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PBS‘s American Masters is serving up what they’re calling a “Chefs Flight” of documentaries. Brand new docs American Masters – James Beard: America’s First Foodie and American Masters — Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft will be joining old favorites about Julia Child and Alice Waters for a delicious quadruple (viewing) course over the next two weeks on PBS.
If the name James Beard only sounds vaguely familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve heard of the James Beard Awards. They’re kind of like the Oscars of American food. The real life James Beard was a revolutionary in American cuisine. He brought a true appreciation for fresh ingredients and quality cooking to our national culinary scene. The new documentary American Masters – James Beard: America’s First Foodie doesn’t just celebrate Beard’s professional accomplishments; It seeks to reclaim a big part of his legacy. In the course of the film, we learn that Beard was an out and proud gay man in a time that wanted homosexuality swept under the rug, if not also silenced and criminalized. The film debuts on PBS tonight at 9 PM and will be followed by an encore of American Masters: Julia! America’s Favorite Chef.
Next week marks the debut of American Masters — Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft. Living legend Jacques Pépin was already a precocious culinary star when he emigrated to the United States from France in the 1960s, but he arguably made his biggest impact on American cuisine through his television hosting gigs. Pépin was one of the first major chefs who taught everyday Americans how to elevate their own dishes with organization and technique. American Masters — Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft premieres on Friday, May 26 at 9 PM and will be followed on PBS by an encore of American Masters: Alice Waters and Her Delicious Revolution.
You can stream a collection of American Masters episodes on PBS.
