Saturday, August 29, 2009

One thing led to another and another . ..

Recently one afternoon on a DART train, a woman sat next to me, pulled out a book and was soon engrossed in My Life in France by Julia Child.

I had recently seen the movie, so I was curious. When I had to bother her to get out for my stop, we chatted briefly about it. She was enthusiastic, so, while I was out shopping, I picked up a copy of the newly printed release featuring scenes from the movie on the cover. I started reading on the trip home. (You can click the image to follow the link to Amazon to buy it for much less than my impulse purchase that day.)

As I had really enjoyed the "Julia" scenes in the movie, I was happy to read much more of her adventures in France throughout her life. I confess to a little bit of something akin to homesickness when she wrote of her house in Provence, trips to Grasse, stories about her friend and chef, Roger Vergé and his two fabulous restaurants in Mougins. I never knew she and I were nearly neighbors when I was lucky enough to be living and working in that corner of the world. There are still two versions of Vergé's Cuisine of the Sun cookbook on my shelf–one in French and one in English.

Meanwhile . . . a friend in California–curiously, a male friend that I would have never suspected of an interest in such things–has been reading Julie Powell's book, Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously. He sent it to me when he finished; it arrived on Thursday. I finished reading it with my cafe latté this morning.

It has been fascinating to see the film, then separately read each perspective presented over the course of only a couple weeks . . . and, as usual, noting the poetic license and subtle ways the movie differs from the books.

I suppose the only thing left for me to do to wrap up this particular literary and film adventure would be to go to the cook book at the heart of both of these books and cook a fabulous French meal for friends. (All this reading about cooking yummy french food has inspired this foodie to get back to some serious time in the kitchen!)



As you might expect, there's a new printing of this one coming soon, and, yes, there's a photo of Meryl Streep as Julia Child on a wrapper around it, too. The original volume is quite pricey, as you'll see if you click the book and follow the link to the 3rd party sellers on Amazon.

I think the cross-merchandising is complete with this new edition, but maybe there will be giant-sized mortar & pestle sets and Julia's favorite copper pans for sale in your favorite kitchen store with "Julie and Julia" tags (and photos of the actresses who portrayed them) soon . . .

5 comments:

Suze said...

I was struck with an almost irrational desire for boeuf bourguignon as soon as we left the theater...one of these days I need to try it...but its way too hot to cook yet...
(I loved the movie...DH was rather non-plussed...but thought the food did look tasty)

sophie said...

Tonight at the symphony I found myself ordering the duck breast for dinner--I am sure that I was still under the influence of Julie's story about deboning a duck. It was OK but I have no doubt that Julie's (or something from MtAoFC would have been much better)

. . . posted from my iPhone at intermission at the Dallas Symphony . . .

Barbara C said...

I finally saw the movie and I loved it. Merle Streep does a wonderful job portraying Julia. I really enjoyed Julia's book a couple of years ago, and I'm waiting for my daughter to finish Julie's so I can read it. I imagine Mastering the Art will be a big seller for the holidays.

We took your advice and went to eat something wonderful after the movie: sweet crepes and a glass of wine.

Rian said...

I have not yet seen the movie. I have been interested in everyone's comments. I think I'll watch it on DVD while eating boeuf bourgignon and sipping a glass of French wine. Followed by crepes of course. Let us know when you get back in the kitchen--and post pictures!

Ann said...

Just used mine today.

Carbonnades A La Flamande has been a favorite for decades. FYI - it freezes very well. Just touch it up with fresh vinegar and cornstarch when reheating.

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