I mentioned that I was in a bit of a technology mood lately. Sure, DVD isn't exactly cutting edge, but a recent browse through the listings on the DVD rental service Netflix turned up a surprise or two.
Although you can occasionally find programs on Food Network and PBS that featured guest appearances by Julia Child, I've had less luck coming across airings of her classic program, The French Chef. Cited time and again by just about everyone as the seminal show in food television history...
The French Chef introduced French cooking to the United States at a time when it was considered expensive restaurant fare, not suitable for home cooking. Child emphasized fresh and, at the time, unusual ingredients.
In other words, if you want to understand how we got to where we are, it helps to check it out. Thanks to Netflix, that a little bit easier.
The service features a pair of three-disk collections, The French Chef with Julia Child and The French Chef 2 with Julia Child. Each of the two collections features approximately 18 episodes, so there is plenty of good stuff here.
Poking around a little bit also reveals a bunch of Food Network DVDs, as well, but the chance to learn from the master is pretty cool.
I know, I know..."technology" usually means instant gratification and you're going to have to wait for Netflix to ship you a disk. Fine. This may not be "vintage Julia Child," but it is vintage, it's hilarious and it's Julia Child (kinda). Enjoy!
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