Jacques Pépin’s Food Memories

[elleng]

Jacques Pépin, who will turn 80 on Dec. 18, exudes an air of perennial youth. Having worked his way up the rungs of rigorous Paris kitchens before coming to New York, he became the youngest in a circle of influential cooks (including Julia Child, Pierre Franey, James Beard and Craig Claiborne) who helped ignite a new enthusiasm in the United States for food and dining. In this essay, taken from a piece Mr. Pépin wrote for a birthday celebration in October, he looks back to his earliest years.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/dining/jacques-pepin-food-memories.html?

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

1. That was lovely!

You always share such interesting information. Thank you for that. Pepin is our favorite chef and this article just reinforced that. Thanks again

[elleng]

2. You're welcome.

Yes, he is lovely.

[Lifelong Protester]

3. That is a nice essay.

I am currently watching "Jacques Pepin: Heart and Soul"


I'd give anything for half of his knife skills.

[rusty quoin]

6. I was amazed by the knife skills too. I got better by using the right knife.

As for chopping, the Victorinox chef's knife improved me. I am able to rock it so then do double chopping. It's like a machine gun. The sharpness is amazing out of the box.

I will never buy Henckels again I don't think. My Victorinox 12" blade slicing knife blows my mind.

Their small knives are color coded...the paring, but especially the serrated ones that easily cut tomatoes, apply mayo, and cut sandwich bread with no impressions.

I'm a carpenter who learned the right hammer and cat's paw can make you better. It's the same in the kitchen.

I think I sound like a commercial for them, but I hate using clumsy tools. Have you ever bought and tried to use a peeler that won't peel potatoes, or a can opener that takes 3-4 times around the can to open it?

[Lifelong Protester]

7. I agree, good tools

are necessary.

I hate potato peelers, I use a paring knife instead.

[rusty quoin]

4. Jacques and Julia were perfect together. I love how they played off each other.

There's of course the white pepper vs. black. I remember when he made a Howard Johnson lobster roll...right from my childhood. To imagine this great chef worked there was a surprise to me. They were a riot together, and every time I watch one of their shows, I am either smiling or laughing.

The Times article brought tears.

[elleng]

5. Yes they were perfect!