Joanne Weir
Joanne Weir is an American cooking teacher, an award-winning author, world traveler, and chef of a Mexican restaurant in Sausalito, California. Her claim to fame was during the 1990s when she authored her first book From Tapas to Meze in 1994, published a series of books for William Sonoma in 1997, and wrote yet another recipe book in 1999. Weir also hosts a television series on PBS introducing culinary skills and recipes. |
Early Life
Weir is a fourth generational cook in her family.2 Her great-grandmother was head of the Pilgrim’s Pantry restaurant in Boston, while her mother was a professional chef and caterer working with the famous cookbook author, Charlotte Turgeon.1 Weir has followed the footsteps of her elders ever since her first baking mishap in the kitchen. She was baking oatmeal cookies when she accidentally added 1½ cups of baking soda instead of 1½ teaspoons. The cookies leavened to the extent that they had exploded beyond the edges of the cookie sheet and all over the oven. Thanks to her mother’s praise that they still “tasted good,” Weir had the confidence to continue working in the kitchen.2 She received her degree in Art Education from the University of Massachusetts and taught Fine Arts in Boston before she circled back to her culinary path.1 |
Travels
Weir spent five years cooking in Berkeley, in addition to studying in New England and France before she was awarded a Master Chef Diploma. She has taught cooking classes in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Thailand, South America, and England. Although she owns a Mexican restaurant, “Copita: Tequileria y Comida,” the majority of her recipe ideas come mainly from Mediterranean cuisine from her travels to Europe. Her tasty experiences abroad give her the elements that put together the most delicious entrees, appetizers, soups, sides, desserts, and even drinks.1
Weir spent five years cooking in Berkeley, in addition to studying in New England and France before she was awarded a Master Chef Diploma. She has taught cooking classes in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Thailand, South America, and England. Although she owns a Mexican restaurant, “Copita: Tequileria y Comida,” the majority of her recipe ideas come mainly from Mediterranean cuisine from her travels to Europe. Her tasty experiences abroad give her the elements that put together the most delicious entrees, appetizers, soups, sides, desserts, and even drinks.1
Career Beginnings
Weir’s first book, From Tapas to Meze was chosen by Julia Child as one of her 12 personal favorites out of 1000 cookbooks. After revision, it won the 2004 Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Mediterranean Cookbook. Her most recent cookbook is titled, “Cooking Confidence: Dinner Made Simple,” which sold in 2012 and was awarded IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals) Julia Child Cooking Teacher Award of Excellence.1 In total, Weir has written seven cookbooks and eleven more for William Sonoma.2 |
Weir also hosts a television series, “Joanne Weir’s Cooking Confidence,” which won the 2013 Taste Award for “Best New Series.” Since 2001, she has been on the PBS channel in both Nappa Valley and San Francisco teaching how to prepare gourmet recipes. Her PBS series on “Weir Cooking in the City” received a James Beard Award for Best Cookbook, General Category, in 2005. She also authored companion books for each series. In 2009, Weir fashioned a reference guide, TEQUILA: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails and Bites.1
Legacy
Julia Child had always been Weir’s inspirational role model. Now, Weir is a role model for aspiring young cooks. She built her home kitchen designed for the purpose of teaching cooking classes. She teaches in Italy, Province, Spain, and San Francisco, while still traveling to local and national cooking schools. She leads culinary tours around the world for anyone to attend. When tours are not in session, she is still present on PBS, bringing the culinary world to a tasty and high standard of performance.1 |
References
Joanne Weir. joanneweir.com . 2013 <http://www.joanneweir.com/about/biography.html>
Kierzek, Kristine M. “Chef Chat: Joanne is One Confident Cook.” JS Online Journal Sentinel, Food and Cooking. <2013. http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/joanne-weir-is-one-confident-cook-0h7i6of-179139831.html>
Joanne Weir. joanneweir.com . 2013 <http://www.joanneweir.com/about/biography.html>
Kierzek, Kristine M. “Chef Chat: Joanne is One Confident Cook.” JS Online Journal Sentinel, Food and Cooking. <2013. http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/joanne-weir-is-one-confident-cook-0h7i6of-179139831.html>