“The Man Who Ate Too Much”
A conversation with food writer John Birdsall about his new biography of culinary giant James Beard.
Listen 49:46
American chef, author and food critic James Beard is shown in Oct. 1973. (AP Photo)
Culinary giant James Beard has been called “the dean of American cookery.” He was responsible for laying the foundation of what would become American Cuisine, steering home cooks toward fresh ingredients and away from processed foods through his cookbooks, magazine columns and a TV show. In his new biography, The Man Who Ate Too Much, food writer and former chef JOHN BIRDSALL examines Beard’s life, including his closeted gay identity and his influence on the American culinary landscape.
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