Picture a culinary historian who swapped a law career for a quest to uncover the soul of American food—meet Adrian Miller! Known as the 'Soul Food Scholar,' this Denver-based James Beard Award winner has redefined how we see soul food, barbecue, and presidential dining. With a knack for blending meticulous research with mouthwatering storytelling, Miller’s work celebrates African American culinary contributions while serving up a side of cultural unity.
From his White House days under President Bill Clinton to his role as executive director of the Colorado Council of Churches, Miller’s journey is as diverse as the dishes he writes about. His books don’t just document recipes—they tell the stories of resilience, creativity, and heritage that shaped American cuisine. Ready to dig into his flavorful world?
The Making of Adrian Miller
Born in Denver, Colorado, Adrian Miller grew up in Park Hill before moving to Aurora, where he graduated from Smoky Hill High School. His academic path took him to Stanford University, earning a degree in international relations in 1991, and later to Georgetown University Law Center for a J.D. in 1995. Initially aiming for a U.S. Senate seat, Miller practiced law but found it unfulfilling, humorously recalling singing spirituals in his office to cope. A pivotal call led him to serve as a special assistant to President Clinton from 1999 to 2001, working on the Initiative for One America to promote racial and ethnic reconciliation. This experience, coupled with his love for food, set the stage for his culinary historian career.
Adrian Miller’s Unforgettable Stories
Miller’s first book, Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time (2013), won the 2014 James Beard Foundation Award for Reference and Scholarship. This lively exploration traces soul food’s roots through dishes like fried chicken and collards, combining archival research with Miller’s visits to 150 restaurants across 35 cities. It’s a love letter to African American cooks, offering recipes and cultural context that demystify the cuisine’s evolution.
His second book, The President’s Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families, from the Washingtons to the Obamas (2017), dives into the untold stories of Black chefs in the White House. A finalist for an NAACP Image Award, it highlights their roles as culinary artists, confidants, and civil rights advocates. Miller’s third book, Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue (2021), earned another James Beard Award in 2022, celebrating Black pitmasters and including 22 recipes. His upcoming work on Asian heritage presidential chefs, set for release in 2025, promises to further broaden his lens on culinary history.
Miller’s style is engaging and accessible, weaving historical rigor with a conversational tone. His books tackle themes of diaspora, resilience, and cultural fusion, making complex histories palatable and inspiring. Whether lecturing globally or judging barbecue, Miller’s passion for food as a unifying force shines through.
Why Adrian Miller Matters
Adrian Miller has transformed how we understand American food by centering African American contributions often overlooked in mainstream narratives. His work bridges divides, showing how food can foster dialogue and reconciliation—a mission rooted in his White House experience and faith-driven leadership at the Colorado Council of Churches. Featured in Netflix’s High on the Hog, Miller’s influence extends beyond books, inspiring chefs, historians, and food lovers to explore the rich tapestry of Black culinary heritage.
His awards, including two James Beard honors and a 2024 induction into the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame, underscore his impact. By documenting stories of enslaved and free Black cooks, Miller ensures their legacy endures, making American history more inclusive and flavorful.
- Born: Denver, Colorado
- Key Works: Soul Food (2013), The President’s Kitchen Cabinet (2017), Black Smoke (2021)
- Awards: Two James Beard Awards (2014, 2022), 2024 Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame
- Fun Fact: Certified barbecue judge and executive director of the Colorado Council of Churches
About Adrian Miller
Craving a taste of history? Grab Soul Food or Black Smoke and savor Adrian Miller’s delicious blend of scholarship and storytelling!