A Taste of History

We all know Martha Washington from her portraits as a dowdy grandmother, but did you know that there is new evidence she was a beautiful and passionate wife befitting her handsome George? And that Martha was the secret weapon that kept troop morale high during the hard winter’s encampment at Valley Forge? We prepare Martha’s authentic Turkey Stew with Oysters and speak with well-known Martha Washington expert Patricia Brady.

As early as 1690, German settlers left Europe for religious freedom in the new world of North America. They settled in the Philadelphia area, and immediately started to contribute to the innovations and spirit of our new country. In this episode, Chef Walter Staib prepares ale-braised sausages and shows us how his German ancestors helped to make America great.

General von Steuben was a German officer who volunteered to help Washington battle the British monarchy. Before von Steuben was finished at Valley Forge, he had instituted a discipline to the rag tag army that made them a determined fighting force that would eventually win the war. Chef Staib prepares Braised Rabbit Legs and Potato Cakes in honor of his favorite Continental soldier, General von Steuben.

In this episode, we visit the farm home of Charles Thomson, the Secretary to the Continental and the Confederation Congresses. Thomson is little remembered in history, but was influential in helping to argue the cause of Independence. Thomas Jefferson, a close friend, loved to ride out to Harriton House after a long day of debating, and relax with good food and wine with Charles and Hannah Thomson. Chef Staib prepares Shrimp in Saffron Cream, Marinated Asparagus and Fennel Puree in the Thomsons’ kitchen at Harriton House.

Samuel Powel has the distinction of being 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, along with Jefferson, Adams and Franklin. In this episode, we tour the Powel House, and Chef Staib prepares a Washington favorite: Forced Cabbage and a Traditional Beef Stew with Egg Noodles.

Dr. Philip Syng Physick is considered the father of American surgery. His string of innovations include using cat gut for sutures and inventing the tool still used today for performing tonsillectomies! But 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.

When George Washington wasn’t busy governing a fledgling nation, he enjoyed spending time at his family plantation, Mount Vernon. Tour the “jewel of the Potomac” and join Chef Walter Staib in Washington’s very own kitchen as he prepares some of the first President’s favorite dishes such as Roasted Beef Marrow, Baked Stuffed Sturgeon, Roasted Root Vegetables and Citrus Vinaigrette.

Meet “Martha Washington” as she brings her years with George to life. Always a gracious hostess, “Martha” invites Chef Walter to tea. We also see the Washingtons’ personal china and silverware from Mount Vernon. In the kitchen, Chef Walter’s menu includes Pickled Herring Bonne Femme, Roasted Stuffed Grouse, Braised Sunchokes and Sweet Potato Biscuits.

The Philadelphia gardens of botanists John and William Bartram were a favorite excursion for our founding fathers, including Ben Franklin. In this episode, learn how Franklin introduced tofu to America and watch Chef Walter cook Fried Lafayette Fish, Curried Tofu with Shrimp, Turbot and Braised Romaine, in the hearth of Bartram’s kitchen.

Chef Walter follows The Freedom Trail, a walking tour of famous sites from 18th century Boston, then inspires us with more historic Boston favorites, Clam Chowder and Tripe a la Mode.

“The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere”, Henry Longfellow’s poem, made an obscure silversmith into an enduring Revolutionary legend. The poem is retold as Chef Walter accompanies the prose with Lobster Pie and Deep Fried Quail Eggs.

John Adams, 2nd President and a founding father, feared history would not remember him. Chef Staib honors Adams with a classic New England Boiled Dinner, and visits Adams’ birthplace home in Quincy.

Chef Walter Staib cooks favorite European specialties: Hungarian Goulash, Cabbage Potato Stew with Kielbasa and Strawberry Tarte in honor of Polish hero, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the ‘architect’ of West Point.

In honor of our national anthem, Chef Walter Staib celebrates the Star Spangled Banner at Ft McHenry with a red white and blue feast: Eel and Mussel Chowder, Smoke Pheasant en Croute, Roasted Veal Shank, and for dessert, Bread Pudding with Black Currants.

Chef Walter Staib pays tribute to the Liberty Bell and the symbolic role it has played in American history by preparing Sautéed Shad Roe, Coq au Vin Rouge with Herb Spaetzle.

Touring City Tavern’s hallowed grounds - Chef Walter Staib celebrates the history of the venerable City Tavern, Philadelphia’s historic restaurant that John Adams called “the most genteel tavern” in America. George Washington used City Tavern as his headquarters during the Revolutionary War, and it was the Merchant Exchange. Chef Staib operates it now for guests to experience 18th century dining. In this episode, Chef Staib cooks Roast leg of venison, yellow beets and walnuts gratin, sage potatoes and crème brûlée.

Winning the war with bread – Chef Walter Staib bakes some of America’s favorites, inspired by George Washington’s Baker General, Christopher Ludwig. A native German, he brought the art of gingerbread making to Philadelphia and volunteered his services to the army to keep everyone fed in camps. Chef Staib roasts a turkey to demonstrate how to make a classic turkey pot pie from scratch, then makes the dough and filling then finishes the meal with gingerbread and poached pears.

Battlefield Artillery marching to victory – Boston book shop owner, Henry Knox, used his bookish interest in military manuals to become the chief artillery officer General Washington. Chef Walter Staib visits Fort Mercer to learn how Knox and a rag-tag militia acquired artillery and gained the discipline to swing the balance of the war for America’s independence. Chef Staib cooks “pease” soup with pork shanks and Sally Lunn toast, Hunter’s stew with rabbit, beef, turkey and pork, skillet potatoes and lights cannonball punch on fire.

Chef Walter Staib pays tribute to Charles Thomson, designer of America’s Great Seal. Chef Staib dedicates this meal to Thomson with: Crawfish Bisque and Wether Stew. Bee Sting Cake, infused with honey from this founding father’s estate, is baked in an 18th century beehive oven and completes the meal.

It’s A Taste of History when Chef Walter Staib tells the amazing story of young George Washington’s only trip abroad. From the luxurious setting of Sandals Barbados in St. Lawrence Gap, learn all about the unique connection between Barbados and the United States and enjoy some specialties of Barbados: Bajan Fish Cakes, Flying Fish and Cou-cou prepared and explained by Sandals’ finest Chefs.

Chef Walter Staib presents the story of Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the most influential figures in the history of American medicine. To honor Dr. Rush, Chef Staib prepares Seafood Vol-au-Vent and a Leek and Crimini Mushroom Ragu, completing the meal with an Apple Tart.

The Season 8 premiere explores George Washington's retirement years during a visit to Mount Vernon. Recipes include Washington's unaged rye whiskey, produced and sold from the on-site distillery, pecan-stuffed suckling pig, pork kidney and plum pudding.

The world of the Maroons of Accompong Town is explored during a visit to Jamaica. Recipes include a traditional roasted jerk pig and a savor pepper pot soup.

A visit to Henry Muhlenberg's family home in Trappe, Pa. Muhlenberg, an immigrant pastor, was father to Peter (Washington's general) and Henry Jr., a renowned botanist. Recipes include such German fare as pickled lamb tongue, stuffed cabbage and more.

Chef Walter Staib uncovers the life of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne and the Battle of Paoli - an event that inspired America's first battle cry, "Remember Paoli!" Recipes include braised short ribs, Pennsylvania dutch gratin, and more.

The struggle and triumph of the first permanent English settlement in North America is explored. Chef Staib prepares stuffed roasted chicken with wild rice and cornbread.

Chef Staib travels along the south coast of Jamaica and enjoys a delicious pepper shrimp dish.

Asian-Jamaican recipes include janga eggrolls with star fruit relish and shumai with Thai chili.

Sausage dumplings with a mushroom ale sauce and roasted potatoes with sausage and sage are prepared.

Chef Staib tours the historic corridors of Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary. Recipes include white bean & beef stew, and red bean chili.

18th century taverns provided much more than a meal and a place to sleep - they were often the catalyst for a city's growth. Chef Staib joins the team at Dill's Tavern to discover the roots of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania and prepare recipes such as roast mutton, sausage cassoulet, and more.

Chef Staib travels to the Caribbean nation of Grenada to shed light on the threat of the invasive lionfish and cook up some tasty solutions. Recipes include lionfish ceviche and pan seared lionfish with fire roasted breadfruit.

Chef Staib explores the oyster harvesting industry from its tumultuous past to its sustainable present. Staib celebrates this keystone species with a family seafood feast, and prepares some unique recipes of his own like crab & oyster cakes and oyster empanadas.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula was once the bustling center of the mining world during the late 1800s copper boom. Chef Walter Staib meets with an old friend to discover the roots of a "Yooper" and learn some regional recipes like a planked-style Lake Superior whitefish.

Chef Walter Staib travels to Pensacola, Florida, to learn of the centuries-long struggle to control this strategic region in the Gulf. Chef Staib teams up with three revered chefs to cook some local favorites over an open hearth. Recipes include pan-seared Pensacola red snapper, Spanish-style paella, and more.

Chef Walter Staib visits Southern Texas to learn the fascinating story of how Texas beef played a pivotal role in the outcome of the American Revolution. Along the way, he meets some modern cowboys to discover the origins of this American legend and cook recipes fit for a life on the open range. Recipes include cowboy stew, berry cobbler, and cabrito.

Join us on a spirited journey as we explore the rich history of Applejack and Apple Brandy, discovering their colonial origins and witnessing the meticulous distillation process at America's oldest distillery. Chef Walter Staib returns to the historic Harriton House to fire up some apple inspired recipes, including Scallopini of Pork with Stuffing, a sizzling Apple Flambé and more.

Chef Walter Staib travels into the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico to embark on a captivating journey that uncovers the art of Mezcal making, guided by local experts who reveal the secrets behind this beloved spirit. The mysteries of the ancient city of Monte Albán await discovery, while renowned Mexican Chef, Rodolfo Castellanos showcases the vibrant flavors of the central market's local cuisine.

Journey back in time to uncover Boone's historic roots and savor its vibrant culinary scene. Chef Walter Staib tries his hand at fly-fishing, and connects with modern pioneers shaping the region's food culture. Delve into the historic Tatum Cabin, where delightful recipes are prepared, capturing the essence of Boone's heritage.

Unveil Charleston's soul as we explore the layers of its history at the International African American Museum and a Lowcountry rice farm. Learn crabbing secrets from a local pro, then cook with a passionate chef, celebrating Southern staples of the local cuisine.

Saddle up for Southern charm as Chef Walter Staib rides through Nashville's history at Belle Meade Mansion. Explore the melodic roots of Country Music, visit iconic landmarks, and whip up delicious Southern eats like Country ham, fruitcake, and syllabub. Experience Nashville's rich cultural heritage and culinary delights in this captivating journey.

Chef Walter Staib dives into the coastal bounty of Port Aransas, Texas! Discover legendary fishing tales, explore the vibrant local culture, and savor unique seafood creations with Chef Pete Mims. Experience how Texas spices meet Gulf Coast flavors in a culinary adventure that blends tradition and innovation. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the rich, diverse tastes of coastal Texas.