Yeah, Celeste–I think Ms. Powell is stirring the pot a bit, to see what happens. I am disappointed in her generalizations, however, because they show a distinct lack of research or thought going into the formation of her opinion. I am disappointed, in large part, because I think she is smarter than that.

Jack–Julia Child cared deeply about the quality of ingredients. That is what I don’t get about Ms. Powell’s statements–the tomatoes that come from the grocery store are not something that Julia Child considered worthy of eating.

As for Julia Child Worshippers–anyone who slavishly worships a celebrity of any stripe makes me twitch. I know folks who hang on Emeril’s every “Bam!” and believe every single word Alton Brown utters, even when he is incorrect, and that sort of fannish obsessiveness bugs me. It bugs me in science fiction fandom, it bugs me when it is movie geeks, and it bugs me when it is chefs or cookbook authors being drooled over.

Julia Child helped revolutionize the way America cooks. She deserves every bit of the credit she gets for that. And she was a great woman, and a fine cook and an even better teacher and author. She is worthy of emulation, respect and yes, fondness and love, but obsessive fannish freakishness?

Nope.

In large part, I think, because she would not have appreciated that sort of thing herself.

Though, I do have to admit that I myself fondly call her Saint Julia.

But, I promise, when in the kitchen, I do not light candles and pray for her to intercede upon my behalf when cooking a souffle.