"The greatest writers are great, not only because they have a way with words and not only because they have great ideas, but more importantly, because they carefully craft their writing into a final draft that reads better than the first ever possibly could. They’re great writers because they’re great rewriters."
Julia Child would have been 100 years old today. Though I don't cook (well, I can do a bang-up breakfast: pancakes, eggs, omelettes...basically anything done in a single pan or on a griddle), I've always admired Julia Child and dreamed of cooking like her. And that admiration stems less from what she cooked than how at ease she always seemed in the kitchen - something I have never accomplished even during my best Saturday morning fry-up. I tend to resemble the most hapless contestant on "Hell's Kitchen" far more than I resemble Julia, even when I'm just frying an egg.
I think I enjoy watching Julia, and other chefs, the way many people enjoy the ballet. It's not something you ever think you'll be able to do yourself, but you like to bask in the beauty and grace of the truly skillful performance.
One of the best books I read last year was My Life in France. This was one of those books that makes you scold yourself with "Why have I never read this before. What took me so long to get to it?" It even inspired me to try making crepes one day last summer. They turned out edible, if not beautiful. If you have any interest in Julia, food, or France, I highly recommend it.
