From time to time, we will post short interviews with interesting people about their thoughts and feelings on women and drinking. There is such a wide array of perspectives about this topic, and we are excited to gain insight into as many as possible and to share them with you.
After a misspent youth involving loads of dead-end jobs and several questionable decisions, Julie Powell, author of Cleaving and Julie & Julia–made into a major motion picture by Nora Ephron starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams–has found her calling as a writer-cum-butcher. She lives in Long Island City, Queens, when she isn’t in Kingston, NY, cutting up animals.
Drinking Diaries: How old were you when you had your first drink and what was it?
Julie Powell: It was Mad Dog, at a cast party my junior year in high school. I spent most of the party commiserating about not getting cast as Sally Bowles with the guy who didn’t get cast as the MC. Then my ex-boyfriend’s new love interest threw up on me and a six-foot-two guy passed out on top of me. So. Much. FUN.
How did/does your family treat drinking?
I come from a long line of highly-functioning alcoholics. Growing up, my Dad thought nothing of bringing a plastic “to-go” cup with him when we drove to a restaurant for dinner, and booze was and continues to be an ever-present, benign presence. I actually didn’t drink at all until college, but in adulthood, our family tends to revolve, in our interactions, around booze. Food, too.
Have you ever had a phase in your life when you drank more or less?
The only thing that has ever persuaded me to drink less has been the prospect of great sex. I find that my enjoyment of sex dips after more than say a glass of wine. So when I think at the end of the day I’m going to be getting very well laid, that’s an excellent incentive to not crack open the bottle.
What’s your drink of choice? Why?
Nowadays, I’m mostly drinking this cheap Portuguese boxed white wine. It’s cheap, it’s plentiful, and you can fold up the boxes so it’s less apparent just how much you’ve gone through during the week when you put out your recycling.
Has drinking ever affected—either negatively or positively—a relationship of yours?
Most of my relationships are influenced by alcohol, for better or worse. My relationship with drinking is very WASPy – I tend to use it to smooth out the edges, to make confrontation unnecessary. This makes for very few arguments, but also very few in-depth discussions. Oddly, in my current unusually contentious relationship with one particular ex, exactly the opposite is true – I can ONLY express myself after three or four glasses of wine. Whether I should be or not, expressing myself, I mean, is an open question.
Do you have a favorite book, song, or movie about drinking?
Stephen Merritt!!!! He writes great songs about drinking! Magnetic Fields has a ton – Reno Dakota, Papa Was a Rodeo, so many… I love a line from the first song on their latest album: “you can’t go ’round just saying stuff/because it’s pretty/and I no longer drink enough/to think you’re witty…”
What do you like most about drinking?
I use drinking as anesthetic and balm. Nothing seems unbearable after the first few glasses of wine. Except not having another.
If you could be any drink, what would it be? Why?
I’d like to be a really top-notch single-malt, strong and complex and warming. But I fear I’m more of a vodka gimlet – bright, a little tasteless, and totally transparent.
{ 98 comments… read them below or add one }
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Julia one thing about the wine is I think you should make it yourself if you love the wine so much then I say you should make it you have done the julia cook book now I think making wine is somthing you should do
I enjoyed the interview and the way Julie responded to the questions…most people drink just to be witty or as eloquent at Julie is in her interviews.
I was wondering, if food and wine go together, as they say, where if anywhere do the “girly” non-frozen umbrella drinks like Sex on the Beach or Screaming Orgasms go in relation to food? Pre-Dinner drinks? After? Only when clubbing? Never because people who drink these smutty sounding drinks (that taste oh so delicious) wouldn’t have a clue if they were eating grilled lamb chops with curried couscous or that stuff my cat calls food..ya know, a can of Friskies?
I love cooking and know a few recipes for a good cut of beef and what to do with it but I also love those smutty sounding drinks. I might indulge in one of the “girly” drinks before the appetizer or after dessert. Just wondering what Julie..and others think.
Slante!
I watched the movie tonight and I enjoyed it. It is a great story ! Greetings from South Africa. BE
I hate cooking. I never know what to do. It’s always the basics and always the same ol thing, bland and uninteresting. Boring and just something that you do becasue it needs to be done. But I’ll admit, watching your movie yesterday was truly inspirational and makes me want to slow down life and learn to cook. I loved it. With the hustle and bustle of the world it makes you look at the little things in life like cooking and taking pride/joy in it. I can’t wait to get Julia’s book and try it for myself. Thank you for doing your blog and allowing this movie to be made. It helped me see cooking and a little bit of everything in a different light. I can’t wait to start and smell, taste and savor the food. Now, only if my husband would do the dishes….lol.
I would like to say, Thank you. I watched Julie/Julia today and you inspired me to get my children book proofread and maybe published one day. I have a spelling and dyslexia issue. So I wrote a book in 2003, I said what the hell and why not!
I would love to send you a copy after I find the right people to help me publish it.
So let me know if you want a copy and thanks again for your story and our beloved, Julia…
PS I had not idea she was so funny…
Best Regards
Marisa
I dont know what to write – I am best in danish – but I quess not so many people can read it. So have a nice day or in danish: Kan I alle have en rigtig god dag.
Marianne Elmgren
Denmrk
To my sisters, Julie and Julia,
Thank you and cheers!
Much Love,
Stacey
hey julie i loved ur movie i love the way u can just be urself and not give a damn about what people say or think! i would love to be ur biggest fan u went threw so much and would love to know more about what happend since the movie didnt tell me lol but i would love to get ahold of u some way lol so i can get a bigger conspect of how u became so in love with julia well i hope to hear from u!! much love and good tidings!! crystal risher
Mad Dog will always lead to some girl throwing up you. Especially the blue one…
Agreed on the wine – - although definitely a Malbec/Garnacha kind of lady myself! “Nothing seems unbearable after the first few glasses of wine. Except not having another.” – - exactly!
Just seen the movie.
Amazingly inspiring!
loved your character, LOVED the food!
hi,Julie!just got over with your Julie and Julia.was awsome and inspiring.especially when i am in the same boat as you were before writing the book.please donot stop writing the blog.wud like to know what happened to you afterwards.
Julie,
I watched Julie and Julia for the first time when it came out on dvd in ’09, I have watched it about 20 times. I love to cook, have become a lecruset bitch, and have told everyone I know about the Julie/Julia project. I just read the wine blogs…too funny, we have a lot of the same thoughts on wine!!!
‘
Hey Julie, Ive been looking for your latest blogs but cant find anything. On the remote chance that you see this could you let me know when you start blogging again? Love you writing and your wit!
cheers
Lesley Milne
lesleymilne@yahoo.com
Can’t sleep and thought a movie would be nice, I love Julie and Julia and while watching remembered it was based on a true story. Did some research and was completely amazed you still blog!! You have inspired me to find something to do each day and to stay commited to it. Cooking would be amazing but with my husband in the service it would be tough to make meals for just my 3 yr old and myself. I will probably become very accustomed to reading your blog, and thank you for writing an amazing book that turned into a great movie. Insperations are needed to let others know their dreams are just at their fingertips
Much regards and God bless!
Jacqueline Valdez
I enjoyed the movie the first time. We, ,my husband and I, decided to watch it together. It is so cold and snowing outside and just had a great potatoe soup. Tomorrow I am going to make some French bread and cabbage soup from Julie Child’s first book. Let it snow.
Hi Julie. I just saw the movie. It was wonderful. I will graduate with an English majore in May and I hope to write too. I just don’t have your courage.
I saw the movie “Julie & Julia”, so beautiful!!!
Amazing work!:) I hope that you continue with is fantastic writting!
kisses from Portugal! tchau!;)
Julie:
You should try by fried chicken with rice. My secret ingredient (one tablespoon of pet dander)
Dear Julie,
At this very moment, I’m wishing I was you. My blog has as many comments as I have fingers. No book. No movie. No inspiration… that is until I watch my DVR’d copy of Julie and Julie.
xoxoxoxo,
G
I just watched Julie & Julia. I think I’m in love. But I don’t know if it is with you — or with Amy Adams.
Watched the movie, Julie and Julia. It is so inspiring! It is almost making me get out of my bed and start cooking. I have always loved baking and it makes me feel that it really is the time to really get down to it, to take it just beyond baking. Thankyou
Honestly, just out of pure curiousity…
How to appreciate wine?
Is it the bitterness? or is it the way of drinking it that truly brings out the sweetness of the wine?
Dear Julie!
The movie is wonderfull! I don´t see the time to read your book!
Thanks for inspiration!
P.S: Nothing is better that drink a wine!
Wagner from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Dear Julie,
I just saw Julie and Julia this week-end, I had recorded it on my DVR when I saw it playing on cable this past week. I have a 20 month old and have not gone to the movies in about 2 years. I get to watch about 1 hour of tv per week tops not counting DORA, the explorer, who my son is obsessed with right now.
It was such a guilty pleasure . I loved it , loved it. It was such a feel good movie. Both stories were great and Inspirational. I’m in my late 30′s at a job I hate and after watching the movie I’m ready to find the thing I can be totally passionate about. If Julia and Julie can do it , so can I.
Thanks!!
I loved the movie and will start blog about pizza. I’m moving to Nantucket next weekend and will open a pizza and nut store on the west side of the city. Drop by everyone!
Sabtos Pizza (opening in July 2011) – free slice if you mention this blog!
Loved the movie – and bought the soundtrack.
Everybody has something. Mine is food in a bad way. In our house, food was love, and my mother was an outstanding southern cook. She touched food and it tasted like heaven. I never learned to cook, which is why I’m writing to you. I’m now a senior citizen, fat, and lucky to be tall and “solid” in build rather than flapping all over the place. I saw the Ephron movie because I like her work, but didn’t really quite get this one at first. Streep and Adams were wonderful; in fact, the whole cast captivated. I’m one of those second chance people, so I let it rest like a really good steak and returned. Now I’ve seen it, oh, seven or eight times. I couldn’t understand my need for repetitions at first, especially since some were sequential. Then the epiphany. Julie and Julia were helping me remember, in these late years, to love food again rather than always, always denying myself and feeling guilty. I won’t cook every recipe in MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING, but I can guarantee you that I am moving swiftly towards taking control of this food thing since it seems so obvious that food tastes good and is one of the few–especially in the current economy–pleasures left in our lives. It has always been a pleasure. Who did this to us? Food is bad, bad, bad, they keep saying. No butter, no salt, no anything that actually taste good. Why didn’t we hear: Why not cook something absolutely wonderful from MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING at least once a week, then go back to blueberries, yams, kale, and olive oil. The movie shot of the bread sizzling in the iron skillet (Oh, those colors!) captured me first. “I can do that,” I thought. I’m a well-educated woman who has lived more than fifty years. So I did. I bought French bread, peppers, those small sweet onions that start with a c_____, mushrooms. When my son, all six-foot-four-and-a-half of him, came to visit, I said nothing. I just asked if he was hungry (always a rhetorical question.) and turned bread until it was a deep honey brown, sauteed and stirred the veggies, piled everything onto a lovely plate, and set it before him. Magic! My son, who grew up with tuna casseroles and broiled pork chops, turned to me with wide eyes and said (as did your husband in the movie): “This is GOOD !”. Ecstasy. I cooked something that tastes good. Thank you, Julie Powell. My grocery list still includes all of the healthy food I have to eat because I’m old and fat, but now it also includes wine, butter, heavy cream, shallots, balsamic vinegar and on and on and on for my once-each-week Julia Child-Julie Powell meal. I treat myself with my best china, silver, and a white embroidered linen. Thank you. Julia Child may have saved some part of you, but you have certainly helped to save some part of me, the part that was afraid of food. NO MORE FEAR ! I have no personal things to say about the you chose to reveal except that you are so brave to open to the world as you have. I’ve often thought there should be a room or a building in each city where people go each day, all day, to listen to each others’ stories–just sit and listen. Millions want to tell their stories. All of us are quite fallible, you know. Getting old seems to be about accepting it all, and that has brought me great peace. Now you have brought me great joy by inspiring me to cook and eat good food. THANK YOU, JULIE POWELL.
Hello Julie,
I just had to comment since I have been watching your movie over and over, it really hit home with me.I find you to be utterly inspiring, and all artists need inspiration. I am an actress/dancer recently relocated from my dream city NYC ( we lived in Astoria), to Los Angeles, CA.
I am also a poet/writer whose Mother won’t read my poems since she does not appreciate poetry,lol. I totally related to your story, and loved the concept. I also fell in love with Julia Child. I credit you for introducing a new generation to the wonderful Julia Child, you did such a beautiful thing. It is one of those movies I cannot help but shed a tear everytime I watch, both stories blend together effortlessly.
I look forward to reading the newest book, and wish you the best in all of your endeavors. Thanks for inspiring me and many like me.
Rose Bruno Bailey
Dear Julie ,
You are my inspiration in cooking French menu. I like your ways (:.
Thank you for making me more confident and I really enjoy your movie.
Ronakorn D. from Thailand
Interesting way they ended the movie. They might have been better off going in opposite directions until the saftey net of that pompus dude could have screamed until the varsol filled that gallon of epoxy glaze.
Be careful not to double roll epoxy cated baseboard.
Great movie – hoping there is a sequel soon,
Loved the book slightly more than the movie. Keeping track of the wine I consume is very difficult when I start cooking. Wishing this blog would be updated every single day!
What an inspiration. My uncle invented “Swiss Chalet’s” famous sauce and has never given us the ingredients but after watching the movie he has changed his tune and provided us with everything. Something in the movie reminded him of how he created the recipe and now he wants to share his story.
Sherry
Loved the movie. It kept me feeling young even though I’m very old. Loved the part where the food got burned in the oven – reminded me of summer camp in 1948. Barry Manilow would know what I mean….
I love to eat pizza. After watching this movie we will add 18 more ingedients to our gourmet pizza (incl resurfo)
Dear Julie, our french cooking here in germany seems so very different to your american way….( Is it a question of interpretation, or are the ingredients totally different ? I don’t know.) I’m so sorry, that I can’t buy the original book written by Julia Child, but I’m glad that I have your book and liked it very much. Thank you….
I found the movie has inspired my wife to prepare our meals better. She now plans everything out and the meal is so much better now. I can’t wait to get home from work now!
Ye ha!!!!!!!!
Jeg elsket filmen så mye at jeg begynte å die de cum ut av min ektemenn store indadvendt
Wow! That’s kinda funny about your first drinking experience. First time I ever drank I just had a pint of grape pucker. Except no body threw up on me… I passed out, woke up, walked across the room and threw up on the 2 biggest bullies/ mean girls in the school I went to while they were sleeping!! So they woke up to getting puked on!! To make matters worse I made out with the younger one’s boyfriend that she had just broke up with in a tent just hours before I threw up on them. Needless to say I had to run out to the car and take off really fast and then transfered to a private school in town lol.. It was awful!! After that I wasn’t a big fan of drinking, but I do love a good sparkling white wine.
Oh By the way, I was just thinking about the movie based on your book, I too throw fits like the girl in the movie sometimes lol… amazing how I am so much alike the portrail of you in the movie!
Very moving movie! It kept me pacing until the bitter end. I now will use sour patch kids as a sweetner for all my sweets instead of sugar. You will find that the glucose will keep everything stiff just long enough.
The other thing I learned from the movie was to never give up on your dreams even if they are somewhat retarded.
I have just watched the DVD and found it charming and and entertaining. About love and food and the love of food and wine. Well done. Brilliant. Loved it.
Après le fait de regarder le film j’ai commencé à avaler ma semence de maris sur une base régulière. Sa semence est vraiment tout à fait bonne. Ne soyez pas des filles réservées et jouant avec son anus peut aussi être tout à fait qui en vaut la peine du point de vue de la quantité que vous recevez par charge
Hey Ralph: I love the way you use the corn in their for texture.
Great flick
C & C
Julie – you are amazing. I’ve started to cook and found that adding lana sag has helped with the odor in the kitchen. You have to add it in reverse order to get the proper smell.
The code used can vary but you likley will not get the proper version until you release your excesses in the kitchen.
Hoping you keep updating the blog. Thanks for sharing everything!
Julie is funny. I love drinking and so do my friends. However, my last relationship lasted ten years and were a little dependent on the booze to have a good time. One night after drinking too much and arguing a little, he fell in the bathroom, slicing his head open that required seven stitches. We learned a valuable lesson. A year later he enjoyed a night out at his brother’s bachelor party, fell again and broke his wrist. I kind of broke up with him after that. He’s sober now, thank God!
Some people add a cup of wine to their favorite sauces. I actually learned from the movie/book to try different things. So I started to experiment and found that a combination of epoxy glaze (2 comp mix), sanding sealer and varsol added to gravy or my fav tomato sauces has really heightened the taste. It even tastes great with a regular oil and ving salad. Just be careful not to smoke afterwards – you might be explode on one end or the other.
I’m going to start my own blog tomorrow night and then rent the movie to see what all the fuss is about.
I also promise to never eat fake chow again. Only the real deal ladies.
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