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chefrockyrd
June 17, 2012
I just saw this and had to comment even though you wrote this a while ago. it is a wonderful tribute to a terrific person. If you have not by now, you should send it to him. He is the genuine thing, and would appreciate it.
I was fortunate to take classes with him years ago in NY when I was studying to be a chef. The classes were demo classes with the students watching.
They were just great and I remember watching him with awe, I could not take my eyes off of him and his beautiful hands. Besides having the ability to teach, he shared so much of his knowledge with us.
I just watched the video you had attached and have made his Meme's apple tart many times. That pastry is wonderful.
I was fortunate to take classes with him years ago in NY when I was studying to be a chef. The classes were demo classes with the students watching.
They were just great and I remember watching him with awe, I could not take my eyes off of him and his beautiful hands. Besides having the ability to teach, he shared so much of his knowledge with us.
I just watched the video you had attached and have made his Meme's apple tart many times. That pastry is wonderful.
Lena B.
April 3, 2012
Jacques literally taught me most of what I know about cooking through his excellent PBS shows. My favorite are those with Julia Child, their energy and passion was completely infectious. He is by far my favorite TV chef, with his down to earth style and warm smile. Any Jacques fan should read his book "The Apprentice" about his early restaurant days in France (and the US). I'm beyond thrilled to be seeing him speak in a few weeks in San Francisco and would be happy to pass this letter his way, Tom. My only question for Jacques is how he managed to raise such a food-illiterate daughter :)
ironstring
April 3, 2012
I had the absolute joy of meeting Mr. Pepin this year at my bookstore; he'd come in to do a signing of some books in our back room (no time for a personal appearance, alas) right before a restaurant appearance, and I happened to be the manager on duty to help him. He was charming, funny, and everything he appears to be on TV. Everyone in the store will probably tease me forever for the way I bounced around after our brief conversation about cooking and cookbooks, but I couldn't care less. He was a delight.
Lorraine F.
April 2, 2012
We are so lucky to have Jacques share his recipes with us on TV and in his books. The classic recipes he teaches will always be my go-to recipes. I still watch Jacques and Julia on PBS reruns and am amazed at how they complimented each other although they had completely different kitchen philosphy. The old recipes will live on forever. Thanks Tom.
ctgal
April 2, 2012
Thank you so much for reminding me of this recipe. I have the book from this television series and I have made it several times. It's perfect! And now I'll make it again this week. And your description of his shows is perfect. He taught me how to do things that I've been doing for years in a better, faster and easier way. He has introduced preparations that I would have never thought of. And the smile on his face and the twinkle in his eye always made smile right back at the tv screen. I don't watch cooking shows, but, oh, how I love his!!
Cecilia M.
April 1, 2012
Ditto...Pepin has been my favorite chef and TV mentor for years and years...over 25 years ago with his book Everyday Cooking. Your letter is perfect and reminds me too how special he is.
GregoryBPortland
April 1, 2012
I meant to say Jacques and Lidia are the only two TV chefs demonstrating the art of teaching cooking on TV.
GregoryBPortland
April 1, 2012
Tom--nice tribute to Mr. Pepin. There are only two really outstanding teachers showing the craft of cooking in clear, accessible terms--Lidia Bastianich and Jacques Pepin. Jacques is a master with a knife--his speed and accuracy, as you've noted, is awesome. Both Lidia and Jacques have he calm and the genuine desire to make you a better cook. Neither preaches. They have certainly made me a better cook. It was generous of you to remind us.
Kateq
April 1, 2012
Me too!! I love Jacques Pepin. And I have such respect for him. He has taught me, us so much and in such a generous and non-judgmental way. How lovely to read your tribute.
honeyk
March 28, 2012
I have followed Jacques Pepin for years....a true master. Thank you for the lovely story.
Made this last night and absolutely delicious. So easy to prepare it was ridiculous. This is a keeper!
Just goes to prove that most times less is more even in cooking.
Made this last night and absolutely delicious. So easy to prepare it was ridiculous. This is a keeper!
Just goes to prove that most times less is more even in cooking.
arielleclementine
March 27, 2012
loved this, and love jacques pepin- i think of him every time i split open a leek to rinse the dirt out. a wonderful, inspiring teacher- like you!
Oui, C.
March 27, 2012
Tom - I had the good fortune to cook with Jacques while enrolled at a program at BU years ago, and I 'm happy to report that he was true to your image of him in every way. In the kitchen he was an excellent mentor, he was patient, supportive and had a great sense of humor. Thanks for another terrific and thoughtful post. - S
sygyzy
March 27, 2012
Beautiful letter, Tom and right on point. Jacques was a master and taught a whole generation to love food and cooking.
HalfPint
March 27, 2012
Tom, this was a lovely letter. You expressed what most of Jacques Pepin's fans have always felt. He is a wonderful teacher. He even got my mother (an excellent cook) to go out and make the same meal that he had just instructed. This was the ONLY time in my entire life that my mother wanted to cook anyone else's food.
I met him at a special party that PBS held for the end of taping of his and Claudine's show. So kind and generous (and very tiny). I agree that he would appreciate this letter.
I met him at a special party that PBS held for the end of taping of his and Claudine's show. So kind and generous (and very tiny). I agree that he would appreciate this letter.
flutephobia
March 27, 2012
Can I just echo this completely? I learned to cook by watching Jacques on PBS. His encouraging manner coupled with his jaw-dropping technique made cooking a fun challenge, and his sensibility guides my taste through today. Long live Jacques! Thank you!
Shalini
March 27, 2012
A heartfelt letter, like you were talking to a friend. I find the video of M. Pépin and his daughter fascinating. Thank you for sharing, and for the shrimp gratin recipe.
fiveandspice
March 27, 2012
Oh, I just sighed the happiest little sigh. Lovely, Tom. Thank you for sharing.
ChefJune
March 27, 2012
Oh, yes (since this system won't let me edit my earlier remark) I've saved the recipe and will be serving it to my loved ones VERY soon. They adore both shrimp and mushrooms. ;)
ChefJune
March 27, 2012
Tom: you should send this link/letter to Jacques. He would REALLY appreciate it.
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