In honor of Chef Edna Lewis

In the cozy and warm dining room of Okra’s Restaurant in Manassas Chef Carla Hall and I got to share our skills in honor of the memory of Chef Edna Lewis (1914-2006), the author of The Taste of Country Cooking.

It was a lovely meal, Carla is a talented cook, coming up with tasty riffs on Lewis’ menu for a winter’s dinner.  As she worked to finish and plate the meal I spoke for a bit on Lewis’ importance in the history of 20th c. African American cuisine.  The diners were interested and enthusiastic – buying all the 30th anniversary editions of Taste offered for sale.

The evening was a fundraiser for the Journey Through Hallowed Ground a dynamic organization celebrating the 180 miles of history between Gettysburg and Monticello; a National Heritage Area and National Scenic Byway.