Julia Child Turns 100

Julia Child would have celebrated her 100th birthday today. Publishers are releasing books, PBS has released a video remix (see below), The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is the host of a dinner in her honor and kitchens across the nation are busy with cooks experimenting with her recipes. Not bad for someone who came to the cooking game late.

It was’t until she was 36 and living in Paris that cooking became her passion. Child was 49 when she appeared on the scene with the book “Mastering The Art of French Cooking.” Not long after she became a TV sensation at the age of 51. Child made it OK to love cooking and experimenting with food. She helped pave the way for many of the celebrity chefs and cooking shows we watch today.

Of course, Child might not have made it today in our youth, beauty and ratings-obsessed culture. Her signature voice, at times unintelligible, was often lampooned. She was rather tall (6-foot-2) and built more like Emeril Lagasse than Giada De Laurentiis. She displayed none of the over the top theatrics of an “Iron Chef” competition. She was definitely a product of her time.

Not bad for a “French Chef” who was neither French nor a chef.

Happy Birthday, Julia!