Paper Palate

There is a list of magazines where I would think I would see Jacques Pepin, and I’ve got to say, I didn’t have Men’s Vogue on the list. What was I thinking?  The popular chef has made the pages of the October issue, in a piece the magazine did on Visionaries.  And considering Pepin’s career, his inclusion should come as no surprise.

In the piece, besides a look at his journey and where he is today, he answered 50 questions, giving us all a little more insight into both Jacques Pepin the man and Jacques Pepin the chef.

Which meals in your life have been the most memorable?
They would involve the quintessential dishes of my youth, from frog legs to pike quenelles, and usually in conjunction with my family.

What’s been your greatest sacrifice?
I’m sure I sacrificed a lot of things when I was a kid. We worked Saturdays and Sundays and holidays — that was the work of a chef. But we loved it. And if you love what you’re doing, you never have to go to work. So anything I did in my work, I would not call it a sacrifice.

Is there anyone who can take up your mantle?
I didn’t know I had a mantle! But there are many, many very good chefs in this country now. Which is kind of a new thing, because years ago it wasn’t considered prestigious to become a cook. Now we are geniuses.

What’s the best form of relaxation?
We all have to try to find our own source of happiness, of course. For me, it could be walking on the beach with my dog, or playing pétanque with my friends, or sharing a glass of wine with my wife. Even cooking — if I don’t have to measure it or recall it!

Are you ever not working?
Not really. I have a kind of existential anguish if I don’t work — I feel edgy if I don’t have anything to do for one or two days. Then I go to Mexico.

What bores you?
I get bored sometimes, probably, but I get away from it really fast. I can get that way at certain parties, but I’ll try to get out of there and go find something interesting. But you can always find something interesting in people if you look a little bit.

You can read the entire article right here and his Q&A right here.

Photo from Men’s Vogue.