For Julia and Jacques

Note:  I was horrified and saddened by the terrorism in France last week.   At first I thought blogging about French foods and culture here on Feast Everyday might seem insensitive, but now I believe that I should continue in solidarity with the French people and all the people who believe we should not cower. Je suis Charlie. - B

Last week's episode of Bravo TV's Top Chef series included a challenge to cook food inspired by the great Julia Child and one of the judges was her cooking show cohost and friend, Jacques Pepin.

If you missed it, you can still see it this week on Wednesday at 9 pm EST prior to this week's new episode at 10 EST.  Or you can always watch it on Bravo on the Internet via their app.

Look for Season 12 (Boston) Episode 10, the one which shows Andy Cohen as the guest judge for the Quickfire.  Here is the link:  http://www.bravotv.com/now/top-chef/full-episode/for-julia-jacques/381021763847

Why I enjoyed it so much:

It was great seeing how technique won out in the end.

And how revered Julia is.

And to see Jacques talk about food again.  He is one of my favorites of the food TV educators.

He tastes everything --- sticks his fingers in everything.

A photo of Jacques Pepin from his PBS bio 

For those of you who might not know who Jacques Pepin is.  Here is a link to see his bio. http://www.pbs.org/food/chefs/jacques-pepin/ 

I have read his autobiography, too.  It is an enjoyable fast read if you are a Jacques fan.  My favorite parts are his memories of growing up in France and how his mother cooked with her hands and how they used every bit of food.  Nothing was wasted.  And how he started in the kitchen prepping vegetables to high standards in France.  I think he was only 13 or 14.

Bon appetit!  was Julia Child's legendary sign-off at the end of her cooking shows.

B