News Summary
The Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University in Providence is reopening after a six-year hiatus. The special two-day ticketed tour on October 30 and 31 will showcase over 165,000 culinary artifacts, including historical cookbooks and notable recipes, connecting visitors to America’s rich culinary heritage. The reopening also coincides with Rhode Island’s 250th birthday celebrations, highlighting the significance of culinary arts in culture and community.
Providence, RI – The Culinary Arts Museum, located on the campus of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, is set to reopen its doors to the public after a closure of six years. The highly anticipated reopening will feature a special two-day ticketed tour and tasting event on October 30 and 31, allowing visitors to explore the museum’s rich collection of culinary history.
The museum holds an impressive array of over 165,000 artifacts that illustrate the impact of culinary arts on culture, politics, and everyday life in America. Among the notable artifacts are handwritten recipe books from Roger Fessaguet, a famed chef known as the “Wizard of Haute Cuisine,” who was celebrated for crafting President John F. Kennedy’s favorite dish, “poularde maison blanche” or “White House chicken.” Fessaguet’s illustrious career includes his time running the iconic La Caravelle restaurant in Manhattan during the 1960s and 70s, where he catered to numerous celebrities and dignitaries.
The reopening events are priced at $25 per ticket, providing guests an opportunity to enjoy gastronomic experiences while learning about the intricate history of food in America. The museum’s curator, Erin Williams, who is the only full-time employee, is currently preparing a special exhibit featuring cookbooks from Rhode Island, further highlighting local culinary talent.
Among the fascinating displays is a sauce recipe book by Fessaguet, which is opened to a recipe for Champagne sauce alongside a menu from La Caravelle that includes the same recipe. Additionally, the museum showcases Fessaguet’s reservation book, noting guests such as members of the Kennedy family during 1960-1961. A significant historical highlight at the museum is the menu from Abraham Lincoln’s second Inaugural Ball, which featured a remarkable 250-foot-long buffet originally intended for 300 guests but was overwhelmed by a staggering 4,000 attendees.
The museum also boasts the oldest cookbook on its premises, “L’école Parfaite des Officiers de Bouche,” attributed to Jean Ribou and dating back to the 17th century. This historical treasure is part of a collection that reflects the evolution of culinary practices throughout the centuries.
Furthermore, several renowned chefs have contributed chef’s coats to the museum, including notable alumni from Johnson & Wales such as Tyler Florence, Mark Ladner, and Michelle Bernstein. Prominent figures in the culinary world, such as honorary degree recipients Julia Child and Jacques Pépin, also have their chef jackets displayed at the museum, underscoring the institution’s connection to culinary excellence.
The reopening of the Culinary Arts Museum aligns with Rhode Island’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. This event marks a significant initiative to highlight the culinary culture and history within the region, providing insights into how food serves as a vital link between communities and nations.
As the museum prepares for its reopening, it promises to offer an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages, celebrating the art of cooking and its profound impact on American society.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Culinary Arts Museum Reopening
- Wikipedia: Culinary Arts
- Providence Journal: New Food Festival
- Google Search: Culinary Arts History
- RIMonthly: March Events
- Google Scholar: Culinary History
- Herald News: Culinary Arts Museum Reopens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
- Condé Nast Traveler: Providence Dining
- Google News: Culinary Arts Museum Providence
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
