I set up in the kitchen, as I will every day going forward

June 17, 2024 5:31 AM

Rebekah Peppler on Julia Child and cooking in the south of France: "The kitchen remains as one imagines it did when Julia Child built it. Tart rings, copper pots, measuring spoons, and whisks line the four walls, with outlines marking a designated spot for every single item. Market baskets pile high in a corner; the screened door bangs shut in a way that feels like many have entered through it. And many have."

Julia previously, previously, previously, and so on.

posted by cupcakeninja (9 comments total)

magnifique
posted by HearHere at 7:06 AM on June 17 [1 favorite]

Lovely. I could never spend that much time in the kitchen, but the author is very clearly in a place that suits her beautifully and that's delightful to read about.
posted by EvaDestruction at 7:11 AM on June 17

I would dearly love to have that experience - just went and looked at the cost of a stay and woo... that's just a bit too rich for my diet.

but still, holy crap that it's available in that way.
posted by drewbage1847 at 8:31 AM on June 17 [3 favorites]

The trick is to be a cookbook writer so the whole stay is a business write-off.
posted by fedward at 8:40 AM on June 17 [1 favorite]

I LOVE THIS POST. AND IT'S
119° IN THE KITCHEN TODAY.

I'M MELTING.
posted by clavdivs at 10:02 AM on June 17 [5 favorites]

How to be a great cook: Step One - procure the absolute freshest and best level-of-quality available on the planet of every single ingredient you intend to use.
posted by SoberHighland at 10:29 AM on June 17 [3 favorites]

BTW if you find yourself in DC instead of the south of France, you can visit Julia Child's kitchen for free at the National Museum of American History's food exhibit. We were there on a quiet weekday last year (at least I think it was last year; time has no meaning anymore) and I was able to spend a good amount of time just studying her bookshelf.
posted by fedward at 12:41 PM on June 17 [7 favorites]

On this topic, if you love kitchens and passionate food prep for the details, you'll probably also enjoy the movie 'The Taste of Things' (2023).

I watched it a couple of weeks ago, so reading the OP about copper pans lining the walls very much brought up the visuals of that movie to me.
posted by many-things at 1:19 PM on June 17 [4 favorites]

As the linen-covered bowl of dough slowly rises on a stool in the corner and the combination of onions, carrots, beef, and red wine simmers gently on the stovetop...

Ah, I used to do this for my family, back in the day. Baguettes started the night before, some beef bourguignon on the stove. Good times.
posted by doctornemo at 2:45 PM on June 17 [2 favorites]