In February, PBS will debut a new documentary titled Finding Edna Lewis, which delves into the life and impact of Edna Lewis, a celebrated chef, writer, and author of The Taste of Country Cooking. Award-winning documentarian and writer Deb Freeman serves as the executive producer and host, tracing Lewis’s journey and showcasing how she revolutionized Southern cuisine by emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The documentary not only highlights Lewis’s influence but also unveils never-before-seen audio and video footage, offering an intimate portrayal of this culinary icon and her unique approach to Southern cooking.
Edna Lewis And Her Southern Culinary Legacy:
Originally from Freetown, Virginia—a community established by emancipated slaves in 1866—Lewis absorbed the farming and cooking traditions of her family and surroundings. Following the Great Migration, she sought opportunities in Washington, D.C., and eventually New York City. Transitioning from a seamstress for Manhattan’s elite to a renowned chef at Cafe Nicholson, Lewis’s groundbreaking cookbook, The Taste of Country Cooking, underscored the importance of using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients—a concept she had honed through rigorous testing and correspondence with her Virginia roots. Freeman notes that Lewis was ahead of her time in promoting sustainability and farm-to-table practices, reshaping perceptions of Southern cuisine and seasonal cooking.
Virginia Roots And Culinary Techniques:
Lewis’s meticulous cookbooks reflect her deep Virginia heritage, offering detailed instructions and a profound connection to her upbringing. Her recipes, like the “Busy Day Cake” with precisely 100 whisk strokes and her fried chicken cooked in lard and ham fat, showcase her attention to tradition and innovation. Through her culinary techniques and ingredients, Lewis encapsulated a distinct era while also paving the way for future culinary trends.
Rediscovering Lewis Through Lost Footage:
VPN, Virginia’s PBS affiliate, produced episodic content hosted by Freeman that explores Lewis’s enduring influence on contemporary chefs and writers. The upcoming feature-length documentary will seamlessly blend this series with additional insights and expanded footage. Just prior to finalizing the film, the team unearthed archival footage of Lewis, unseen for over three decades, adding a poignant layer to the narrative by allowing Lewis’s voice to resonate directly with viewers.
Through Finding Edna Lewis, audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for Lewis’s contributions to Southern cuisine and her lasting impact on culinary traditions.
Renowned chef and culinary icon, Edna Lewis, is set to be celebrated in a new documentary airing on PBS this February. Titled “Finding Edna Lewis,” the film delves into the life and legacy of the trailblazing chef who left an indelible mark on American cuisine.
Director, Caroline Randall Williams, expressed that the documentary is a tribute to Lewis, aiming to preserve her essence for future generations. Williams emphasized the importance of audibly capturing Lewis’s spirit and showcasing her influence, not just on the culinary world but on society as a whole.
The documentary features insights from prominent chefs such as Mashama Bailey, the chef and partner of The Grey in Savannah, Georgia, who also serves as the chairwoman of the Edna Lewis Foundation. This foundation offers grants of $5,000 to individuals who identify as Black and are working in agricultural, culinary, and storytelling fields.
Williams made a deliberate choice to focus on the perspectives of women in the documentary, drawing parallels between Lewis’s era in the late 1920s and the present day. By highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in the culinary world, Williams sheds light on the evolution of American cuisine and the significant role played by figures like Edna Lewis.
Though not as widely recognized as some of her contemporaries, Lewis’s impact on American cooking cannot be overstated. From her roots in Virginia to her tenure as chef-in-residence at Middleton Place in Charleston, Lewis’s culinary journey shaped the way we perceive food in the United States today.
Williams expressed her satisfaction in uncovering the essence of Edna Lewis through the documentary, crediting Lewis for leaving a trail of inspiration for future generations to explore. Viewers are encouraged to tune in to “Finding Edna Lewis” on February 18th on PBS, a tribute to a culinary pioneer whose legacy continues to influence and inspire.
In addition to the documentary, fans of Edna Lewis can immerse themselves in her world by picking up a copy of “The Taste of Country Cooking,” a testament to the joy and authenticity of Southern cuisine that Lewis championed throughout her life. The documentary promises to be a heartfelt exploration of a culinary legend whose impact reaches far beyond the kitchen.
“Finding Edna Lewis” is not just a documentary about food; it is a celebration of a woman whose passion and dedication to her craft changed the culinary landscape of America. Tune in this February to witness the remarkable journey of a true pioneer in the world of cuisine.
