Skip to content
American Public Media Donate DONATE
American Public Media Programs
  • NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS
  • American RadioWorks Award winning documentaries
  • American Routes Exploring American musical genres
  • As It Happens The stories behind current affairs
  • Being Conversations on religion and life
  • Dinner Party Download Win your next dinner party
  • Marketplace Business news for the rest of us
  • Marketplace Money How money makes the world go 'round
  • Marketplace Morning Report 8 minutes you can't afford to miss
  • Marketplace Tech Report A guide to the modern world
  • A Prairie Home Companion Variety show with Garrison Keillor
  • The Splendid Table Public radio's show about food
  • The Story The human side of news and issues
  • The Writer's Almanac Today in history and a poem or two
  • CLASSICAL MUSIC
  • Classical Live The best concert events of the year
  • Composers Datebook Profiles of composers in history
  • Holiday Specials Programs to celebrate the season
  • Performance Today America's classical conversation
  • Pipedreams Celebrating the King of instruments
  • Saint Paul Sunday In-studio music and conversation
  • SymphonyCast The great orchestras in concert
The Splendid Table The show for people who love to eat.
Recipes · Episodes · Where We Eat · Blog · Tips · Stump! · Store · Contribute
How to Eat Weekends

How to Eat Weekends

"Look Each Person in the Eye, Dearie"

October 21, 2011

43 comments

Recent Posts

  • New York Eats: Follow the critic, seriously?
  • Preparing a Moroccan soup for The Chew
  • What makes a good cook
  • Vampire Turkey
  • Author on Tour "Wines and Dines"

Posted by Lynne Rossetto Kasper

Originally this post was going to be something completely different. Then Sally wrote Give an Author a Dirty Book.

Aside from being touched and wanting her to know how she connects when she doesn't even realize it, her words brought back a master class of sorts. Although in not exactly the same way, that second chair she sat in, and much of what comes with it, was mine back in 1995.

julia_child.jpg

Julia Child occupied the first chair. She had her Master Chef series on PBS (I'd been fortunate to be one of them) and an accompanying cookbook. As Julia promoted the book in each of the chefs' cities, we did a book signing with her.

At our signing the line of people was disappearing into infinity with everyone waiting hours for a moment with Julia. I watched her respond to each one as though they were having coffee together. She connected. Often authors with that kind of following go on autopilot. Not Julia.

During my turn to sign, I worked on being invisible. I was just the guest chef; this was Julia's time. I'd quickly murmur thanks and sign the books to keep the line moving.

Twenty minutes in, Julia leaned over and whispered, "Look each person in the eye, dearie. They've waited a long time to see you. They deserve your attention."

She pulled back, grinning like an imp. "Dear lady," I thought, "no one is here to see me, but thanks."

Lesson learned, Julia.

43 Comments

43 Comments

Jessica | October 24, 2011 9:53 PM | Reply

Lynne,

I have spent what feels like the entire weekend celebrating my birthday. Well, I actually DID spend the weekend celebrating. I am humbled by the attention and relate to your article. To my dear friends, thank you for your kindness. I hope I looked you in the eye.

As I listened to your program on its 10 am time slot Sunday, I found my birthday dinner. I am delighted by the taste of your "chicken in sweet soy braising sauce". We finished the meal with a rich chocolate cake made by a local bakery. Thank you for sharing my birthday with me. I really enjoy all a The Slendid Table brings to mine.

Delightfully full,

Jessica

Gustavo Vranes | December 19, 2011 2:46 PM | Reply

Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I'll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

Tuan Hartl | January 2, 2012 11:45 PM | Reply

I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

Garry Hittner | January 3, 2012 10:43 PM | Reply

I am not sure where you're getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

Lindsey Spigner | January 4, 2012 5:35 PM | Reply

I'm really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one today..

Orville Kotrys | January 6, 2012 2:23 PM | Reply

I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

Dorthey Neat | January 7, 2012 11:30 PM | Reply

fantastic. I really like what you've acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can't wait to read much more from you. This is really a great website.

Sharmaine Glendenning | January 10, 2012 1:35 PM | Reply

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I'll definitely be back.

Latanya Schlichter | January 13, 2012 2:40 PM | Reply

Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

Bryce Delafontaine | January 13, 2012 4:31 PM | Reply

I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I'll learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

Nova Erm | January 17, 2012 3:34 AM | Reply

I am not a fan of India, but they were awesome in this tournament. Will be interesting to see if they can win away from home next time around.

Catrice Schulze | January 19, 2012 11:32 AM | Reply

I have been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

Quincy Derrico | January 20, 2012 12:31 AM | Reply

Hey there, You've done a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I'm sure they will be benefited from this web site.

Luis Gueningsman | January 21, 2012 10:48 AM | Reply

Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful information particularly the last part :) I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

Hong Vallin | January 21, 2012 12:00 PM | Reply

We're a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You've done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

Dwight Clarity | January 21, 2012 12:20 PM | Reply

I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

Odessa Shey | January 25, 2012 2:37 PM | Reply

Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I'll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

carpet cleaning belmar nj | January 28, 2012 1:45 PM | Reply

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

Dion Gironda | January 31, 2012 4:18 PM | Reply

Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part :) I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

Kathleen Vaudreuil | February 2, 2012 5:26 PM | Reply

Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too

Neoma Baughey | February 14, 2012 12:57 AM | Reply

Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I'll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I'm confident they will be benefited from this web site.

Nikole Jordon | February 23, 2012 10:19 PM | Reply

Cheers regarding developing this kind of. I truly sense like I am aware so much more regarding the matter when compared with I did just before. You need to keep on that, I am sure many people would likely acknowledge youve obtained a gift.

Melda Collison | February 27, 2012 1:14 PM | Reply

Thank you an incredible submit, may study one's others content. thank you your thinking for this, I soon became somewhat made an impact to by this text. Many thanks again! You wanna make a terrific time. Got some fantastic info here. I do think that when a greater number of people thought about it like this, they'd have a very better moment in time receive the hold ofing the issue.

Winnipeg Computer Laptop Info | March 1, 2012 10:51 PM | Reply

this is spatically

daily deals | March 5, 2012 3:19 AM | Reply

nice post . :)

Buy Guitars | March 5, 2012 8:59 AM | Reply

I've really been looking into putting a organic food bar, ie smoothies and such in my music store for customers. what do you think?

Bret Cassano | March 5, 2012 1:16 PM | Reply

Just curious, found you on a google search, how'd you rank so high?

Norine Daviau | March 14, 2012 6:22 PM | Reply

Hey there! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after reading through some of the post I realized it's new to me. Anyways, I'm definitely glad I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back often!

Sanford | March 15, 2012 12:09 AM | Reply

This is often a excellent blog, would you be interested in making time for an interview regarding just how you produced it? If so e-mail me personally!

Julee | March 15, 2012 12:32 AM | Reply

This blog has got a lot of very useful information on it. Thank you for sharing it with me.

Carroll Sniss | March 18, 2012 6:02 PM | Reply

You really make it appear so easy along with your presentation but I to find this matter to be really one thing which I think I would by no means understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely wide for me. I am having a look forward for your subsequent put up, I will attempt to get the dangle of it!

Treasa | March 19, 2012 8:38 PM | Reply

I'm glad for being a visitor of this everlasting blog site ! , value it for the facts! .

adlkjawdlkjawlgkad alkdjalkjdalwkjd | March 23, 2012 12:19 AM | Reply

This Los angeles Weight Loss diet happens to be an low and flexible going on a diet application meant for normally trying to drop the weight as effectively within the have a significantly healthier lifetime. shed weight

Marshall Trodden | March 23, 2012 2:25 AM | Reply

Useful information. Fortunate me I found your website by chance, and I'm surprised why this coincidence did not took place in advance! I bookmarked it.

car and bikes | March 26, 2012 10:42 AM | Reply

Wow!! Great topic and Fantastic Post, really I appreciate this.It will be very helpful for us. Waiting for more articles, blogs like this.I’m going bookmark your blog.

Lissette Cordas | March 26, 2012 8:23 PM | Reply

Well said. I enjoyed that very much.

Amazon | April 4, 2012 5:33 PM | Reply

Maybe I should get more into with this type of business.

Barney Calcao | April 5, 2012 5:21 PM | Reply

You made some decent factors there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most individuals will associate with together with your website.

Anonymous | April 18, 2012 10:40 PM | Reply

Hi Lynn,

I love your NPR show on Sundays.
April 15th I listened to you and (Dave Arnold)
talking about eggs. Does he have a book?
I am unable to find anything about his recipes or interview on the splendid table website.
I hope that you can help. The discussion about what he could do with eggs was fascinating .

FGK

Sal Zukof | May 7, 2012 4:39 PM | Reply

After study a couple of of the blog posts on your website now, and I actually like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and might be checking back soon. Pls check out my site as properly and let me know what you think.

mambu | May 11, 2012 2:15 AM | Reply

301 Moved Permanently Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I've really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

Hemmal Dena | May 11, 2012 6:16 AM | Reply

Identified your write-up incredibly remarkable in fact. I actually liked examining it and you make really some superior factors. I'll bookmark this internet site to the foreseeable future! Relly terrific article.

gjaieaks | May 19, 2012 10:29 PM | Reply

301 Moved Permanently I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You're incredible! Thanks! your article about 301 Moved PermanentlyBest Regards Lawrence

Leave a comment

Sponsor Become a sponsor
  • Radio Stations
  • Newsletters
  • Podcast
  • RSS Feeds
  • Contact Us
Sponsor Become a sponsor
The Splendid Table Store
American Public Media © |   Terms and Conditions   |   Privacy Policy
Programs
American RadioWorks
American Routes
Composers Datebook
Future Tense
Marketplace
Marketplace Money
Performance Today
Pipedreams
A Prairie Home Companion
Saint Paul Sunday
Sound Opinions
Speaking of Faith
The Splendid Table
The Story
SymphonyCast
The Writer's Almanac
More…
Support American Public Media

American Public Media's online services are supported by users like you. Contribute now…

More from American Public Media
APM Podcasts/RSS Feeds
APM Newsletters
iTunes U
Public Radio Tuner
APM Careers
About APM