Recent events


2013 Harvest Fest Harvest Festival
2012 Harvest Fest
2013 Dinsmore Returns to Monticello

2012 Colonial Arts at Monticello
Dolley & James
City Anniversary
At Lee Park
Performing with James & Dolley Madison
(John Douglas Hall & Ruth Myers)
Charlottesville's 250th Anniversary Demonstrations at Lee Park


Dinner with the Madisons
An unexpected opportunity arrived October 15, 2010 to participate in the PBS regular feature,
A Taste of History
with Chef Walter Staib, the "master chef of 18th century open-hearth cooking."

The venue chosen for the filming was President James Madison's estate in Orange, Virginia – Montpelier – a place quite familiar to me.
Reprising my role as James Dinsmore, Jefferson's master builder, I've participated in the estate's portico completion ceremony and other public events there.
But on this occasion, I attended with a group of other reenactors from Richmond and Williamsburg, to enjoy the repast provided by our esteemed hosts, James and Dolley Madison.

Set-up
Waiting for direction
Looking sharp
President chatting
Camera, sound, action waiting to begin.
Practicing 18th Century dialogue.
A dandy figure!
Mr. President greets some tourists.
All together Open hearth Another
All's well
Guests of the Madisons
Chef demonstrates the open hearth.
What - another take?
Political talk between scenes.
Dolley
Study
Reflection
Founders
Dolley has arrived!
The Montpelier library, quiet please.
Reflecting on our founders...
Francis Scott Key and President Madison

Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
    Menu
Virginia ham, crown rib, roast duck with chutney, beef stew, veal kidney in gravy, beef bone marrow, fried catfish with roumalade sauce, red potato salad,
asparagus, artichokes, red cabbage slaw, sweet potato mash, egg noodles, corn & red pepper, bean salad, berries with cream, fresh figs, bread.

Champagne, a selection of colonial ales, Madiera and Virginia wine.

Success
Meal and filming a success!
See more of Chef Staib at City Tavern Restaurant

       
  
  
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Gary Lettan
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