A Taste of History Season 7 Episode 9 When America Spoke French
- June 15, 2015
- 24 min
A Taste of History season 7 episode 9 is named "When America Spoke French". In this episode, viewers are taken through a journey in time to explore the French influence on American cuisine and culture. The host of the show, Chef Waldo, dives deep into the French roots of classic American dishes and how they have evolved over time.
The episode begins with Chef Waldo exploring the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. He learns about the history of the French influence in the city and how it shaped the culture, food, and architecture. He takes viewers on a tour of some of the oldest French bakeries and restaurants in the area and discusses how the French brought their culinary techniques and recipes to America.
Next, Chef Waldo travels to Williamsburg, Virginia, where he visits an 18th-century French kitchen. He discusses the lifestyle of French colonists in America and how they adapted their cooking methods to the ingredients available in the new world. He also shows viewers how to make a classic French dish, Chicken Fricassee, using ingredients that would have been available to French colonists.
The episode also features interviews with historians, culinary experts, and chefs who discuss the French influence on American cuisine. They talk about how French techniques and recipes have been adapted and transformed over time to create some of America's most beloved dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.
Chef Waldo ends the episode in Washington, D.C., where he explores the French influence on American politics and diplomacy. He visits the French embassy and speaks with the ambassador about the long-standing relationship between France and the United States. He also visits the National Museum of American History to view artifacts related to the French influence on American culture, including a portrait of Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution who was instrumental in securing French support for the American cause.
Overall, "When America Spoke French" is an informative and engaging episode of A Taste of History. Chef Waldo's passion for both French and American cuisine is infectious, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the ways in which these two cultures have intertwined over time.