Newsletter - July 2024
Exclusive Interviews: 200th Anniversary of Blair House
This Month on the American Table:
On our most recent podcast episode, we were granted rare access and an exclusive interview with Blair House General Manager Matthew Wendel, and Executive Chef James Sinopoli.
Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., just steps away from the White House, lies Blair House, the President’s Guest House. Not open to the public, Blair House is known as the most exclusive guest house in the world. It serves as the official residence for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, providing a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury.
Blair House is a symbol of American hospitality and diplomacy. Built in 1824 and acquired by the U.S. government in 1942, the house has welcomed countless international leaders, from Winston Churchill to Queen Elizabeth II. Its 119 rooms are meticulously maintained, offering a serene and secure environment for its distinguished guests.
Celebrating its 200th anniversary, Blair House continues to play a pivotal role in international diplomacy. It stands as a testament to the enduring relationships and shared values between the United States and its global partners. For those who have the privilege to stay, Blair House offers an unparalleled experience of luxury, history, and exceptional American hospitality.
You can listen to the interview in audio form via The American Table Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Also, if you are a paid subscriber, you can enjoy access to both of the recipes from the episode as well as a bonus podcast with Matthew Wendel and Chef James Sinopoli! They participate in our lighting round of fun questions ranging from “What is your favorite music artist” to “burger or pizza.”
Waffle House
Waffle House has had another moment in the spotlight with President Biden visiting an Atlanta location after his debate with Donald Trump. Back in 2022 we considered creating a documentary about Waffle House and even created a concept reel as a pitch. You can watch both Biden’s visit and our documentary concept reel here.
Coming Later this Month…
Stay tuned for our next podcast episode coming Thursday, July 25th!
In this episode, I return to the Embassy of Norway to chat with Chef Chris about his experience cooking for the guests of the embassy. (We’ll also be sharing a a couple of his recipes straight from the embassy!)
Other Posts and Articles From This Past Month:
My Current Media Diet:
Books I’m Reading
Dirt - Bill Buford: From Washington DC to Lyon, this chef was cooking at one of my favorite restuarants in Washington, Citronelle, and I likely ate his food. He dishes a little dirt along the way. Food coloring in Michele Richards kitchen?Thats culinary blasfmy! What does it take to master French cooking? But what was meant to be six months in a new and very foreign city turns into a wild five-year digression from normal life, as Buford apprentices at Lyon’s best boulangerie, studies at a legendary culinary school, and cooks at a storied Michelin-starred restaurant, where he discovers the exacting (and incomprehensibly punishing) rigueur of the professional kitchen.
Notes from a Young Black Chef - Kwame Onwuachi: "Notes from a Young Black Chef" by Kwame Onwuachi is a tough but compelling read. The author recounts his heartbreaking journey of high-profile failures in both New York and Washington, D.C. By the age of twenty-seven, Onwuachi had opened—and subsequently closed—one of America's most talked-about restaurants. His story includes selling drugs in New York, being sent to rural Nigeria to “learn respect,” launching a catering company with twenty thousand dollars earned from selling candy on the subway, and starring on Top Chef. Well written by his writing partner Joshua Stein
Potlicker Papers - John T. Edge: I can admire this writer from many different perspectives. First his voice, his writing is uniquely southern in a world of dissappearing dialects. I have often visited Oxford Missippippi , a picture perfect movie set of a small southern town. This book blends a guide to the culinary history of the south with the personal story of the writer. Ive enjoyed reading this book imensly.
- : My admiration of Heather Cox Richardson started with her column, Letter from an American. An incredibly gifted writer and historian, she gives us a dose of her analysis as a historian married with events spanning history today. On a recent trip to Kramer Books in Washington DC, I found her book, Democracy Awakening, and I was hooked. She is an unapologetic fan of the President Biden and his policies.
Links I Like
Its Summer! Here are a few links I’ve been loving:
Private Chefs in the Hamptons- All the rage this summer.
I personally know this lobster shack in Nantucket very well. Always a summer favorite. Just before the harbor, Nantucket Lobster Trap
Where (and What) to Eat on Martha's Vineyard. Travel and Leisure has you covered in this updated list of the best restaurants on the vineyard. Always make reservations!
Summer on Sea Island - BBQ is calling your name at Southern Soul BBQ. A personal favorite for years. Next to the airport, in an old gas station, its BBQ heaven!
Something Sweet for Dessert: Rose’
Family and Friends in Barcelona at the Ritz Hotel- Summer at its best!
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