Masterful Chinese culinary artists who prepared delectable meals for U.S. commanders-in-chief, showcasing their exceptional skills.
In the world of culinary history, Adrian Miller's name has been popping up quite a bit recently. The reason? He's been on a mission to resurrect a forgotten gem, a book that's been hidden in the shadows since 1939 - "To a President's Taste: Being the Reminiscences and Recipes of Lee Ping Quan, Ex-President's Steward on the Presidential Yacht, USS Mayflower, as told to Jim Miller."
This riveting memoir cookbook, penned by a chef of color, offered the most comprehensive chef's story in presidential history up to that point. Yet, it apparently slipped into obscurity after its publication, lost amidst the sands of time.
When Miller, a former White House lawyer who worked under Bill Clinton, wrapped up his book on African-American cooks in the White House, he had an epiphany. He felt that Quan's book needed a comeback. So, he approached a few publishers, pitching them the idea of reprinting Quan's book. Unfortunately, they all shook their heads and moved on.
Now, if you're intrigued by this tale and considering diving into it, keep in mind that it's not a modern publication. You might find the original 1939 edition languishing on a dusty shelf in a library or buried in a used bookstore. But rest assured, there doesn't seem to be a fresh, new edition making its way into bookstores anytime soon.
If you're a history buff or a foodie, you might want to check out Miller's discussions and presentations about Asian chefs in the White House, including Lee Ping Quan. While the original book might be out of print, the legacy of its author and the stories it holds continue to fascinate.
This forgotten gem, the book "To a President's Taste: Being the Reminiscences and Recipes of Lee Ping Quan," offers a captivating blend of lifestyle, food-and-drink, and entertainment history. A reading of it, though challenging to find in modern bookstores, can provide a deep dive into the life of a chef of color who made history in presidential culinary affairs.
