With a passion for culinary history that brings stories to life, Adrian offers captivating presentations on the rich intersections of food, culture, and history—each crafted to inspire, inform, and entertain.
Watch me in person
“Dropping Knowledge
Like Hot Biscuits”™
Photo by Jacqueline Yau
Presidential Food
Black Chefs in the White House
An entertaining and informative exploration of the African Americans who have cooked for U.S. presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama. Adrian spotlights the lives and contributions of these talented men and women, with highlights from his book The President’s Kitchen Cabinet. Upon request, he can customize this presentation to focus on the culinary legacies of specific presidents.
Leadership Lessons from the White House Kitchen
This engaging presentation helps teams bond over stories of food and presidential history. Through memorable anecdotes, Adrian reveals how lessons from the White House kitchen can inspire leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
A Liquid History of the U.S. Presidency
An intriguing overview of the favorite drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, of U.S. presidents, this presentation dives into cocktails, coffee, soft drinks, and the selection of wines for White House state dinners. Adrian places special emphasis on the drinking habits of presidents from Washington to Trump.
An Edible History of White House State Dinners
A captivating journey through state dinners hosted by various presidential administrations, this presentation covers everything from menu planning to table settings and decor. Adrian offers a behind-the-scenes look at iconic dinners hosted by presidents from Jefferson to Obama.
Women Chefs in the White House
Most of the cooks in presidential history have been women. Highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of those female chefs, Adrian shares stories of the women who have cooked for presidents, including Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, FDR, Truman, and LBJ.
Soul Food
Soul Food: Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Culinary Gem
Tracing soul food’s journey from West Africa to the American West, Adrian offers a fresh look at this iconic cuisine and its evolution. He delves into the cultural significance of soul food from its origins through Emancipation and beyond, and explores how it remains vibrant and relevant today. This presentation draws on his James Beard Award-winning book, Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time.
Barbecue
Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue
In this fascinating look at American barbecue culture, Adrian reveals how African Americans became the standard-bearers of barbecue. He traces its roots from Native American, European, and West African traditions and highlights signature dishes, ending with insights on current and future trends in barbecue.
The History of Barbecue
Adrian Miller presents a brief history of barbecue’s origins in the American South, followed by an overview of its regional styles, from the Carolinas to Kansas City and Texas. He also shares his personal journey of becoming a certified barbecue judge.
INTERSECTIONS OF FOOD & FAITH
The Theology of Barbecue
This fun exploration of barbecue’s role in American church life delves into its regional “denominations,” profiles churches that run barbecue restaurants, and introduces pastors who double as pitmasters.
The Theology of Soul Food
Adrian traces how soul food evolved from a cultural term rooted in spirituality to an iconic cuisine, shaped by African American church life. He explores the deep ties between soul food, faith, and African American identity as it spread from the rural South to cities nationwide.
Adrian also speaks on a range of culinary history topics, including Chicken and Waffles, Hot Sauce, Macaroni and Cheese, Shalom Soul (the links between Jewish food and soul food), and Soda Pop and Other Soft Drinks.
cultural heritage & Reconciliation
Juneteenth: The Latest Word on Freedom
This presentation offers an in-depth look at Emancipation celebrations that emerged in the nineteenth century and what they meant to African Americans. Adrian takes your audience on the journey through Juneteenth’s origin, history, significance, and food traditions, as well as the social justice issues that continue to resonate today.
Navigating from Cultural Appropriation to Cultural Appreciation
Drawing on his experience with the President’s Initiative for One America, Adrian offers insights on creating sustainable racial reconciliation. His approach emphasizes meaningful dialogue and actionable steps for unity and understanding.
