I watched a lot of TV when I was a kid. A lot. But I’m glad to say that I was raised on a healthy diet of cooking shows. And The French Chef was the first one I lapped up.

I was fascinated by Julia Child. Drinking in her detailed instructions and staring intently on the TV tube, I didn’t miss a single flip, dice or stir that Julia did. At the time, I had no idea about the mystique of French cuisine. Nor did I really understand her tongue in cheek humour. I was just mesmerized by a completely wonderful world of food that was so different from my own.

Over the years I’ve watched and re-watched many of Julia’s cooking programs. I still learn from her uncanny, intuitive teaching style, her affable approach and her joie de vivre. And at the end of each program, I still look forward to hearing her cheerful “Bon appétit!”

Today I, like many food enthusiasts worldwide, am celebrating Julia’s birthday. Happy Birthday Julia. Thank you for all your morsels of wisdom. Bon appétit!