Smart Talk: Filmmaker Ken Burns: White House Chef John Moeller
Ken Burns talking with Smart Talk host Scott LaMar/photo Heather Woolridge WITF
What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, November 15, 2016:
The late historian Stephen Ambrose said of historic documentarian Ken Burns’ films, “More Americans get their history from Ken Burns than any other source.”
Burns speaks at Messiah College in Grantham Tuesday night. Before his appearance Burns joins us on Smart Talk to discuss American history and the state of a divided country — a week after a contentious election.
Among the topics he addresses are how the story of the 2016 election would be told on film, why the nation is divided and two of his upcoming projects — country music and the Vietnam War.
Working as the executive chef at a restaurant can be incredibly time consuming and stressful. Imagine doing it for the most powerful man in the world. And his kids. Chef John Moeller did just that as Executive White House Chef for Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
The Lancaster native studied in France under Michelin-rated chefs and eventually made his way back to Washington DC where fate would lead him to the White House. In addition to preparing meals for the First Families, Chef Moeller also cooked for State Dinners and guests including Tony Blair, Nelson Mandela, Sophia Loren and the legendary Julia Child.
Chef John Moeller
Following his time in Washington, Moeller returned to the area and began a catering business. Chef Moeller joins us to talk about working his way up to the kitchen at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, creating meals for world leaders and dignitaries and talks about the eating habits of American Presidents past.
EMAILS
for Chef John Moeller:
With food issues so prevalent, especially with the Clinton’s and the Gluten issues, how difficult is it to keep from cross-contaminating while cooking for the first family.
– Manuel
