More than 60 celebrity chefs, restauranteurs, and food writers hosted an online fundraiser for Vice President Kamala Harris. They highlighted her culinary prowess and food-related policies.
The event, organized by Congressman Eric Swalwell, raised over $250,000 for the Harris Victory Fund. Chefs like José Andrés and Marcus Samuelsson, along with others including Giada De Laurentiis, contributed to the effort.
The Star-Studded Lineup
Organized by California Congressman Eric Swalwell, a close friend of VP Harris, the online fundraiser was nothing short of spectacular. With over 60 celebrity chefs, restaurateurs, and food writers, it was like a culinary Avengers endgame. Big names like José Andrés and Marcus Samuelsson, who are known for their vocal anti-Trump sentiments, and the less politically vocal Giada De Laurentiis made the event a fascinating blend of culinary and politics.
Co-hosted by Joel McHale and Padma Lakshmi and featuring appearances from celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell, the event raised more than $250,000 for the Harris Victory Fund. This fund is a joint effort between Harris’s campaign and national and state Democratic Party organizations. “For the first time ever, too many chefs in the kitchen will actually lead to a good outcome!” quipped Swalwell.
Kamala’s Love for Cooking
Food has always had an outsized role in Harris’s campaign. Since taking over the Democratic presidential ticket, she has frequently shared her passion for cooking and childhood memories in the kitchen. An early campaign video featuring Harris and her VP pick Tim Walz discussing food went viral. Harris playfully teased Walz for his love of ‘white guy tacos’—ground beef tacos with minimal seasoning.
On the policy front, the Harris campaign focuses on issues like universal school lunch programs, eliminating taxes on tips, and curbing price gouging at grocery stores. These policies have sparked a debate over ‘greedflation,’ where corporations are accused of inflating prices to boost profits.
Admiration for Harris’s Culinary Skills
Aside from political discussions, the event had a recurring theme of admiration for Harris’s cooking skills. José Andrés praised her, saying, “She’s a terrific cook, she really rocks in the kitchen.” He recalled how Harris once prepared paella for him, admitting that while he may be the ‘king of paella,’ Harris was definitely in charge.
Padma Lakshmi also shared her admiration, recalling a conversation with Harris about a Moroccan tagine with tabbouleh. Lakshmi asserted, “Yes, she’s a good cook, but she’s going to be an extraordinary president.”
James Beard Award-winning chef Meherwan Irani lauded Harris’s knowledge of Indian cooking. He fantasized about cardamom, ginger, and clove wafting through the White House. Film producer Jamie Patricof and food critic Ruth Reichl echoed these sentiments, eagerly anticipating a ‘chef in the White House.’
Demonstrating Harris’s Recipes
Throughout the 135-minute event, chefs demonstrated various recipes, adding their unique twists. Chef Suzanne Goin led a demonstration for Harris’s roast chicken, seasoned with rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and plenty of garlic. She emphasized bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking to ensure crispy skin.
Chef Stuart O’Keefe whipped up fig and bacon goat cheese crisps, sparking a debate about whether bacon qualifies as a spice. Food critic Ruth Reichl believed it did, while Lakshmi was skeptical.
Behind-the-Scenes Access
Niki Nakayama and Carol Iida provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse from their Michelin-starred restaurant n/naka. While prepping for dinner service, they voiced their support for Harris, making their brief appearance both thrilling and insightful.
From a fishing trip in Idaho, chef Chris Bianco shared his tip for homemade pizza: “Just give it time, don’t rush it.” This advice resonated as solid wisdom for both cooking and life.
Personal Stories and Musical Interludes
Marcus Samuelsson shared his personal connection to Harris’s story, highlighting the inspirational impact of her immigrant background. He was joined by rapper and chef Jarobi White, a founding member of A Tribe Called Quest. Their conversation added a personal and emotional touch to the event.
Tom Colicchio, an outspoken Democrat, added some musical flavor by performing ‘Keep Your Eyes on the Prize’ from his Brooklyn home. Despite the shaky performance, his wife’s humorous reaction added an element of light-heartedness. Colicchio also praised Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, for his efforts to combat hunger in the U.S.
Giada De Laurentiis’s Unexpected Enthusiasm
Giada De Laurentiis was perhaps the most surprising figure of the night. Not typically known for her political views, she shared a touching moment from January 2021 when she watched Harris’s swearing-in ceremony with her daughter. De Laurentiis’s unexpected enthusiasm added a new dimension to her public persona, rounding out an evening that was as much about personal connection as it was about policy.
In summary, the fundraiser was a remarkable blend of culinary expertise and political advocacy. With over 60 chefs and celebrities participating, it was a unique way to support Harris’s campaign.
The event not only showcased Harris’s culinary skills but also highlighted her food-related policies, making it an engaging and memorable evening for all involved.
Source: Bonappetit