Remembering Julia
I can tell you that most, if not all people, only have the slightest, superficial understanding of Julia Child (“Celebrating our “French Chef,” Aug. 5). She “made” the cooking shows on television a viable product. She changed the way America eats.
The real story of Julia Child is remarkable, astonishing really.
The spectacular dedication to pass through Cordon Bleu — struggling mightily but succeeding.
Yes, the Celebrity-Obsessed have only remembered the Dan Aykroyd voicings (as funny as they were, and she loved it too!).
I had the good fortune to meet Julia (briefly!) at a Food Expo held at the Botanic Garden. [At] 90 years old in the wilting summer heat she signed every autograph for four hours. She spoke honestly and easily with everyone, Such grace and humility.
— John Richardson, Park Ridge
While I loved your piece on Julia Child, I was disappointed not to see mention of Leslee Reis and Cafe Provencal in your timeline of “Julia & Chicago.” Not only was Leslee connected to Julia’s original TV show as a “bottle washer,” but she also attended Cordon Bleu, as did Julia. Leslee’s restaurant in Evanston, open for 16 years until a few years after her untimely death, was to my mind the best French country restaurant in the Chicago area, if not the country. She also was a guest chef on Julia’s later TV show and had the same exuberance and sense of humor about cooking that her mentor did.
— Mary Kay Walsh, Arlington Heights
Regarding the 1973 Chicago appearance of Julia Child benefiting the Smith College Scholarship Fund: This event was chaired by Abby Mandel, who attributed her experience with Julia Child as launching her career in the world of cuisine. I still miss Abby’s Weekend Cook column in the Sunday Tribune and mourn her passing.
Julia’s recipes on April 12, 1973, were, and I give English rather than French names: Souffle on a platter with poached eggs, duck in aspic, and chocolate-almond cream molded in homemade lady fingers.
Unlike Julie Powell, I have yet to attempt these recipes, despite copious notes taken as Julia, aided by Abby, prepared them. Thanks for mentioning this event in the story.
— Julie Lindstrom, Flossmoor
