A Taste of History

In this episode, we visit the farm home of Charles Thomson who was helped to forge the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson, a close friend, loved to visit with Charles and Hannah Thomson and relax with good food and wine. Chef Staib prepares Shrimp in Saffron Cream, Marinated Asparagus and Fennel Puree in the Thomsons' kitchen at Harriton House.

Samuel Powel was the last mayor of Philadelphia under British Rule, and the first after the War of Independence. Powel hosted elegant parties at his residence for his friends, George and Martha Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Franklin. In this episode, we tour the Powel House, and Chef Staib prepares a Washington favorite: Forced Cabbage with a Traditional Beef Stew with Egg Noodles.

Dr. Philip Syng Physick is considered the father of American Surgery. Along with several famous medical innovations Dr. Physick also came up with the idea of flavoring carbonated water, something we now call soda pop! In this episode, we tour Physick House, and Chef Staib prepares Smoked Brook Trout on Potato Pancakes, Coq au Vin Chicken, and Brussel Sprouts in honor of the Doctor.

In the fall of 1793, Yellow Fever was running rampant in Philadelphia. President Washington decided to move the government's operations north to Germantown, a settlement miles away from the plagued city. He set up his offices in a charming home, Deshler Morris House. We'll tour the house and Chef Staib will prepare Shrimp Toast, along with a Larded Heart of Beef Tenderloin in Washington's honor.

Betsy Ross is one of the most celebrated women in American history. She was a woman of great courage who was asked by Gen. Washington to defy the British and secretly give our nation its identity. Learn why in this episode as Chef Staib prepares meals Betsy would have made, Oyster Stew and Roasted Duckling Glazed with Honey.

No other man of his time contributed more to our understanding of nature and science than Benjamin Franklin. And that's in addition to being one of the key Founding Fathers of our country. What a resume! In this episode, we salute Benjamin Franklin by preparing a favorite French dish of his, Vol au Vent with Sweetbreads, Beef and Pork Pie, and Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage.

David Rittenhouse taught himself Newton's Laws by the age of 13. Soon after, he became an expert clockmaker, and a Professor of Astronomy. He created an orrery, an elaborate machine to track the movements of the sun, moon and stars. See Rittenhouse's orrery, and learn about his life as Chef Staib prepares a Crown Roast of Pork with Madeira Sauce along with Sweet Potatoes and Apples in his honor.

In the summer of 1793, Yellow Fever swept through Philadelphia and wiped out ten percent of the population. People of means escaped, leaving their African-American slaves behind to tend to the sick. The slaves did so selflessly and the city awarded them two churches in thanks - the first African-American owned properties in America. Chef Staib cooks Citrus Marinated Salmon with an Eggplant Doré.

We all know the story of Benedict Arnold, and how he betrayed his new country to the British. But few know the role his wife, Peggy Shippen Arnold, played in his treasonous act. In this episode, we'll tell the story of Benedict and Peggy Arnold. In spite of them, Chef Staib prepares a favorite dish of the time, Lobster and Corn Fritters and Baked Veal Chops with Braised Artichokes.

The variety of livestock we see on farms today differs significantly from the ones that were common during the Revolutionary Era. Modern techniques have plumped animals up and induced them to grow more quickly. An effort is underway at Colonial Williamsburg to get back to the original breeds. Chef Staib cooks at Harriton House, preparing Beef Barley Soup, Pork Ragoût and Sally Lunn Dumplings.

Colonial Williamsburg is one of the oldest settlements in America, and the British assumed it would become America's capital. Today, visitors can experience an entire village of Colonial life and authentic foods. Chef Staib cooks in Peyton Randolph's kitchen, preparing Chicken Vermicelli Soup, Veal Fricassée and Curried Rice Pilaf.

Lafayette is portrayed as the dashing young French General at Washington's side. But the misery and heartache Lafayette received in France for his support of America's caused him and his wife to be hunted down and imprisoned. In this episode, Chef Staib pays tribute to Gen. Lafayette by making a very French meal of Tripe Soup, Roasted Sweetbreads and Creamed Savoy Cabbage.

The Governor's Palace at Colonial Williamsburg was the epitome of fine dining and cultured cuisine. In this episode, we get a rare tour of the Palace kitchens, and see how the "beautiful people" of the Colonial Era lived. Chef Staib also gets elbow deep in chocolate making, after preparing Cod Fish Fritters, Stuffed Roasted Quail, Virginia Ham and Pineapple Sauerkraut in Peyton Randolph's kitchen.