I had the honor of going up to Monticello this morning to hear renowned chef and food activist Alice Waters speak in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday celebration. You might know Alice as the founder of the Edible Schoolyard Project and chef and owner of Chez Panisse Restaurant in California. She was also the recipient of the 2017 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership.
The celebration began with music from The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps followed by introductions and Alice’s keynote speech. Alice stated that Thomas Jefferson “inspires me more than any other figure in American history.” I can see why – they both seek out the best-tasting food available. Jefferson grew over 40 kinds of kidney beans, narrowing it down until he found the one he liked the very best, and Alice shared that when Chez Panisse first opened they found that the most delicious produce was sold at organic farms nearby. She ended her talk by stating that we need another American Revolution with the Slow Food Movement. But rather than a call to arms, we need a “call to farms”. Brilliant!
Afterwards, there was birthday cake!!!!
But sadly the cake line was a mile long, so I wasn’t able to have a slice.
Lynsie and I soaked up the sunshine though.
Founder’s Day is such a great time to visit Monticello – all the flowers are in bloom!
So instead of cake, I had peanut butter pretzels! These things are SO addictive!! But they make the most satisfying snack!
I love it when I have a fridge full of options for lunch, and I piled a bunch of roasted veggies from last night’s dinner onto some BrightFarms greens with leftover chicken, sharp white cheddar cheese, and parsley. So delicious!
I’ve been drinking water, but I have a headache coming on – I don’t think my body is used to sweating so much before breakfast!! Gotta keep chugging.
I’ve been working on posts, photos, and emails since I got home at 11 and am running out of time in my workday before picking up Mazen! Since adding Designed To Fit Nutrition and a few small side projects to my plate, I’ve been finding it a bit harder to fit everything into my week. I’m sure I’ll figure it out though!
Christina @ montessoriishmom.com says
That looks so fun! I used to live in DC and loved all of the spring time flowers, especially the tulips everywhere. I went to Georgetown and someone had set up a large fund just for tulips all over campus each year, it was so pretty!
Katie says
Totally off topic, but, thoughts on last night’s Survivor? My jaw was on the floor! That was such a cruel thing to do to someone.
KathEats says
Oh my gosh – I was so shocked. I’ve never seen anything that serious and hurtful on the show. I feel so much for Zeke. And I also feel for Varner because while it was a dumb mistake, I don’t think he meant it maliciously. Still – you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. What did he think would happen? The tribe would suddenly turn on Zeke?! You can never win by cutting someone else down in life.
Taryn says
I know I thought it was SO CRAZY! I remember Varner making a comment to the camera right before tribal that he didn’t mind bringing up a “moral issue” if that meant getting further in the game. Ugh. Zeke handled it with such grace, and I think he will have an outpouring of support at home. Wow though!
On another note, regarding your headaches, have you ever tried adding BCAA’s to your water? I do 2 really intense gym nights each week, and always drink 32oz of BCAA’s on my way home in the car. I also drink it a lot if I’m training and sweating a lot during the summer months. We use an orange crème flavor that tastes just like a creamsicle!
KathEats says
The internet is ripping him apart, but that was so low.
And I haven’t, mostly because i haven’t had this problem before! I really think my body was just soooo confused because I have worked out that hard before 7am in a long time 🙂
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
Your lunch looks incredible! So many flavors! I’m so jealous of your day so far. What a fun celebration!
Diana says
Sounds like a fun event. I didn’t know Thomas Jefferson was such a foodie! Anywho, have you been to Chez Panisse? It’s so amazing. You’d love it! 🙂
KathEats says
He was the nation’s first foodie! And I would love to go someday : )
ellie says
That looks like such a fun day — I wish I could take a break in the middle of the week for sunshine and peanut butter pretzels. Those are two of my favorite things, lol : )
Hope that you, M, and Thomas had a lovely evening — the weather in DC is gorge, so I bet it’s the same in Cville.
KathEats says
It’s wonderful here!! Not too hot and so springy : )
Melissa | HerGreenLife says
It’s important to remember that Jefferson’s farming efforts were built on the backs of enslaved African Americans, as was all of Monticello: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/paradox-of-liberty-tells-the-other-side-of-jeffersons-monticello-83738466/
Tess says
This.
Cindy says
Kath, I love reading your blog and funny enough, I was at Monticello on Thursday too with my family. We were just checking it out before going to a few Cville wineries for our last day of spring break vacay. When I found out Alice Waters was there, I had a little freak out moment bc Chez Pannisse was one of my first cookbooks. It was such a beautiful day & I loved seeing all the spring flowers in bloom. Cheers!
KathEats says
Oh how fun! I was saying what a nice surprise it would be if someone had chosen Founders day to visit by chance!