflects that aspect particularly in his later novels. He also spoke vulnerably and profoundly with Studs Terkel in a 1984 interview about the shame he once held around being African American — and particularly when it came to …WATERMELON…
To learn more about this along with the overlooked significance of watermelon and its ancient African history, plus the critical role it played in both the enslaved and emancipated communities here in America and throughout the New World. (And yes — the horrific ways it was appropriated and whitewashed, with enduring repercussions to this day…) CHECK OUT this year’s Reclaiming Watermelon Picnic Event I’m co-hosting at the Lefferts Historic House on Sunday 8/3/25 2pm-7pm:
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Today’s also JAMAICAN 🇯🇲 PATTY DAY!
which is celebrated each year (in America, Jamaica and prolly in the UK and Canada too).. on the first Saturday in August ….
FYI for all the global food history buffs: in episode #3 of “Chasing Flavor with Carla Hall” that came out earlier this year and is streaming on HBO/MAX, during a dinner party scene at Carla’s, I craftily connect the culinary dots between the American pot pie and the Jamaican patty…
It’s such a wonderfully done culinary mini series (no and not just ‘cause i’m in it LOL) and I honestly don’t understand why HBO/ MAX isn’t promoting it more. Anyway, check it out (all 6 episodes! ) ENJOY! and I’d love to hear what ya’ll think…
THROWBACK to the 2017 post i did for @GoodWineNYC the day my friend (shop owner & chef Heather ) made home-made Jamaican beef patties (yup she’s 3rd gen Jamaican heritage) and they paired perfectly with an array of curated (GOOD) wines…
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