Freddie Bitsoie at work at the Mitsitam Café, located within the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Photo: NMAI
For the first time in its history, the popular eatery at the National Museum of the American Indian is being run by a Native chef. Freddie Bitsoie, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, took over the Mitsitam Café in the fall. One of his signature dishes is a soup that's based on the traditions of tribes in the Northeast. "In developing this recipe, I wanted to still have a connection to the tribes who used to eat this dish," Bitsoie tells National Public Radio of a soup that features clams, sunchokes and salt water, along with a few other ingredients. Bitsoie and the museum are looking forward to a busy month. The second Native Nations Inaugural Ball takes place at the facility on on the evening of January 20, when guests will be treated to Native-inspired dishes. Proceeds from the ball benefit the National Native American Veterans Memorial. The new memorial will be built on the grounds of the museum on the National Mall. Read More on the Story:
To Appeal To A Modern Palate, Native Chef Gives Tradition A Little Twist (National Public Radio 1/1)
A Navajo Chef Looks to History in His Homage to Native Cuisine (The New York Times 11/25)
National Museum of the American Indian Hires Navajo Executive Chef (The Washington City Paper 11/3)
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