[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 166 (Friday, October 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING EDNA LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 21, 2022

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of a distinguished Virginian, Ms. Edna Lewis.
  Edna was born in Freetown, Orange County, Virginia in 1916. As a 
child growing up in a small farming community of emancipated slaves, 
Edna learned how to grow and cultivate food on her grandfather's farm. 
Drawing upon the heritage and culture of her African-American 
ancestors, Edna developed her distinct style of traditional Southern 
cooking.
  At the age of sixteen, Edna left Freetown and eventually settled in 
New York City. Working as a seamstress and dressmaker, it wasn't until 
1949 that she began cooking professionally as the head chef at Cafe 
Nicholson, a new restaurant in Manhattan. The restaurant and Edna's 
unique style of Southern cooking quickly gained a dedicated following--
including prominent individuals ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt to 
Truman Capote.
  Even after Edna eventually left Cafe Nicholson, demand for her 
cooking and culinary expertise did not diminish. She published her 
first cookbook in 1972, followed shortly after by The Taste of Country 
Cooking in 1976. The Taste of Country Cooking, her seminal work, 
combines recipes and stories from her childhood in Freetown. Edna's 
ability to impart her voice and heritage in the cookbook made it loved 
and adored by many.
  Edna published two more cookbooks over the course of her life. She 
was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the James Beard 
Living Legend Award and International Association of Culinary 
Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award, among many others. In 2014, 
she was honored by the creation of a U.S. postal stamp with her image.
  Now, in honor of Edna's life and achievements, the Orange County 
community will be installing a historical marker so that visitors can 
learn more about her and her contributions to our Commonwealth and our 
Nation. As the U.S. Representative for Virginia's Seventh District, I 
thank Orange County for creating an enduring memory of Edna so that 
future generations can remember one of the great champions of Southern 
cuisine.

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