Tamron Hall lit up the National Book Festival’s opening celebration at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., bringing a wave of laughter and excitement to the literary gathering.
The renowned television host and author was there to unveil her latest cookbook, “A Confident Cook,” but it was her playful jabs at Meghan Markle’s much-maligned Netflix cooking series that truly captivated the audience.
As she stepped onto the stage, Tamron radiated her signature warmth, greeting the crowd of book lovers with an infectious smile.
“Greetings to all you book enthusiasts!
I’m thrilled to be here tonight, celebrating literature and sharing my culinary adventures,” she said, instantly putting everyone at ease.
With a twinkle in her eye, she prepared to dive into her comedic critique of Markle’s cooking show, “The Royal Table.”
Tamron wasted no time in poking fun at Markle’s culinary skills, expressing relief that she wasn’t the one tasting the dishes.
Her quip about even boiling water turning into a culinary challenge for the Duchess had the audience roaring with laughter.
“How can someone who struggles with the basics host a cooking show?”
she wondered aloud, setting the tone for a night filled with humor.
Revisiting Markle’s kitchen misadventures, Tamron recalled some of the most cringeworthy moments from the show.
“Remember that homemade pasta?
It was as saggy as a pair of old combat boots!”
she exclaimed, drawing more chuckles from the crowd.
And her attempt at a soufflé?
“Let’s just say it looked more like a deflated basketball than a culinary masterpiece,” she joked, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
Tamron’s relentless roasting of Markle was met with thunderous applause, and it was clear that the audience was loving every minute of it.
However, she soon shifted gears, addressing the potential backlash her comments might provoke.
“I know what you’re thinking,” she began, her tone growing serious.
“Why be so hard on Meghan?
She’s a woman of color trying to navigate this tough industry.”
With the room hanging on her words, Tamron explained that while they may share similar backgrounds, it doesn’t mean they should lower their standards.
“We have to hold each other accountable,” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of excellence for women in the public eye.
“Cutting corners is not an option—whether it’s in cooking or in our careers.”
Her tone intensified as she continued, “Meghan had a global platform to showcase her culinary talents and inspire others, but what we got was a complete disaster.”
The audience erupted again, clearly enjoying her spirited take.
“If you can’t handle the heat, maybe you should stick to frozen dinners!”
she quipped, prompting cheers and laughter.
After the applause subsided, Tamron deftly redirected the focus back to her own culinary journey.
“Let’s leave Meghan’s cooking skills aside for now.
Tonight is about my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned,” she said, reflecting on her growth as a cook.
She shared amusing anecdotes from her early days in the kitchen, including a mishap with baking soda that nearly ruined her famous chocolate chip cookies.
Tamron’s self-deprecating humor resonated with the audience as she recounted almost setting her kitchen ablaze during a flambe attempt.
“As they say, if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
But I’d rather invest in a good fire extinguisher,” she joked, eliciting hearty laughter from the crowd.
With her vibrant energy, Tamron unveiled the cooking principles she developed over time, offering practical tips and encouragement to aspiring chefs.
“Don’t let cooking intimidate you,” she urged.
“It may seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, cooking can be one of life’s greatest pleasures.”
As she wrapped up her talk, the audience erupted in applause, eager to get their copies of “A Confident Cook” signed.
Tamron’s enthusiasm was infectious, and her radiant smile lit up the room.
“I don’t speak for everyone, but I could really go for a home-cooked meal right now—one that would definitely outshine anything Meghan has ever made!”
she exclaimed, prompting another round of laughter.
Amid chants of her name, it was clear that Tamron Hall had not only entertained her audience but also delivered a memorable roast of a former royal turned Netflix star.
Reflecting on the successful event, she expressed pride in showcasing what true confidence looks like in the kitchen, reminding everyone that laughter and culinary passion can go hand in hand.