8.15.2012

Joyeux Anniversaire, Julia!

"... thinking back on it now reminds that the pleasures of the table, and of life, are infinite – toujours bon appétit!" 
-Julia Child 
from My Life in France
One hundred years ago, Julia Carolyn McWilliams was born in Pasadena, California.  Ever a master of words, Julia excelled in school, finally making her way to Smith College to study history and English.  When World War Two erupted, Julia wanted to contribute to the American cause, but was too tall (at six feet, two inches) for the Women's Army Corps.  Eventually she found work with the Office of Strategic Services where her "drive and inherent cheerfulness" lead to a successful career.  This fateful job path lead her to Paul Child and the two married in 1946, beginning a life-long romance.
 After a somewhat meandering road, she made her way to France in 1948 where she describes in detail the buttery Sole Meunière that transformed her: "Paul and I floated out the door into the brilliant sunshine and cool air. Our first lunch together in France had been absolute perfection. It was the most exciting meal of my life." 

Can you imagine the culinary world had Julia not tasted that one perfect morsel of flaky white fish?  Julia demystified French food and brought sincere joy to the kitchen.  She elevated humble home cooks, teaching them how to make Boeuf Bourguignon and perfect, fluffy omelettes. 

Happy Birthday, dear Julia!  I hope you and Paul are indulging at some heavenly table, oooooing and aaaahhhing over something delightful and decadent.  Thank you for making life more delicious.

2 comments:

  1. Pink Frenchie,

    Julia Child was a phenomenon. I remember my mother-in-law at ther beautiful home in Encino, stopping everything to watch Julia.
    No TIVO in those days.
    Julia was appointment tv.

    Also loved seeing Julia's kitchen at the Smithsonian. It was Julia -- straightforward with all the pots and pans on the walls within reach, a true working kitchen. Everything arranged the way a mechanic might arrange his garage. She taught us the nuts and bolts of cooking. Because of her, we have Ida, Nigella, Giada, Martha and others. But she was the first Queen of our Kitchens.

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  2. My FAV part of the movie "Julie and Julia" was Meryl Streep as Julia. Loved how she captured Julia's irrepressible spirit.

    She was truly an American in Paris.

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