The Ghost in America’s Kitchen

James Hemings was the first American trained as a master chef. He was also the brother-in-law and enslaved property of Thomas Jefferson, and the older brother of Sally Hemings.

When Jefferson was appointed Minister to France he selected Hemings to accompany him to Paris where he trained to be a French chef. In an era where enslaved people were purposefully kept illiterate, Chef Hemings learned to read and write in both French and English.

Because America should know about this founding father of some of our favorite foods, Chef Ashbell McElveen explores the life and culinary contributions of James Hemings. Through interviews with culinary historians Michael Twitty and Therese Nelson, culinary journalist Toni Tipton-Martin, French chef Jacques Pépin, and others, you can learn how Hemings influenced and transformed American cuisine.

“Growing up a Black kid, the son of cooks in the segregated South, I had no idea that American cuisine was crafted by someone who looked like me,” McElveen said. “James Hemings is the most overlooked revolutionary figure in American history, and it’s time for his story to be told.”

Chef McElveen has dedicated his life to creating fine food, and uncovering the amazing story of James Hemings. McElveen, creator and executive producer of this new documentary film as well as a familiar culinary TV personality, has founded the James Hemings Society, which strives to bring America’s Founding Foodie into the light of history.

James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen will captivate foodies, intrigue historians, and give every American a greater appreciation for the French fries on their plate. Look for it on Amazon Prime.