Julia Child: A Culinary Icon in Paris
Julia Child’s Legacy in Paris
Julia Child, the renowned American chef who popularized French cuisine, lived in Paris with her husband Paul after World War II. Despite her significant contributions to French gastronomy, she has yet to receive a commemorative plaque in the city she loved.
A group of American expats, including Walter and Patricia Wells, are advocating for a plaque to be installed at 81 rue de l’Université, the apartment building where Julia Child lived. They believe that her impact on French cuisine and her enduring popularity in America warrant such recognition.
Julia Child’s Culinary Contributions
Julia Child’s influence on American cuisine is undeniable. She authored the groundbreaking cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” which introduced French culinary techniques to a wider audience. Her PBS cooking shows, such as “The French Chef,” further popularized French cuisine and made Child a household name.
In France, however, Child’s fame is less pronounced. Despite being inducted into the French Legion d’Honneur, the general public is largely unaware of her contributions. The French Chef is more revered in America, where she is considered a culinary icon.
Efforts to Honor Julia Child in Paris
Walter and Patricia Wells, along with other friends and admirers of Julia Child, are determined to change this. They believe that a plaque at 81 rue de l’Université would be a fitting tribute to her legacy.
The process of installing a commemorative plaque in Paris is complex, requiring approvals from the building’s owners, the arrondissement, and the city council. In most cases, the honoree must have been deceased for at least ten years. Julia Child passed away in 2004, making her eligible for such recognition.
Julia Child Tours and Classes
In the absence of a plaque, Julia Child’s memory is kept alive through various tours and classes dedicated to her in Paris and Provence.
- Tour de Forks: This New York-based tour company offers a seven-day itinerary that explores Julia Child’s Paris and Provence, beginning at the Hotel Pont Royal where she and Paul stayed.
- Le Cordon Bleu: The prestigious culinary school offers a three-hour lecture demonstration in honor of Julia Child, featuring a JC-inspired meal that participants can enjoy.
- At Home with Patricia Wells: Patricia Wells, the author of “The Food Lover’s Guide to France,” teaches five-day cooking courses in Paris and Provence. In Provence, Wells uses a La Cornue stove given to her by Julia Child.
- Cooking with Friends in France: American chef Kathie Alex hosts cooking classes at La Pitchoune, Julia Child’s beloved retreat in Provence. Courses include cooking instruction, market visits, and meals at Michelin-starred restaurants.
- On Rue Tatin: Cookbook writer Susan Herrmann Loomis, a friend of Julia Child, offers cooking classes in the Norman village of Louvier and one-day classes in Paris.
These tours and classes provide an opportunity for food lovers to experience Julia Child’s culinary legacy firsthand and to learn more about her contributions to French cuisine.
Julia Child’s Enduring Influence
Julia Child’s impact on French cuisine and American culinary culture continues to resonate today. Her recipes, techniques, and passion for food have inspired generations of chefs and home cooks alike.
While she may not be as well-known in France as she is in America, Julia Child’s legacy is secure. She will forever be remembered as a culinary pioneer who brought the joy of French cooking to the world.