From José Andrés to Nancy Silverton, Here Are the Chefs in the ‘Cooking for Kamala’ Collective

Food enthusiasts all over the United States are getting behind Vice President Kamala Harris, perhaps the most culinarily savvy presidential candidate to date — and they’re doing it in the most delicious way possible.

Cooking for Kamala — a “grassroots project” that started in early August, right around the time Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee — will be hosting a free Zoom event this week on Thursday, August 29. 

The affair, which was started by Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-14), is gathering dozens of celebrated chefs — from Nancy Silverton to Niki Nakayama and more — on a livestream fundraiser hosted by Padma Lakshmi and Joel McHale. The collaborative effort is a follow-up to Rep. Swalwell’s  Comics for Kamala event, which united comedians to perform a benefit for the candidate after the DNC. 

“I’ve known Kamala for 20 years and cooking with family and friends is so central to who she is. After hosting Comics for Kamala, I wanted to produce an interactive event where Kamala’s supporters could make Kamala’s favorite recipe along with America’s top chefs,” said Swalwell. “We have attracted the best-known chefs across our country. For once, too many chefs in the kitchen is a good thing because it’s going to help elect Kamala Harris as president.” 

The collective — led by chefs Suzanne Goin, Susan Feniger, and Stuart O'Keefe — aims to raise support and funds for the Harris campaign while celebrating who she is: A food lover who these chefs believe is the best person to lead the nation. 

The 90-minute virtual event will showcase Goin — in her kitchen, no less — preparing Harris’ recipe for herb-roasted whole chicken. Participants can shop for ingredients for a cook-along style format, enhanced by chefs chiming in with cooking tips, side dish suggestions, answers to cooking questions, and beyond. (Recipes and ingredient lists are provided after sign-up).

Cooking for Kamala is free, though a contribution to the Harris Victory Fund is encouraged by the organizers. Those who donate the most will also be eligible to win signed cookbooks, meet and greets, and more incentives to be announced. 

“I fully plan to do all I can,” said Lakshmi, who attended the Democratic National Convention this August. “Cooking always brings folks together. I think it’s a fun, joyful way to come together for something so vitally important like electing V.P. Harris and Tim Walz.”  

“I’m excited to bring voters together for V.P. Kamala Harris,” said Swalwell. “Kamala is known for her love for cooking so this event couldn’t be more on brand. In addition to getting cooking tips from world-renowned chefs, viewers will also share in fun and laughter — two things our country is in need of. I firmly believe that the team that has the most fun is always the team that wins, and for me, that is Team Harris.”

Chefs Participating in Cooking for Kamala 

Michelin star earners, James Beard Award Winners, celebrity chefs, and more culinary legends will prepare Harris’ classic poultry dish during the call. 

Confirmed participating chefs include: José Andrés, Tom Colicchio, Ruth Reichl, Bricia Lopez, Mary Sue Milliken, Molly Baz, Nancy Silverton Jonathan Waxman, Carla Hall, Gail Simmons, Cat Cora, Susan Feniger, Suzanne Goin, Stuart O’Keeffe, Niki Nakayama, Carole Iida-Nakayama, April Bloomfield, Art Smith, Nyesha Arrington, Nancy Oakes, Chris Bianco, Brooke Williamson, Caleb Zigas, Meherwan Irani, Elizabeth Falkner, Herb Wilson, Zac Young, Steve Samson, Dina Samson, Neal Fraser, Josiah Citrin, Connor Franta, Akasha Richmond, Curtis Aikens, Traci Des Jardins, Jody Adams, Ben Ford, and Cherry Yard.    

“I know how hardworking Kamala is. She knows what she’s talking about, and I love that she’s a foodie. We need the most qualified person always. It’s the perfect job for her,” says chef Elizabeth Falkner, who will be cooking on the call from Rosie O’Donnel’s kitchen in Santa Monica (she private chefs for her part-time). Falkner remembers Harris visiting her San Francisco bakery Citizen Cake in Hayes Valley and is a longtime supporter of the politician. For Falkner, as with many food personalities — Lakshmi included — Harris won them over with her dedication to food-related issues: The climate, agriculture, small business success, and more.

“Her record of fighting injustice in agriculture, farmers’ rights, and food policy are just a few ways she stands out… I believe in V.P. Harris, all she stands for — and I feel she has the grit, good humor, and perseverance.” says Lakshmi. 

How to Join in Cooking for Kamala 

Cooking for Kamala will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. ET. Interested participants can sign up here.