Simone Beck

Simone Beck

Simone Beck, often known as Simca, was a renowned French cookbook author and cooking teacher who played a significant role in popularizing French cuisine in America. She is best known for her collaboration with Julia Child and Louisette Bertholle in writing the two-volume cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Early Life

Simone Beck was born on July 7, 1904, in Normandy, France. She grew up in a family that appreciated good food and this early exposure to French cuisine sparked her interest in cooking.

Career

Simone Beck's career in the culinary world began when she joined the Cercle des Gourmettes, a women's culinary club in Paris. Here, she met Louisette Bertholle and together they started a cooking school, L'École des Trois Gourmandes (The School of the Three Gourmands).

In 1951, Beck met Julia Child, an American woman interested in learning French cooking. The three women collaborated to write a cookbook that would introduce French cuisine to American households. The result was Mastering the Art of French Cooking, published in 1961. The book was a success and is considered a classic in its field.

Beck also authored her own cookbooks, including Simca's Cuisine and New Menus from Simca's Cuisine.

Personal Life

Simone Beck was married to Jean Fischbacher, a businessman. They lived in the Provence region of France, where Beck continued to teach cooking until her death on December 20, 1991.

Legacy

Simone Beck's contribution to the culinary world is significant. Her work with Julia Child helped to demystify French cuisine for many Americans. Today, her cookbooks continue to be popular among food enthusiasts and professionals alike.

See Also

• Julia Child
• Mastering the Art of French Cooking
• French Cuisine

References

• Simone (Simca) Beck. The Julia Child Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.juliachildfoundation.org/simone-simca-beck/
• Simone Beck, French Chef, Is Dead at 87. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/21/obituaries/simone-beck-french-chef-is-dead-at-87.html

External Links

• Simone Beck at The Julia Child Foundation
• Simone Beck's Obituary in The New York Times