On August 15, we celebrate the woman who changed the way America cooks and eats. Julia Child wasn’t just a TV personality or a cookbook author. She was a true original. And while her culinary journey may have started in France, it was in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she made a home, a kitchen, and a lasting impact.
Julia moved to Cambridge in 1961 with her husband, Paul. Their house on Irving Street (currently a private residence) quickly became a hive of cooking, writing, filming, and laughter. It was where she tested recipes for “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” shot episodes of “The French Chef,” and welcomed friends and collaborators around the table. More than sixty years later, Cambridge still holds her fingerprints.
If you’re looking to honor her birthday, there’s no better place to start than Harvard Square. Pop into Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe, where you’ll find imported jams, French confections, and old-world charm. It’s easy to imagine Julia stopping by for a sweet treat or something special for her pantry. From there, head to the Harvard Book Store, where copies of her cookbooks still line the shelves. Just a short walk away, the Cambridge Public Library is a beautiful place to sit, read, and reflect. Julia valued learning and exploration, and these two spots represent the curiosity she brought into every part of her life.
For lunch, grab a table at Harvest, a Cambridge restaurant Julia visited often. Tucked behind Brattle Street in Harvard Square, the menu highlights fresh, local ingredients with simple, elegant execution. Order oysters and a glass of wine, or go for the Julia Burger, a nod to her legacy, and enjoy the kind of meal that honors her belief in thoughtful cooking and good conversation.
Next, make your way to Savenor’s Butcher and Market, Julia’s go-to butcher just a short distance from her former home. This was where she sourced everything from lamb to duck to fresh herbs. The staff still remembers her visits. Browse the cases, ask a question or two, and bring home something that inspires you to cook.
Before dinner, take a quiet walk across the John W. Weeks Footbridge. The path stretches over the Charles River, offering a calm moment and a beautiful view of the city Julia loved. It’s a good place to pause and think about her impact, not just on cooking, but on the way people gather, share, and savor.
When the sun starts to set, head to Porter Square. Dinner at Margeaux Supper Parlor is a fitting way to close the day. Cozy and French with a touch of New England, it’s the kind of place that feels like Julia might walk through the door. Steak frites, escargots, a little dessert—choose anything that brings you joy. Afterward, check into the Porter Square Hotel, just upstairs, and raise a glass in her honor.
If your celebration includes cooking at home, be sure to visit Formaggio Kitchen in West Cambridge. This specialty market feels like it was built for Julia. The cheeses, wines, and imported goods are perfect for stocking up before a dinner party or trying something new just for yourself. It’s a place where curiosity is welcome, and where ingredients are treated with respect—a perfect reflection of her spirit.
Julia once said, “You’ll never know everything about anything, especially something you love.” She lived that truth here in Cambridge. Whether she was testing a sauce, walking to the market, or scribbling notes in the margins of a draft, she did it all with passion and a sense of humor.
So today, we remember her not just as a chef, but as a neighbor, a host, a learner, and a joyful presence in our city.
Happy Birthday, Julia. And bon appétit, always.
