Chez Jacques: Traditions and Rituals of a Cook

by Jacques Pépin, Tom Hopkins (Photographer)

Jacques Pépin has shared his kitchen expertise in a score of cookbooks and numerous television appearances, but in Chez Jacques he reveals himself as never before. This transparently personal book is virtually a culinary autobiography of the septuagenarian chef. In 100 recipes and dozens of captivating stories, Pépin retraces his 59-year professional cooking career, his discoveries, his disappointments, and his reflections on friends and fine cuisine. This elegant illustrated cookbook would make a fine gift or an equally welcome self-indulgence.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food and Drink

272 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. For the epidemiologist, see Jacques Pepin.

Jacques Pépin (born December 18, 1935) is a French-born American chef, author, culinary educator, television personality, and artist. Since the late 1980s, he has appeared on American television and has written for The New York Times, Food & Wine and other publications. He has authored over 30 cookbooks, some of which have become best sellers. Pépin was a longtime friend of the American chef Julia Child, and their 1999 PBS series Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home won a Daytime Emmy Award. He has been honored with 24 James Beard Foundation Awards, five honorary doctoral degrees, the American Public Television’s lifetime achievement award, the Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2019 and the Légion d'honneur, France's highest order of merit in 2004. --Wikipedia

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm madly in love with Jacques Pepin (okay, not "in love," it's more of a man crush even though I am not a man). Any book or television show featuring him is fascinating. I read this book cover to cover but it is not really a cookbook as much as it is a biography of an artist talking about his greatest love. I will never joyfully fill a motel garbage can full of hundreds of snails (page 62), or use his helpful hints on how to kill and dress a frog for dinner (page 66), nor will I ever make head cheese (page 96) or for that matter, most of the recipes in this book (except the caramels -- make the caramels!). But I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in his life and food.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a lovely book by Jacques Pepin. Great stories about some of his meals and how they are prepared.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is less about exacting recipes and more about suggestions for learning how (and what) to cook. I really liked it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really shouldn't add this to the read shelf, for I've only browsed parts of this book. However, it is due back at the library, and I may not get back to it.
This may be a cookbook that is better read than cooked from, at least for me. As other reviewers have commented, this book has a heavy French emphasis that is not really aligned with how I normally cook at home. However, this is a gorgeous and interesting book, worth reading if you never make a single recipe. The recipes have lovely introductions that weave stories from his personal life with tips on preparations. What emerges is a picture of how cooking and eating well are at the very heart of life and of one's loving relationships.
I also appreciated the stand-alone essays, particularly the one "Home Cooking Versus Restaurant Cooking." He delineates the different purposes, ingredients, and equipment of the home cook and the restaurant chef, and explains which sorts of dishes are best homemade and which are best in restaurants. A home chef has to be centered in providing comfort, and doesn't have a staff for fancy decoration, for example. Deep-frying, grilling, and the use of expensive ingredients make more sense in the hands of restaurant chefs, while slow-cooking meals that require much attention are better at home.
This is a book I will check out again to savor Pepin's gracious view on life, as well as to peruse the lovely pictures. I might even try a recipe or two.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this a very personal book about Jacques Pepin, his food history and his food today but it is a showcase of his art. How I envy one of his personalized, hand painted menus! The recipes are based on local foods of the seasons and memories of his mother and aunts, but they are almost secondary to the narrative that surrounds them. After reading this I can think of nothing better than spending a day with Jacques in his kitchen, unless it would be having Julia join us.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jacques so anything by him is great by me. He has a wonderful attitude about cooking. A few too many recipes were the traditional french - I'm not eating snail, fois gras.... But, there are enough good recipes in here to remind me why I like Jacques. Not a technique type of book - he has others for this. This is a more advanced cook book for nuance type cooking.

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part memoir, part cookbook, this lovely journey through Jacques Pepin's favorite recipes and memories is such a relaxing and delicious journey. Onion Soup Gratinee. Cheesecake with Peace and Blueberry Sauce. Chocolate Tartlet with candied grapefruit. Bugnes. (Which remind me a great deal of American funnel cakes.)These are just a few of the recipes that you will find in this book.

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed reading from Jacques was his philosophy towards those of us who love to cook at home, without the conveniences allowed for restaurant chefs. I took with me the flexibility of applying

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the narrative before each recipe - reflecting back on the flavors and experiences of his youth and with his family.
I'm also learning, from books like this one, about principles and ideas behind recipes instead of strict step by step recipes.

[Reading Fool · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful autobiography as well as recipe book by Jacques Pepin. The book contains many personal stories of Pepin's career as a chef. Also published is his art, a beautiful surprise. This is instructional but also would grace any coffee table. A great gift to give to any Pepin fan.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances got this for me for our first wedding anniversary. So far, it's been fascinating reading. I especially liked the two-page spread on "Cooking with Water".

[PMP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paintings paired with recipes, makes sensory sense.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best roasted chicken recipe, ever.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photography, recipes and plenty of interesting stories to go along with the recipes.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful cookbook, both worthy of the coffee table and the kitchen counter! Any fan of Pepin will treasure this book.