I've heard a bit about the late Au Bon Gout, the legendary culinary and kitchenware store located in Palm Beach. Founded by the late Harriet Healy in the 1950s, Au Bon Gout supposedly carried all kinds of marvelous cookware, table accessories (including Dodie Thayer lettuceware), and antiques. It was also where Healy, a noted cook, taught cooking classes. Healy later sold the shop to a business partner who continued to run the shop, although I can't find any information on when the business actually ceased operations.
Being mildly familiar with Healy, I got a little excited when I saw this 1965 House & Garden article that featured Healy's Palm Beach kitchen. Now I realize that this kitchen is not to everyone's taste what with the blue and white toile, but I find it utterly charming. Evidently, Craig Claiborne felt the same way as he wrote in the New York Times that the kitchen was "one of the best-equipped and most beguilingly styled kitchens in Palm Beach." What makes this kitchen so different from many kitchens today is that you can actually imagine food being cooked there. There also seems to be a lot of Healy's personality present in the kitchen with the toile fabric, the antiques, and the painted cabinetry serving as evidence of Healy's keen interest in French furniture, decor, and cooking.
After seeing these photos, I felt a wave of nostalgia for both charming, warm kitchens as well as traditional French food, both of which seem to be a little out of favor today. I think it's high time to bring back both.
P.S.- Healy wrote a series of cook books that were published in the 1960s and 70s. Click here
Popular Post
-
I'll be out of town for the rest of the week in order to attend the Lauren Home shop launch party on Thursday at Bloomingdale's. (C... -
Look through the chic cookbooks on your bookshelves- specifically R.S.V.P.: Menus for Entertaining from People Who Really Know How by Nan K... -
Not to sound like a downer, but I had much more fun following fashion back in the 1980s than I do today. Saturday mornings meant watching El... -
Last weekend, I celebrated St. Patrick's Day by rereading my copy of Mrs. Delany: Her Life and Her Flowers by Ruth Hayden. While Mrs. D... -
I don't believe that I have ever dedicated a blog post to anyone before, but I guess there is a first time for everything. So, today...
2 comments:
Harriet was an amazing woman, forerunner, business owner and talented chef. I was introduced to her by my dearest friend Alison Healy (her grandaughter who I met when we both worked at the Silver Palate in the 80's) The Healy family has a remarkable history in the culinary world. Alison Healy owned one of the top catering companies in Boston for many years and Patrick Healy owns an award winning reataurant in L.A. to this day. All thanks to Harriet ! She is sorely missed, by family and friends alike - never to be forgotten! Thank you Hettie.
My grandmother was my best friend, my role model, my surrogate parent and my biggest cheerleader and advocate. I grew up getting cooking lessons from her at a young age. My brother and I learned to flip crepes, ate at the best restaurants in NYC and France and most of all, had a blast talking about food, learning about champagne and cooking professionally as well as with her and in our homes. My life will never be the same without her. Alison Healy Alisonehealy@hotmail.com
Post a Comment