Cooking shows are all the rage on television these days – the show “Chopped” continues to be on the rise. Paula Deen has become a southern maven when it comes to cooking up all those southern recipes.
But did you know that cooking and food shows are not new? Cooking shows have been both informative and entertaining here in Atlanta for many decades
Way back in 1975, Rich’s Department Store wanted to add a cooking school to their already long list of opportunities for the women of Atlanta to learn, grow, and increase their knowledge about a number of things other than just fashion.
So in comes Nathalie Dupree. Beginning in 1975 and for the next ten years, Nathalie became Rich’s cooking school director and gourmet-chef-in residence. During its tenure, the school attracted many famous chefs of the time including Julia Child.
During her time with Rich’s, she enrolled more than 10,000 students in the classes which also offered apprenticeship programs. While many housewives (and others) came to her school to learn about the fine art of cooking, some went on to become famous like food writer Shirley Corriher and Atlanta chef Karen Hilliard.
In 1984, Ms. Dupree was elected president of the International Association of Cooking Schools which is now called the International Association of Culinary Professionals which sets standards for accreditation of cooking schools across the country.
So what ever happened to Nathalie? She went on to have her own cooking show, has written a ton of cookbooks with two of her latest being Southern Biscuits and Shrimp and Grits.
My husband used to enjoy her show simply because he loved good food; but he just loved it when she would make a mistake or mess up something. She would just move on and make it turn out all right. Many times she would be forgetful about something and she would admonish herself; and tell the viewers basically, “Do like I say and not as I do.”
Today, Nathalie lives in Charleston, SC and continues her work of writing books and making personal appearances.
For a trip back down memory lane, you can check out this website to see actual videos of her cooking show, “Nathalie Dupree Cooks for Family and Friends!”
You can see Nathalie at the following locations: Nathalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubart schedule:
April 30 at 12:00 and 1:00 Metropolitan Women's Show at the Cobb Galleria
May 12 at 6:00 p.m. a class at the Ansley Mall Cook's Waremhouse
May 13 - 6:00 Appearing at the Columbia Library, Columbia SC
May 14 - Columbia Book Festival, Columbia, SC
May 20 - noon Atlanta Book Festival, Margaret Mitchell House
According to her web site, she has hosted more than 300 television shows and specials, which have shown nationally on PBS, The Learning Channel, and The Food Network. Dupree holds an Advanced Certificate from the Cordon Bleu and has also written extensively for magazines and newspapers.
You can read more about this fascinating southern lady and all of her accomplishments in the cooking world since she first started her cooking school for Rich’s in downtown Atlanta.
Many Atlantans mourn the loss of Rich’s Department Stores like a dear friend. Rich’s was an icon and landmark business in Atlanta for over a hundred years. Like Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind” they may be gone; but they certainly have not been forgotten.
More on the history of Richs in the New Georgia Encyclopedia.
More about Nathalie Dupree
If you enjoy reading stories about old Atlanta and other articles of interest to family, you may subscribe at the top of the page; and have future articles sent directly to your inbox. Your e-mail will not be shared. It is free.
Comments