Ever dreamed of being a TV chef? Well, Richmond, now you can — sort of.
The VMHC’s newest exhibit, “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life,” takes you through the life of the legendary Julia Child through archival items, immersive experiences, and even smell-replicas of her favorite dishes. Bon appétit, y’all.
What we tried:
I grew up watching a lot of cooking TV, so I was no stranger to Julia Child’s work, but I knew next to nothing about the woman herself. Did you know that she was a research assistant for the OSS during World War II?
My favorite section of the exhibit, however, was the set replica of “The French Chef” TV show. Now that I know what I look like on TV, I think I’ll stick to writing newsletters.
What not to miss:
The exhibit centers around immersive experiences — a table at “La Couronne” gives you a seat at the restaurant where Julia first experienced French cooking. There’s also a digital typewriter to write letters to Julia, a massive digital cookbook, and a prop bathtub for recreating one of Childs’ most iconic Valentine’s Day Cards.
What we’re still talking about:
I loved the dives into Virginia’s own culinary history, from pre-Colonial cuisine to modern dining experiences. One of the most interesting was a look into the life of James Hemings, who was enslaved by Thomas Jefferson and served as Monticello’s head chef.
How you can experience this:
Want to take your own stroll through Julia Child’s life? Head to the VMHC’s First Friday event on April 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. for free museum admission.
Things to know if you go:
- Experience: Julia Child: A Recipe for Life Exhibition at The Virginia Museum of History & Culture
- Price: $12
- Website: virginiahistory.org/exhibitions/julia-child-recipe-life
- Address: 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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