Elizabeth David

Date of Birth: December 26, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: May 22, 1992

Biography

Elizabeth David, born Elizabeth Gwynne, was a renowned British cookery writer who greatly influenced the culinary landscape of post-war Britain. Born on December 26, 1913, in Sussex, England, she was the daughter of Rupert Sackville Gwynne, a Conservative MP, and Stella Ridley, a descendant of a Northumbrian aristocratic family. Elizabeth was educated at the Sorbonne in Paris, where she developed a lifelong passion for French cuisine. During World War II, David lived in various Mediterranean countries, including Greece and Egypt, where she was introduced to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the region. After returning to England, she found the food landscape dreary and uninspired, prompting her to write about the vibrant and flavorful dishes she had encountered abroad. Her first book, “A Book of Mediterranean Food,” published in 1950, was a revelation for British readers and marked the beginning of her illustrious writing career. Over the years, she published several more influential books, such as “French Provincial Cooking” and “Italian Food,” which brought authentic European recipes and cooking techniques to the British public. Elizabeth David is credited with transforming British cooking by introducing fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple, yet sophisticated, culinary techniques. She continued to write and inspire chefs and home cooks alike until her death on May 22, 1992.

5 Interesting Facts about Elizabeth David

1. Elizabeth David was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976 for her contributions to culinary writing.

2. She initially studied art in Paris before her passion for food took center stage in her life.

3. During her time in Egypt, she opened a shop selling local crafts, a venture that likely influenced her appreciation for diverse cultures and their cuisines.

4. David was known for her sharp wit and sometimes acerbic reviews of British food culture, which she found lacking in comparison to Mediterranean cuisine.

5. Her influence extended beyond cookbooks; she wrote numerous articles for magazines and newspapers, and her work helped to usher in a new era of food journalism in the UK.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elizabeth David

1. “Good food is always a trouble and its preparation should be regarded as a labour of love.”

2. “You do not have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces—just good food from fresh ingredients.”

3. “A solitary meal can be good fun, but cooking for someone else brings happiness into the equation.”

4. “There is absolutely no substitute for the best. Good food cannot be made of inferior ingredients masked with high flavor.”

5. “Provence is a country to which I am always returning. Next week, next year, any day now.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Elizabeth David’s highest net worth was never publicly disclosed, but her influence and legacy in the culinary world are invaluable. Her books have continued to sell and inspire long after her death, contributing to her lasting impact.