Dining with History: Honoring Women Through Culinary Traditions
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and legacies of extraordinary women throughout history. This year, Colonial Williamsburg invites you to experience a unique culinary journey, where history and gastronomy intertwine to honor the lives of influential women who shaped America. Join us throughout the month for exclusive dining experiences at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern and King’s Arms Tavern, as well as specially curated menus dedicated to Martha Washington, Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dr. Opal Lee.
Dining with History: Honoring Martha Washington
March 2 – March 8, 2025
Step back in time and savor a dining experience inspired by the legacy of Martha Washington, affectionately known as “America’s Mother.” As the nation’s first First Lady, Martha Washington set the standard for hospitality in early America, presiding over Mount Vernon with warmth and grace.
Executive Chef Julianne Gutierrez has designed a menu that pays homage to the dishes that once graced her table, incorporating 18th-century ingredients and techniques. Start with Mount Vernon’s renowned hams, followed by a refined chicken fricassee—a beloved staple in the Washington household. End the meal on a sweet note with Martha Washington’s famed Great Cake, a citrusy, brandy-infused dessert rich with history and tradition.
Dining with History: Honoring Susan B. Anthony
March 9 – March 15, 2025
Celebrate the legacy of Susan B. Anthony, a fearless advocate for women’s rights and abolition. Known for her tireless activism, Anthony often found solace in simple yet hearty meals during her demanding travels.
This menu, crafted by Executive Chef Julianne Gutierrez, pays tribute to her legacy. Begin with alligator bites—an homage to the distinctive alligator-skin purse she famously carried. The main course features a porterhouse steak, a meal she often indulged in after long journeys. Conclude with a light and delicate strawberry sponge cake, her personal favorite dessert.
Dining with History: Honoring Eleanor Roosevelt
March 16 – March 22, 2025
Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential First Ladies in American history, redefined the role through her humanitarian efforts and advocacy for social change. Though she was not known for her love of fine dining, her global travels introduced her to a variety of international cuisines.
This thoughtfully curated menu reflects her evolving tastes. Start with deviled eggs, a simple dish she enjoyed, followed by Parisian-inspired braised rabbit gnocchi, acknowledging her appreciation for European flavors. The evening ends with Charlotte Malakoff, a refined French dessert that embodies the elegance of international cuisine.
Dining with History: Honoring Dr. Opal Lee
March 23 – March 31, 2025
Celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Opal Lee, known as “The Grandmother of Juneteenth.” A dedicated activist and educator, Dr. Lee played a pivotal role in making Juneteenth a national holiday and remains a steadfast advocate for community, history, and agriculture.
Executive Chef Julianne Gutierrez has designed a menu that reflects Dr. Lee’s commitment to nourishment and sustainability. Start with a vibrant farm-fresh salad, inspired by the community farm she founded at 92 years old. The main course features cornmeal-crusted blue catfish, honoring her deep Texas roots and the dish named after her at Bonton Farms. Conclude with a rich heirloom carrot cake, a sweet tribute to her passion for food justice and community empowerment.
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern: Special Women’s History Month Menu
Throughout March, Christiana Campbell’s Tavern presents a rotating menu inspired by Martha Washington’s “Mother’s Cookbook.” Each week will feature a historic dish showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early American women. Join us in honoring the culinary legacies that helped shape American dining.
Available in weekly rotations from March 4 – March 29, 2025.
King’s Arms Tavern Celebrates Women with a Special Menu
King’s Arms Tavern honors Abby Fisher, one of the first published Black female authors in America, with a special menu inspired by her 1881 cookbook, What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking. Guests can enjoy dishes like Oyster Gumbo, Crab Salad, and Fried Chicken, reflecting the flavors of the past. End your meal with Old-Time Ginger Cake, a true classic that has stood the test of time.
Celebrate Women’s History Through the Flavors of the Past
This March, immerse yourself in the culinary traditions that honor the strength, resilience, and ingenuity of remarkable women. Whether you dine at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, or partake in one of our exclusive themed menus, you’ll experience history in a way that tantalizes the taste buds and nourishes the soul.
Make your reservations now and dine with history at Colonial Williamsburg.
