Saturday, August 29, 2009

nancy & elyse



Last night my best friend since high school and I had a girls’ night out. We had a leisurely dinner, did a cruise through Michaels and HomeGoods and then the pièce de résistance wasn’t dessert (which we actually skipped), it was seeing Julie & Julia. We both realized it had been a while since either of us had seen a movie that didn’t include a talking animal.

I really enjoyed Julie & Julia. Amy Adams was delightful and Meryl Streep was amazing. The period sets, locations and costumes were great. Many sweet laughs and of course BLOGGING! Very enjoyable!



Today I find myself thinking about the movie and remembering something fun that I want to share. After college I worked for a couple of years doing film and video production. Some of the coolest and worst experiences I ever had! One job was to be an on-set P.A. (production assistant aka gofer) at the home of Nancy Verde Barr, cookbook author and executive chef to Julia Child from 1980 to 1998, among her other credits, for the filming of a Food Network show.



This was over a dozen years ago but I remember Nancy’s home being beautiful and just like Julia’s kitchen, there were copper pots and pans. The show was about hosting a dinner party and Nancy added special touches like using small framed photos of each guest as their place card. Nancy demonstrated how to crush a head of garlic with the flat part of a large chopping knife.


As the lowly P.A. I was busy running back and forth to local markets for ingredients like smoked salmon and asparagus. I remember one of Nancy's assistants was very arrogant with me and so one of the grips would refer to her as Fred Flintstone to make me smile. Ah, memories!

bon appetit & xo

32 comments:

Beki said...

I really want to see this film but I don't think it's out over here yet.
Really pleased you had a good time!
((hugs))
Beki xxx

Its So Very Cheri said...

Just checking in with everyone and to give an update.
I have a new party starting- Wed Sept 2. So each week I will have the Knock Off Knock Out party on Mondays and the Holiday/Seasonal party on Wed. I hope you come for a visit.
New buttons to grab as well.
Cheri
Its So Very Cheri

Claudia said...

Still haven't seen the movie! I hope to soon, but often I don't seem them until they are out on DVD...Being a PA is tough work! Your resume gets more interesting by the minute!

xo
Claudia

Theresa said...

I want to see this movie too! My niece saw it and loved it. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

♥ Noelle ♥ said...

I've really wanted to see that movie too! Glad to hear it was good! Have you seen the Time Travelers Wife? Oh, I cried my eyes out at the end! That was a good one:)

Its SO nice to see a grown ups movie!!

debi said...

Oh, girlfriend time is so wonderful! I'm glad you had such a good time. I want to see that movie too.

Lisa said...

Oh what a super fun day! I'm not sure I want to see that maybe on video. But good to know you liked it! How cool you were a gofer!! I think that would be fun. I know but i work for Dr.s it really is the same thing! hehe
Hugs, Lisa

aimee said...

i loved the movie. i always wanted to cook like julia and grew up watching her on tv. she was my fave. glad you had a great time with your friend.
blessings,
aimee

Rebecca @ Belle Blog said...

sounds like you guys had a fun girls night. except for the skipping dessert part. lol dessert is always my favorite part. I have to wait to see this on dvd, but it looks great and all the reviews I've heard say it is good.
♥ Rebecca

Terri said...

How exciting Elyse! That job must have been awesome. I would love to stand in Giada de Laurentis home while she is filming her show...it looks so effortless but I know how long it takes to film one cooking episode! Thanks for sharing.

LaurieStar said...

What an interesting post - an interesting job you had too! I had a few as well. Glad you got out to see a movie - I am trying to watch a few on DVD that I've missed, (taking care of small kids,) and it's fun to actually see it through til the end!

Lisa said...

I enjoyed the movie too! Perfect girls' night out fare.:)

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Great memories, even as a P.A. Heard great things about the show, but we rarely to the movies. Netflix DVD's watched at home is our movie night. Wonderful to have a long-time friend to share girls' night without the kids and G rated animal films!

Lynn said...

I am SO enjoying your blog!
I have just realized an excellent cabinet idea!

icandy... said...

I'm so glad that you had a great time!! Happy weekend to you, sweet!
Hugs,
Christina

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

Hi Elyse.. so happy to know you had a great time with gf.. that reminds me to check out the movie too! have a great weeekend!

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

I too loved the film, LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED it. xoxo~Kathy~ @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Bethany said...

love your writing and memories. you always make me smile.

Rebecca Nelson said...

Saw the movie last night, too! Went with my girl and then to Mimi's Oklahoma City for dinner.

The movie was fab. One of the best I've ever seen. Sweet...clean...romantic...fun.

Love reading of your memories!

xoRebecca

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Hi Elyse,
Thanks so much for your "oh so kind" comment on my post. I loved "Julie & Julia" too...it was so fun. I worked as a PA back in the day too...in Hollywood and Beverly Hills for a motion picture production company. Oh the glamour...not! But I had fun too. I also worked for one of the top talent agencies, Creative Artists...years and years ago!

Thanks for stirring up the memories!

Stay Cozy, Carrie

Candy said...

I am looking forward to seeing this one...with a girl friend.
We don't go to the movies very often either but yesterday I went with hubby and son (16) to see GI Joe. It was fun in a different sort of way. I may have to wait for the DVD on J&J.
Oh the memories of past jobs. Some we are so glad to have behind us.
Happy Restful Sunday ;-)

Lori said...

Elyse, you are just like an onion...just when i think i know you...another layer is revealed...you have done some really amazing things...i REALLY want to see that movie...i will have to wait until it is on DVD though, nobody will go see it with me...

Unknown said...

Elyse! How awesome to learn this about you!! You must have seen some really neat things! Though I know the work is very hard. I loved this post and learning this about you! How cool!! I want to see this movie so bad. But I am sure I will have to wait for the Blue Ray :( I love both Amy Adams and Meryl Streep. Plus it has blogging in it :) Wonderful post Elyse!
Hugs,
Amy

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

I have just discovered your lovely blog. About to catch up with some of your past posts.
Have a lovely weekend
Isabelle x

Brenda Pruitt said...

Treasured memories, Elyse! I haven't seen this, but Meryl Streep is always enchanting!
Brenda

Rose Brier Studio said...

Wasn't it a wonderful film? I really loved it. A few months ago I discovered Julie Powell's blog on her year of cooking Julia Child. I have been reading it and loving it!

In the 70's I worked at Design/Research in Cambridge. Whenever Julia Child came into the store we would try to be cool, but we all loved to listen to her or see what cooking tools she was interested in!

beachvintage.com said...

I love when something reminds you of past memories like that.

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Oh sweetie so thrilled you loved the movie and had a wonderful time with your dear friend! Wow, what a fun filled life you have had so far Elyse! You cute thing you!

Love,
Maryjane
xox

koralee said...

I adored that movie...so so amazing..I learned a lot about Julia Child...made me want to go home and cook! You asked about my clock...it's shabby chic...got it quiet a while ago! Happy day to you!

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see this movie. I love Meryl Streep, she makes you believe she is the character she is playing in the movie.

Elyse, what an interesting job. Well, I hope that arrogant assistant sees your gorgeous blog.

Happy Monday.

Karen

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Hi Elyse~ just came across this piece about Julia at another blog and thought you might like it. The picture of J is great!Enjoy~
http://hycinthsforthesoultest.blogspot.com/

Amy C said...

oooh what a fun little insight into your past, and what a totally fun girly night out, I still have to go and see the movie.