My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme
“Oh, la belle France – without knowing it, I was already falling in love!” -Julia Child
I hope you’re enjoying the book as much as I am. If you’re reading with us, we’ve just finished chapter 1, La Belle France. We are also cooking along, thanks to FoodieMama. Be sure to check out her weeknight-friendly (and family friendly) meals – a la Julia Child. Kelly’s version of Coq au Vin is devine!
Julia and her husband Paul have just moved to France. They’ve crossed the Atlantic ocean and entered France through the French port of Le Harvre.
from Student Britannica
Julia’s immediate enthusiasm for the country is so inspiring. To be honest, I’ve never had much interest in France. However, as she travels and talks passionately about what she is seeing and tasting, I find myself wishing to be there with her.
In 1948 (the year Julia and Paul landed in France) the country was still recovering from WWII. Rations were still a part of every day life and it was still common to find bombed out buildings and evidence of destruction.
image found at Wikimedia Commons
Not only do we enjoy Julia’s enthusiasm for her new country, but we also experience a re-awakening of the French culture and society. Paul and Julia work their way through the Guide Michelin, a guide book for drivers which pointed out good places to stay and eat. (Although originally compiled for France, the Michelin Guide is now available for about a dozen countries).
The Hotel Pont Royal, where they first stayed, is still a landmark in France.
From the hotel's web-site - I am so there......
I checked their rates ($260 p/night at the ’super-saver’ rate) and decided that a B&B might be more my style.
At one point in the first chapter, Julia and friends travel south to Côte d’Azur (the French Riviera). Along the way they picked mimosas. And here I thought this was only a drink we consumed at bridal showers and Easter brunch. It turns out that they are yellow flowers that grow in the French countryside.
One more thing – how cool would it be to be able to walk to your market every day and and ask the veggie lady what to buy and how to cook it? Or to be able to choose from several types of butter. Mmmmmm. Butter. Or to have an actual olive oilery!
Next assignment: Chapter 2, Le Cordon Bleu
Friday: Kid Lit
Monday: Book Club, week 3
September 10, 2009 at 1:57 pm |
Wow, your pics and descriptions have brought this book to life before my eyes. It is 8-deep on our library’s waiting list… hopefully I’ll catch up soon. For now, I’ll keep cookin’…..