American Masters: James Beard

American Masters: James Beard Experience a century of food through the life of one man, James Beard (1903-1985). Dubbed the "Dean of American Cookery" by The New York Times, Beard was a Portland, Oregon, native who loved and celebrated the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. He spoke of the importance of localism and sustainability long before those terms had entered the vernacular. At a time of "all things French," Beard appreciated what America had to bring to the table, and was the first chef to go on television to teach not only women, but men, how to cook. A cookbook author, journalist, television celebrity and teacher, Beard helped to pioneer and expand the food media industry into the billion-dollar business it is today.