Ep 4. Alice Waters and Her Delicious Revolution

In American Masters season 17 episode 4, titled "Alice Waters and Her Delicious Revolution," viewers are offered a glimpse into the mind of Alice Waters, the revolutionary chef and founder of the famous restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkley, California. The episode takes viewers on a journey through Waters' life, detailing her early years and the events that led her to become the acclaimed culinary icon she is today.

Born in New Jersey in 1944, Waters' family moved to California when she was just a child. After dropping out of college, Waters found herself drawn to the counter-culture scene of the 1960s and early 1970s, a time when young people were questioning the status quo and looking for new ways to live. It was during this time that Waters began to understand the importance of food, not just in terms of taste, but also in terms of its impact on social and environmental issues.

Waters' first taste of the food industry came when she opened a restaurant with her friends, which they called The Tomato Cafe. The restaurant was a success, and it was there that Waters first began to experiment with new and innovative dishes. However, it was her time spent in Europe that would truly shape her approach to food. While in France, Waters became enamored with the French style of cooking, which emphasized the use of fresh, local ingredients. This philosophy would become the cornerstone of her work in the years to come.

Back in California, Waters opened Chez Panisse, which quickly became a hot spot for foodies and celebrities alike. It was here that Waters made a name for herself by creating dishes using only the freshest, local ingredients, and by prioritizing sustainability and environmentalism in her culinary practices. Waters' vision for Chez Panisse was not just of a restaurant, but of a movement. She believed that food could be used to effect real change in the world, both in terms of social justice and environmental sustainability.

Over the years, Waters' influence has only grown. She has become a leading voice in the sustainable food movement, advocating for organic farming, local sourcing, and the importance of food education. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the National Humanities Medal, which she was awarded by President Barack Obama in 2014. With "Alice Waters and Her Delicious Revolution," viewers are given a rare look into the life and work of a truly revolutionary figure in the culinary world.