Select Page:
Duchess Quamino, also known as the “Pastry Queen of Rhode Island,” was a formerly enslaved woman who defied the odds to become an influential figure in her community. Born around 1739 in Senegal or Ghana, Duchess rose above her circumstances and became a renowned independent caterer. Her culinary talents and entrepreneurial spirit made her a beloved and respected figure in colonial Rhode Island, inspiring future generations with her resilience and achievements.
Sally Seymour was an African American pastry chef and restaurateur who defied societal expectations to become a successful entrepreneur and renowned pastry chef. Her culinary brilliance and dedication earned her widespread popularity and acclaim in Charleston, where she established her own bakery and trained several pupils. Her legacy lives on through her daughter, who expanded the business, and her influence can still be seen in the culinary traditions of the region.
Jean Webster (1935-2011) operated Sister Jean’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen in Atlantic City, New Jersey, serving hot meals to hundreds of people each day. Her passion for cooking and dedication to helping others led her to become one of the first black female sous-chefs in Atlantic City. Despite health issues, she started Sister Jean’s Kitchen and fed over 400 people daily, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and selflessness in women’s history.
Cristeta Pasia Comerford, born on October 27, 1962, is a Filipino-American chef who has made history as the White House executive chef since 2005. Hailing from Sampaloc, Manila, in the Philippines, she is the first woman and the first person of Asian origin to hold this prestigious position.
Julia Child, an American cooking teacher, author, and television personality, introduced French cuisine to the American public with her cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Her television program, “The French Chef,” which premiered in 1963, showcased her passion for cooking and made her a beloved and influential figure in the culinary world.