Ep 10. James Monroe

A Taste of History season 4 episode 10 is named James Monroe. The episode is centered around the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe, and how he helped shape American cuisine during his time in office. The host of the show, Chef Walter Staib, travels to Virginia to explore the history behind Monroe's presidency and how he brought new culinary trends to the White House.

The episode begins with Chef Staib exploring the Monroe Doctrine, a foreign policy created by James Monroe that emphasized American independence in the western hemisphere. Chef Staib notes how this doctrine also applied to food, as Monroe insisted on using American ingredients in White House dishes and only allowing imported foods for special occasions.

Chef Staib then travels to the Monroe family's former home in Virginia, where he learns about the family's food traditions. He meets with culinary historian Nancy Carter Crump to learn about the dishes that were popular during Monroe's time and how they were made. Together, they create a classic Virginia ham dish that was often served during Monroe's presidency.

The episode also explores Monroe's travels to Europe and how they influenced his culinary tastes. Chef Staib visits the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, where Monroe stayed on his way to France and Italy. He samples dishes that Monroe would have eaten during his stay, including turtle soup and champagne.

Chef Staib then travels to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's former home, to learn about the importance of French cuisine in early American cooking. He meets with Monticello's head chef to learn how French techniques were used to prepare American ingredients.

Overall, A Taste of History season 4 episode 10 is an exploration of American culinary history during the early 19th century. Through the lens of James Monroe's presidency, Chef Staib showcases how American ingredients and French cooking techniques came together to shape a unique American cuisine.