Claire
Julia Child didn’t start cooking until her late 30s. No culinary background. No restaurant experience. Just a woman who fell in love with a plate of fish.
That single meal changed everything.
Here’s how Julia Child went from a self-described “terrible cook” to the most influential chef in American history.
What Inspired Julia Child to Become a Chef?
What inspired Julia Child to be a chef? Julia Child was inspired to become a chef after eating Sole Meunière at La Couronne restaurant in Rouen, France in November 1948. She called it “the most exciting meal of my life.” The dish, a delicate Dover sole in butter sauce, awakened her passion for food.
The Meal That Changed Everything
On November 3, 1948, Julia and her husband Paul arrived in France. Paul was stationed there for his diplomatic work with the U.S. government.
Their first French meal was at La Couronne in Rouen. Julia ordered:
- Fresh oysters
- Crusty baguette
- Green salad
- Fromage blanc
- Sole Meunière
The fish arrived perfectly browned, swimming in sputtering butter and fresh parsley. Julia later described it as “a morsel of perfection.”
In that moment, something clicked. She was 36 years old, and she had just discovered her life’s purpose.
Paul Child’s Influence
Paul Child was a sophisticated man who loved good food. He had lived in Paris before and appreciated fine cuisine. His enthusiasm for French food helped spark Julia’s interest.
Without Paul, Julia might never have discovered her passion. They were partners in every sense, and he later photographed and supported all of her work.
Where Did Julia Child Go to Culinary School?
Where did Julia Child go to culinary school? Julia Child attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. She enrolled in October 1949 and earned her Diplôme de Cuisine in 1951. She was the only woman in her class.
Le Cordon Bleu, Paris
Julia enrolled at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris in 1949. This was one of the world’s most famous cooking schools, founded in 1895.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Le Cordon Bleu Paris |
| Enrolled | October 1949 |
| Graduated | 1951 (Diplôme de Cuisine) |
| Class Size | Only woman in class |
The training was rigorous and traditional. Julia learned classic French techniques that would become the foundation of her teaching.
Meeting Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle
During her time in Paris, Julia met two French women who would change her life: Simone Beck (“Simca”) and Louisette Bertholle.
Together, they founded L’École des Trois Gourmandes (The School of the Three Gourmands) and began writing Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Did Julia Child Go to the Culinary Institute of America?
Did Julia Child go to the Culinary Institute of America? No. Julia Child did NOT attend the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). This is a common misconception. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France.
This confusion happens because:
- Both are famous culinary schools
- The CIA is well-known in America
- People assume she trained in the U.S.
Julia’s training was entirely in France. She never attended an American culinary school.
Julia Child’s Accomplishments and Awards
Julia Child received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Here are her major accomplishments:
Television Achievements
- First cooking show on American television (The French Chef, 1963)
- Peabody Award (1965) for The French Chef
- 3 Emmy Awards (out of 8 nominations)
- 201 episodes of The French Chef over 10 seasons
Literary Achievements
- Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) – revolutionized American home cooking
- First American cookbook to win the James Beard Award
- Author of 17+ cookbooks
National and International Honors
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Peabody Award | 1965 |
| Emmy Awards | Multiple years |
| French Legion of Honor | 2000 |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 2003 |
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President George W. Bush, is the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Her Impact on the Culinary World
How did Julia Child impact the culinary world? Julia Child made French cooking accessible to American home cooks, pioneered cooking shows on television, and inspired generations of chefs. She showed that cooking should be fun, mistakes are okay, and anyone can learn.
Making French Cuisine Accessible
Before Julia, French cooking seemed impossibly complicated to Americans. Her gift was breaking down complex techniques into approachable steps.
Her message: “If I can do it, you can do it.”
Pioneering Cooking Shows
The French Chef was revolutionary. Julia:
- Showed real cooking, including mistakes
- Kept things unscripted and genuine
- Created the template for every cooking show that followed
Inspiring Generations of Chefs
Countless professional chefs cite Julia as their inspiration:
- She proved you could start late and still succeed
- She showed that passion matters more than pedigree
- She taught that food should bring joy
Julia Child Foundation and Scholarships
Julia established the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts in 1995. The Foundation continues her legacy today.
What the Foundation Supports
- Culinary history research
- Professional culinary training scholarships
- Food writing internships
- Food literacy programs
The Foundation has given over $2 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.
The Julia Child Award
Each year, the Julia Child Award is given to someone making a significant contribution to the culinary arts. The winner receives a $50,000 grant to donate to a food-related nonprofit of their choice.
Timeline: Julia Child’s Culinary Journey
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1912 | Born in Pasadena, California |
| 1942 | Joins OSS during WWII |
| 1946 | Marries Paul Child |
| 1948 | Moves to France; first Sole Meunière |
| 1949 | Enrolls at Le Cordon Bleu |
| 1951 | Earns Diplôme de Cuisine |
| 1961 | Publishes Mastering the Art of French Cooking |
| 1963 | The French Chef debuts on PBS |
| 1965 | Wins Peabody Award |
| 1995 | Establishes Julia Child Foundation |
| 2000 | Receives French Legion of Honor |
| 2003 | Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| 2004 | Passes away at age 91 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Her first taste of Sole Meunière at La Couronne restaurant in Rouen, France in 1948.
Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. She graduated in 1951.
No. She trained in France, not America.
First cooking show on American TV, Peabody Award, 3 Emmys, Legion of Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and author of 17+ cookbooks.
Julia was 36 when she discovered her passion for cooking in 1948.
The Julia Child Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations supporting culinary education.
Sources
– Claire
