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The March 2024 CrateChef Curator has been revealed. The March 2024 curator is Edna Lewis.
From CrateChef:
Edna Lewis, hailed as the “Grande Dame” of Southern cooking, left an indelible mark on the culinary world with her innovative approach to traditional Southern cuisine. Born in Freetown, Virginia, in 1916, Lewis’s upbringing in a community of emancipated slaves instilled in her a deep appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients and the art of food preparation. Despite facing numerous challenges as an African American woman in the culinary industry, Lewis fearlessly pursued her passion for cooking, eventually becoming the head chef of Café Nicholson in Manhattan, where her Southern-inspired dishes captivated the palates of celebrities and tastemakers alike. Through her groundbreaking cookbooks, including “The Taste of Country Cooking,” Lewis not only celebrated the rich heritage of Southern food but also championed the importance of preserving culinary traditions. Her legacy continues to inspire chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide, cementing her status as a pioneer in American gastronomy.
In recognition of her culinary prowess and unwavering dedication to her craft, Lewis received numerous accolades throughout her lifetime, including the prestigious James Beard Living Legend Award in 1999. Her influence extended beyond the kitchen as she mentored aspiring chefs and advocated for the revival of Southern cooking. Lewis’s enduring impact on the culinary landscape is felt today, as her recipes and teachings continue to shape contemporary interpretations of Southern cuisine.
As we celebrate the diversity and depth of American culinary heritage, Edna Lewis remains a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the power of food to unite, nourish, and tell stories of generations past. This month we’ve put together a box to honor Edna Lewis and although the items included in the box were not chosen by her, our research suggests they might have been if she had the chance to outline some of her favorite things. We hope you enjoy this month’s CrateChef box and it inspires you to cook some amazing new dishes!
Happy Cooking!