Saratoga Sampler
Julia Child treats locals to her wisdom
By Mary Ann Cook
ICON SIGHTING: Culinary royalty came to the neighboring town this month in the person of one Julia Child, and the reverberations continue. When Child stepped out of her car (I almost said carriage) on her way into Sur La Table in Los Gatos to sign copies of her latest, Julia's Kitchen Wisdom, the long line of fans broke into spontaneous clapping and cheering.
Most autograph seekers waited in line two hours, the early birds much longer, with a 4 a.m. arrival the record-setter. For the signing, Child was seated on a slightly raised platform, and as devotees left her presence most were grinning broadly, but some were teary-eyed or crying unabashedly.
"She has such a soft simplicity. You can sense the caring she brings out in people," said Genelle Wilson. Consuelo Yepiz summed up the entire experience: "She's my hero. She's part of my life. I've learned so much from her." Said Saratogan Barbara Broyles, "This was such a fun community event."
Some people said they were so in awe they couldn't even come forward for an autograph. Some people had named their daughters after her. Julia Child Owens, for one.
What's your favorite meal? I asked the culinary icon afterward, expecting an elegant response, such as rack of lamb, encrusted beef, or something pureed. But the no-nonsense answer shot back: "Breakfast. I like breakfast. Bacon, eggs, croissant, fresh fruit and white toast." Human icons are human, after all.
Her latest book is for those who already know their way around a kitchen, but may need to consult a text for some reminders. Child was the second person to bring kitchen artistry into the living rooms of America via TV. The first was Diona Lucas and the third was the Galloping Gourmet.
Now an entire channel is devoted to cooking shows, and cooking schools are springing up all over the country, as fast as mushrooms after rain. Through it all, this living legend remains the most beloved of the genre, if the heart-tugging testimonials to her presence here are any indication.
VOLUNTEERS HONORED: Connections 2001 is a recognition banquet presented by the Women's Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater San Jose to honor their volunteers. The annual event is on Feb. 28, at the San Jose Fairmont. Saratogans to be honored are Karen Ceppos, Seema Cicerone, Debbie Coutant, and Dianne Portnoy.
Ceppos is past president of Yavneh Day School board, and is now vice president of personnel. She is the first Californian on the National Solomon Schecter Day School Association Board. Cicerone has been active in Beth David's Sisterhood for 20 years.
A member of Hadassah, she has been Torah fund chairman, organizer of Yad Lakoi events and active in Purim carnivals. Coutant has been congregation president at Shir Hadash. She has led weekly services and coached new shofar blowers. Portnoy is head of fundraising for the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, also volunteering for Hospice of the Valley, Jewish Federation and Institute for Living and Learning.
Michelle Hootnick, of Monte Sereno , will be recognized for her work with the Jewish Family Service of Silicon Valley; Laurel Cyrluk, of Los Gatos, has been singled out by Congregation Sinai; and Judie Markow, of Los Gatos, hailed by Hillel of Silicon Valley.
Hootnick is an attorney with Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, is vice president of the board of Jewish Family Services, and spearheaded a fund drive to keep JFS programs for refugees afloat. She volunteers her legal services for the poor and works with other Jewish nonprofit agencies.
Cyrluk was congregation president for two years. During that time membership increased more than 40 percent and financial stability was reached. Markow is a kindergarten teacher at Harker School and serves on the boards of both Hillel and Yavneh, as well as the Tech Museum.
Tickets to the dinner are $60. For more information, call Lynn Osband at 408.358.3033x33.
CRUISERS: Anne and Bob Louden, Ann and Hugh Hexamer and Marlene and Ron Duffin cruised the French Polynesian Islands recently, taking in Tahiti, Moorea, Raiate and Bora Bora. Petting manta rays, glorying in the sunset from a catamaran in Bora Bora and snorkeling were counted among the highlights.
Joining them were Marlene's brother and sister in law, plus friends of the Hexamers. So now they were a party of 10, which meant they rated the Captain's Table. Just another lousy week in Paradise.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
