James Beard: America’s First Foodie

James Beard (1903-1985), dubbed the “Dean of American Cookery” by The New York Times, was a Portland native who loved and celebrated the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. He spoke of the importance of localism and sustainability long before those terms had entered the vernacular. At a time when “all things French,” was the standard, Beard appreciated what America had to bring to the table and was the first chef to go on television to teach not only women, but men, how to cook. A cookbook author, journalist, television celebrity, and teacher, Beard helped to pioneer and expand the food media industry into the billion-dollar business it is today. Portland filmmaker Beth Federici draws on a wealth of film clips, photographs, and interviews with some of todays top chefs to fashion a fitting celebration of a pioneering and larger than life cultural force.