It’s wonderful to see James being recognized for his talents and influence in the development of uniquely #Americancuisine ... he received his manumission (#freedompapers) from Jefferson in the first week of what would (over a century later) become “#BlackHistoryMonth” — on Feb 5th 1796 to be exact.... Checkout @jameshemingsorg and the website for more about his profound influence on the formation of early American #finedining .................. #Repost @thesaltyheifer with @get_repost ・・・ For Black History Month: “James Hemings was born in Virginia into the most famous family in American slave history, the Hemings clan. His sister Sally, enslaved companion and mother to several of Thomas Jefferson’s children is the most famous Hemings. Half brother of Jefferson’s wife Martha Wayles, James Hemings became the property of Thomas Jefferson at age eight. Hemings began his culinary training immediately, apprenticed to a traiteur (caterer) named Combeaux. Combeaux was hired to provide Jefferson's meal service during the first year of his stay in Paris. Hemings subsequently trained under Jefferson's female French cuisinière, while simultaneously taking classes from a master pastry chef. His most important training was under the chef of the Prince de Condé, in the kitchen at Chateau Chantilly made famous by legendary chef François Vatel. Chateau Chantilly was today’s equivalent of a Michelin five-star kitchen, its cooking considered superior to the food at Versailles. Many dishes like foie gras, whipped cream, French fries, ice cream and meringues while not created in this kitchen, became famous for being made there, and later adopted by the bourgeoisie. Hemings learned quickly and in 1787 became the chef de cuisine at the Hôtel de Langeac, which was Jefferson's private residence on the Champs-Elysées. The Hôtel de Langeac was America’s first diplomatic embassy. It was there that James cooked for royalty and the most discerning palates in France. James effortlessly supervised a large French kitchen staff, having mastered the language. #morningmotivation #blackhistory365 #heiferchronicles #whatthatsaltyheiferdo (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btz5ABfFVFY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wxwhk7k59yiu