That’s right, two of Virginia’s Most Famous Foodies, separated by two centuries (but just a few miles geographically) share the same calendar birthday of April 13th. Thomas Jefferson (b, 1743) and Chef Edna Lewis (b. 1916). Of course there’s much more “interestingness” to this cosmic coincidence and yes, Chef James Hemings (b. 1765) is the bridge…

I pieced together these previously unrecognized and undiscussed bits of info a few years back while helping to co-found the James Hemings Society and being asked to research and write about Edna Lewis’ life’s work in NYC at the same time. It’s such an interesting slice of a much bigger uniquely American culinary layer cake of sorts. One of the perks for my paid Patreon supporters is the opportunity to access not readily available information like this. Join my PATREON and i’ll see you there where you can get way more scoop … (And if you’re already a Patreon supporter I look fwd to you redeeming your perks;)…

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A photo collage i created to convey the concept of the birthday date shared by both TJ and Chef Lewis… including photos of Mrs. Lewis celebrating her special day at the James Beard House once upon a time, seated to her left is her neice Nina Williams-Mbengue, board member of the Edna Lewis Foundation.

It’s peach cobbler day too FYI…