Jimmu's blog

Julie Logue-Riordan is the owner of the cooking school “Cooking with Julie”. After living and working many years abroad in Asia and Africa, Julie now makes her home in Napa. In addition to running the cooking school Julie also is a Culinary Instructor for Copia. She is a Member of International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP), San Francisco Professional Food Society, Chaine des Rotisseurs and Slow Food. She took some precious time to answer my questions.

• What do you remember about food when you were a child?
  

As a child I was fortunate as my father was an avid foodie.  He would take a long diversion for the best peaches.

• If I say Picnic, what do you think about?
  

A quiet place where all your senses bright, on a cotton blanket with fabulous artisan cheeses and a cool rose wine.  And a dog to eat the leftovers.

• What is your favorite food?
  

Does chocolate count?  Actually it depends on where I am and the season.  In Chaing Mai it would be Kao Soi and in Napa it would be Goats Leap cheese and of course one of our great red wines.  Hopefully wine is a food!

• What does good food brings?
  

Good food brings many benefits and best of all they are delicious.  It is a great way to build friendships

• What is a perfect meal?
  

A meal made with your own or locally grown produce and homemade bread.

• Do you think it is possible to feed the world in a mindful and sustainable way?
  

I believe it is possible but it will take time there are lots of politics involved that makes it difficult.  I’m encouraged regularly with people becoming aware and active even if it is only to visit their local farmers markets.

• Is food only food? Or is it bigger than simple nutriments?
  

What we eat is what we are.  Each time we eat or buy food we are making a statement about who we are and voting with our fork for the kind of place we want to live in.

• What do you think are the problems today with food and children?
  

Children are given too many choices and are being marketed to.

• If you could change one thing in the way we eat today, what wouldit be?  
  

I would get rid of high fructose corn syrup.

• Your fondest memory as a child about nature?
  

Fishing in streams, and hiking to pick berries.  Nature is so rewarding.

• What does spending time in nature brings you?
  

It revitalizes me in a wonderful way.

• Do you have plants at home? Why?
  

I have a garden and grow tomatoes, herbs and flowers.  I love having fresh veggies and fruits.  There is nothing more satisfying than clipping some fresh herbs to add a special flavour to a dish.

• If you could build your summer house anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
  

There are lots of wonderful places but my husband and I have dreamed of the south of France and in Sydney.  Wine, food, and culture.  Plus great weather.

• On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is the time children spend playing in nature?  
  

10  It is so important for children to know about nature even if it is only a park that they can get to.

• When you go on vacation, where do you go? Why?
  

I like a change of scene to imerse myself in the local culture whether it be somewhere in Europe or Asia

• If you could change one thing in the way cities and public buildings are designed, what would it be?
  

More public water fountains for people and dogs.

• Do you think enough is done to bring children to nature?
  

I’m not sure, I don’t know much about any programs.

• Do you think it is possible for human to grow in a mindful and sustainable manner?
  

It is possible and I try harder and harder each day!