Meet this week’s guest editor, Deb Freeman! As a culinary anthropologist, Deb explores the intersections of race, culture, and food, with a focus on Virginia and the South. She is the executive producer and host of Finding Edna Lewis on PBS and created Setting the Table, a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast on Black foodways and culinary history.
Freeman has appeared on Finding Flavor (Max) and The Key Ingredient (PBS) and has written for Eater, Condé Nast Traveler, Food52, Garden & Gun, and more. She has also provided cultural commentary for BBC Radio.
Originally from Norfolk, Freeman moved to Richmond six years ago. She enjoys exploring international grocery stores to discover unique snacks from around the world.
Take it away, Deb ...
Free Tours of Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Each tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and will explore the same key themes, so you only need to register for one date. Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with history—reserve your spot today!
As a young lawyer with a growing family in Springfield, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln often donned an apron to help whip up dinner when his wife was in need. What tasty dishes did he prepare? We’ll explore the simple cookbooks available in his era with such tasty treats as jumble cookies, rhubarb tonic, and slow-cooked barbecue. This presentation will take a culinary look at Abe Lincoln’s dinner table.
Experience Richmond’s rising musical talent as the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra performs Haydn’s Symphony No. 103, “Drum Roll,” alongside woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The Percussion Ensemble will also take the stage, showcasing chamber music by YCO and RSYO percussionists.
A highlight of the evening is violist Joe Legukto, winner of the 2025 Richmond Symphony Student Concerto Competition. Don’t miss this inspiring performance by Central Virginia’s most advanced young musicians!
I recently finished filming Finding Edna Lewis, a PBS documentary now available on the PBS app, website, and VPM (check local listings). The film explores the life and legacy of Edna Lewis, a pioneering Black chef from Freetown, Virginia, whose farm-to-table philosophy reshaped the way Americans view Southern cuisine.
Through interviews with chefs, historians, and those who knew her, Finding Edna Lewis highlights her influence on modern food culture and celebrates her role in preserving Southern culinary traditions.
