Following Julia!
What better way to begin my journey and discovery of France than with the apartment inhabited by Mrs. Julia Child during her 7 blissful years in Paris.
I read about 45 books a year with a target of 52 (one a week...sigh! still trying) since 2017 and this year's 40th was a book I didn't know existed. I mean when you think of books by Mrs. Child your mind goes straight to Mastering The Art of French Cooking (yep, got my husband to get me the book set), so when I found out about this almost autobiography of of one of my favorite chefs in the world, I pounced on it. What makes this book even more interesting is that I am in Paris! I keep pinching myself and thanking god for letting me live in the city that Mrs. Child once called home for 7 years and a country that made her fall in love with food and cooking and gave the world a brilliant Chef.
So here I am, trying to recreate her life by following her life in France using her autobiography as a guide. Along the way, I am hoping I am able to also pick up some of the French recipes that she helped many people master through her book.
WISH ME LUCK!!
Roo de Loo.
How can one say they love food and not go looking for, among many things, the path of Julia Child? This is an iconic address, it may not look that fancy but many years ago from 4th December 1948 for 4 years, Julia Child, lived here and named the building "Roo De Loo" with her husband, this was before she moved to Marseille where she spent another year before moving back to the US. This house, which became her sanctuary and its kitchen her "lab", led her to the greatness we all know her for. Julia was a homemaker who hadn't considered a professional career in any specific field ever, but coming to Paris change everything. It gave her life purpose. At age 45, she kicked off her illustrious career. Now if that's not inspiring, then nothing truly can be. So, if you are in Paris, do go and see this humble building, more so if you, like me, love food...or Julia!
81, Rue de L'universite
BHV Marais
Oh how things change and places evolve as years go by. It just makes one realize that the life we lead today isn't going to be the same life that those who come after us will experience.
This hit hard when I found my way to BHV Marais in anticipation of seeing the store that Ms. Child loved shopping at for her kitchen and her home. I was instead greeted by a lovely departmental store, that houses all kinds of things from household items to clothes, cosmetics and everything.
Well! I am retracing her steps...and it is also teaching me life lessons in change :)
