From 1974, when my “wuzband” and I moved from Paris to San Diego with our 3 children, I knew I wanted to teach the classical French cooking I had learned while living in France. So, once settled in our suburban home, I put out word that I would be sharing full-menu classes three times a week week, 2 daytime and one evening. The whole story of those demonstration classes for the 13 students who jammed around an extended table in our family room would take too much space here; however, THIS is about aprons! So, the point is that I searched San Diego for the finest butcher as source for so many bases of those three- or four-course meal classes. That butcher turned out to be Ron Kiefer, across the city, and well worth the drive there for excellence in food. During my first of eight years teaching those classes, I donned a simple white apron during class...until one jaunt to the butcher shop when Ron had prepared all the meat or poultry or whatever I had called in as my pick-up order. As usual, it was all in a cardboard box which I carried to the car and then to my home refrigerator. The thing was that he had tucked in a blue apron with a white strip at the top that included “Ron Kiefer” embroidered there, and maybe the name of his store...As any good cook knows, the relationship between that cook and his/her butcher is crucial. So, a least one class per week, I wore that apron with pleasure. I still wear it here at my treehouse in Napa Valley, with happy memories of the students, the laughter, the delicious food and, of course, Ron and how his butchery made such a difference over all those classes until 1982!
I love aprons and have collected them all over the world. They hang all over our kitchen. But I’ve never actually worn one--literally never even occurs to me. I don’t know. It sounds like something I would discuss with a therapist if I had one.
I love everything about your post! I recently moved and thought I had an “apron problem”. I had so many and couldn’t decide which ones to get rid of. My husband said, “How many aprons do you need? Isn’t one enough?” “No.” I told him, and then went on to explain what each apron was for...this one is for cooking (a sage green and white pinstriped), this one is for baking (an all pale pink apron), this one is for serious baking-(my King Arthur Apron that I bought after visiting the store in Vermont and taking a class-so fun!) and this one...I don’t know, it’s just so cute!” I also made an apron in my Home Economics class when I was in high school-it was of brightly colored cows. I held on to that for a long time. Why cows? Because my mother was a seamstress, and when I asked if she has any fabric I could use to make it, she opened her huge drawer of fabric and let me pick one. I love you and your stories and musings- always so thoughtful and filled with love. Thank you for sharing with us all ❤️
I JUST ordered myself a new apron!! I've been wearing the same red cotton one for over a decade and decided it was time for something more in line with spring! :) fun post!
Please disregard post below made mistake . Meant to say post was so uplifting and I don’t even wear an apron ! Love that we both have the children’s cookbook. Mine is from my grandmother way back in 1950 . It is a treasure.
My husband got me two aprons for Christmas! One is a black and red lumberjack plaid (I love it!) and the other is a World Market apron with cats. I actually picked that one out.
My mom wore aprons, but they were more like a pinafore. It's hard to explain. I have one of them still, around here... somewhere. There isn't a special story, just that I remember she wore them.
And...Waitress! I LOVE that show! I've seen the show live once and then, on a streaming broadcast. I'd love to see it again!
I do love this piece!!! My apron, whichever one I have on - and I have so many! - becomes my super cape. I am invincible in the kitchen! I become... dun, da, da, da!...Food Girl, creator of tasty treats (most of the time anyway 😉) As you mentioned each one of them has a memory, a connection, a story woven into it. It’s within the warp and weft that the super power resides. “A” is for Apron!
You have covered so much in this post! So entertaining...love the pictures, especially the one of you with Julia's knife. I don't seem to have a lot of apron wearing in my background. I do remember that my maternal Grandma always wore one. My Mom, occasionally. I love aprons, but I usually think to grab one after the damage is done! (if you know what I mean!). I am getting on board with the apron culture NOW!
I do really love this piece, Kate. The idea of aprons with stories to tell is just precious. I have a few in my closet and wear them when I remember, but half the time I putter about in an old t-shirt or a robe with a Superman logo on the back if it’s early morning. It all ends up covered in whatever I’m making.
You cheered up my day, Kate, with that 🎶!
I love aprons!
From 1974, when my “wuzband” and I moved from Paris to San Diego with our 3 children, I knew I wanted to teach the classical French cooking I had learned while living in France. So, once settled in our suburban home, I put out word that I would be sharing full-menu classes three times a week week, 2 daytime and one evening. The whole story of those demonstration classes for the 13 students who jammed around an extended table in our family room would take too much space here; however, THIS is about aprons! So, the point is that I searched San Diego for the finest butcher as source for so many bases of those three- or four-course meal classes. That butcher turned out to be Ron Kiefer, across the city, and well worth the drive there for excellence in food. During my first of eight years teaching those classes, I donned a simple white apron during class...until one jaunt to the butcher shop when Ron had prepared all the meat or poultry or whatever I had called in as my pick-up order. As usual, it was all in a cardboard box which I carried to the car and then to my home refrigerator. The thing was that he had tucked in a blue apron with a white strip at the top that included “Ron Kiefer” embroidered there, and maybe the name of his store...As any good cook knows, the relationship between that cook and his/her butcher is crucial. So, a least one class per week, I wore that apron with pleasure. I still wear it here at my treehouse in Napa Valley, with happy memories of the students, the laughter, the delicious food and, of course, Ron and how his butchery made such a difference over all those classes until 1982!
Wonderful post. Thx Happy New Year!
I love aprons and have collected them all over the world. They hang all over our kitchen. But I’ve never actually worn one--literally never even occurs to me. I don’t know. It sounds like something I would discuss with a therapist if I had one.
Love this, Kate! I have a blue denim Bragard apron that was a gift from 30 years ago, wear it all the time!
I love everything about your post! I recently moved and thought I had an “apron problem”. I had so many and couldn’t decide which ones to get rid of. My husband said, “How many aprons do you need? Isn’t one enough?” “No.” I told him, and then went on to explain what each apron was for...this one is for cooking (a sage green and white pinstriped), this one is for baking (an all pale pink apron), this one is for serious baking-(my King Arthur Apron that I bought after visiting the store in Vermont and taking a class-so fun!) and this one...I don’t know, it’s just so cute!” I also made an apron in my Home Economics class when I was in high school-it was of brightly colored cows. I held on to that for a long time. Why cows? Because my mother was a seamstress, and when I asked if she has any fabric I could use to make it, she opened her huge drawer of fabric and let me pick one. I love you and your stories and musings- always so thoughtful and filled with love. Thank you for sharing with us all ❤️
I JUST ordered myself a new apron!! I've been wearing the same red cotton one for over a decade and decided it was time for something more in line with spring! :) fun post!
Great post ! I hav3 both your cook ooks
Please disregard post below made mistake . Meant to say post was so uplifting and I don’t even wear an apron ! Love that we both have the children’s cookbook. Mine is from my grandmother way back in 1950 . It is a treasure.
My husband got me two aprons for Christmas! One is a black and red lumberjack plaid (I love it!) and the other is a World Market apron with cats. I actually picked that one out.
My mom wore aprons, but they were more like a pinafore. It's hard to explain. I have one of them still, around here... somewhere. There isn't a special story, just that I remember she wore them.
And...Waitress! I LOVE that show! I've seen the show live once and then, on a streaming broadcast. I'd love to see it again!
I do love this piece!!! My apron, whichever one I have on - and I have so many! - becomes my super cape. I am invincible in the kitchen! I become... dun, da, da, da!...Food Girl, creator of tasty treats (most of the time anyway 😉) As you mentioned each one of them has a memory, a connection, a story woven into it. It’s within the warp and weft that the super power resides. “A” is for Apron!
Beautiful stories. Thank you!
You have covered so much in this post! So entertaining...love the pictures, especially the one of you with Julia's knife. I don't seem to have a lot of apron wearing in my background. I do remember that my maternal Grandma always wore one. My Mom, occasionally. I love aprons, but I usually think to grab one after the damage is done! (if you know what I mean!). I am getting on board with the apron culture NOW!
I do really love this piece, Kate. The idea of aprons with stories to tell is just precious. I have a few in my closet and wear them when I remember, but half the time I putter about in an old t-shirt or a robe with a Superman logo on the back if it’s early morning. It all ends up covered in whatever I’m making.
Terrific idea for a series that seems almost binge-worthy.