A Fricasseed Feast from a Fascinating Figure by Braeden

A Fricasseed Feast from a Fascinating Figure by Braeden - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

Leonardo da Vinci; Benjamin Franklin; Amelia Earhart; how about the “Once-ler”-of-a-kind Dr. Seuss? These acclaimed names are only a few in an infinite list of historic men and women who are renowned throughout the world. With unwavering determination and an incredible imagination, these people performed unparalleled acts that have changed the course of humanity, and for this reason, I would be thrilled of having the opportunity to meet any of these people. However, if I was offered the chance to commune with any person in history over a comforting dinner, I would undoubtedly request the forgotten Hercules.

Perhaps you would not describe Hercules as “forgotten,” but, then again, you were probably imagining the bulging bicep specimen/invincible Greek demigod. Actually, the Hercules I am referencing was the first White House Executive Chef, an African American master of cuisine. As I delve into the reasons for this curious proposition, I will begin by reminding that practically every teenager is constantly thinking of two things: (1) his/her most recent crush who liked their photo on Instagram and (2) any substance composed of carbohydrates, protein, and/or fat (a.k.a. food). Shall we focus on the latter? If I can enjoy a soothing dinner and conversation with a historic icon, of course I will choose someone who can cook a gourmet meal with six courses at the minimum! Assuming I get bored, at least I can ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the fancy French plates that Hercules curried for the illustrious George Washington.

My chance of getting bored, however, is highly unlikely. I am sure that most Americans would admire to learn of George Washington on a personal basis. I am included in this group, but I feel that speaking to a close acquaintance of Washington who saw his life from an outside perspective will allow me to learn facts of our first president that have not yet been exposed. What were the family dynamics of the Washington lineage? How did President Washington remain confident and composed despite his overwhelming duties? Does America currently resemble the visions of our Founding Fathers? Hercules would have constructed answers to these questions simply by serving and overhearing Washington and his associates at a formal dining. As a followup topic, it would be striking to know if Hercules’ vision of a free nation also resembled those of his masters.

After Hercules and I have stuffed our faces and reminisced about the wondrous Washington, is the night over? Of course not! Hercules was the first African American to satisfy the royal taste buds of the presidential family, so I would like to learn how his emotions and feelings were affected by this noteworthy profession. Washington applauded Hercules’ skills to such an extent that he ensured that Hercules live with the Washington family in whichever settlement they resided. Known as “Uncle Harkless” among the children, Hercules sold slops from the kitchen to earn an additional income despite his high salary (mountvernon.org). I ponder whether or not Hercules was satisfied with his circumstances, for he actually ran away from the presidential community. What caused him to leave the Washingtons when they savored his company and talents, and how did this action influence the president’s family as well as Hercules’ remaining life?

Even though Hercules was not a Greek demigod, I am sure his comestible finesse could rival Greek goodies any day. As we delight in Washington’s favorite meals- mashed sweet potatoes with coconut, string beans with mushrooms, creamy pie with cherries (obviously)- Hercules and I can share a discussion that will “go down in history,” or at least to every twitterpated, ravenous teenager in America.