Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft

Narrated by Stanley Tucci, filmmaker Peter L. Stein's PBS-aired American Masters documentary profiles octogenarian culinary giant Jacques Pépin. Born near Lyon, France, Pépin was reared in a house that during wartime was bombed three times by three different armies. Chef Pépin's foodie history began with his family restaurant, followed by an apprenticeship to learn classical cooking in Paris—including a stint at the Plaza Athénée—and lots of fun escapades in the City of Light (Pépin recalls waving to prostitutes but not being able to afford them). Covering his military service, immigration to America, and work at NYC's La Pavillon, The Art of Craft touches on Pépin's turning down an offer to work for the Kennedys, his hand in improving the menus at Howard Johnson's (!), meeting his wife Gloria (who “picked him up on a ski slope”), and raising their family (daughter Claudine becomes involved with the family business). Looking at his TV appearances (as an entrepreneur in the field of culinary shows), La Potagerie soup restaurant, debilitating 1974 car accident, subsequent writing ventures (the seminal La Technique and La Methode primers), and friendships with Julia Child, James Beard, and mentor and New York Times food editor Craig Clairborne, the documentary features commentary from foodies including Anthony Bourdain, Rachael Ray, Tom Colicchio, and José Andrés, as well as author Fareed Zakaria, and restaurateur Susie Heller. Extras include Pepin's demo of his famous omelet prep, excerpts from the first episode of his show Today's Gourmet, and a segment from his 80th birthday tribute. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)