Honoring a French Chef by Anita Harvey
Sally Trial and her double almond croissants
A furor over the late Julia Child, French chef extraordinaire, has ensued due to the popularity of the film Julie and Julia starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Ms Child’s book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking shot to the top of the non-fiction bestseller list, something that had never happened in its many years of availability. The One O’Clock Book group sponsored by Sonora Branch AAUW decided to honor this remarkable chef at their September meeting.
The book chosen for September by book group member Marsha Beaty was My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme. To augment the reading of this sprightly autobiography, the book group together with husbands attended a matinee of the movie and then held their regular meeting at our local French resaurant, Bon Appetit located on Washington Street in downtown Sonora. Members enjoyed a delicious luncheon of croissant sandwiches, crepes, salads or tartines (open faced sandwiches on pugliese bread). One member, Kathy Andreini, shared her cookbook autographed by Julia herself upon meeting her some years ago.
After the luncheon and discussion of the book, the group was treated to a demonstration in the kitchen by chef/owner Bruno Trial, a native of France. He deftly showed the many steps in the making of croissants. His wife, Sally, then explained the production of her famous double almond croissants. Many then lined up to purchase some of the delicious pastries to take home with them.
Bruno Trial giving a croissant demonstration.
The One O’Clock Book Group has enjoyed some very interesting and delightful field trips in the past. These are designed to tie in with the books they are reading. Last April some of the group traveled to the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley to see the Ramona Outdoor Play after reading the classic, Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson. Those attending were impressed with this spectacular depiction of early California history. This coming spring they are planning trips to the Napa Valley wine country and Angel Island to coincide with reading books in which these locations are featured.
Members of the One O’Clock Book group sponsored by Sonora Branch AAUW are from left to right: Mary Bushnell, Karen Leeman, June Diggle, Mary Gjerde, Carol Leeman, Bruno Trial, Sally Trial, Denella Kumura, Kathy Andreini, Marsha Beaty, Anita Harvey, Laulette Ginn, Suzanne Thomas and Carol Malaspina.
Sonora Branch American Association of University Women sponsors many diverse interest groups, not only several book groups, but bridge, dinner, theater and others. These are open to any member of AAUW. Membership in the branch is open to any woman holding an associate or bachelor’s degree. The mission of AAUW is to “advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.”
The One’Clock Book Group is evidence that members are not only serious about women’s issues, but can have a lot of fun too.
