The Register of
Jan Weimer Papers,
1974-2004

MSS 721

Mandeville Special Collections Library
University of California, San Diego

Extent:
6.6 Linear feet (13 archives boxes, 2 card file boxes, 5 oversize folders)

Access

Master audio and video cassette recordings in Series 6: Audio-Visual Materials are restricted. Researchers must request user copies be produced.

Abstract

Papers of Jan Weimer, former executive food editor of Bon Appétit, author, food writer, and consultant. The collection dates from 1974 to 2004, and contains letters, drafts of articles, clippings, tear sheets, awards, ephemera, and photographs, as well as video and audio recordings.

Biography

Jan Weimer, a graduate of the Paris Cordon Bleu, was a prolific food writer and well-known food consultant whose expertise ranged from recipe and menu construction to kitchen layout and design. Weimer held the position of executive food editor for Bon Appétit from 1981 to 1989, as well as the positions of assistant food editor for the San Francisco Chronicle; chief culinary officer of Chefstore.com; and consultant to Princess Cruises, Trefethen Winery, and numerous restaurants and individuals. Throughout her career she worked with many prominent culinary figures including Julia Child, Simone Beck, and Craig Claiborne.

In addition to writing hundreds of articles published in dozens of publications and co-authoring several books, Weimer authored a definitive guide to home kitchen remodeling: Kitchen Redos, Revamps, Remodels and Replacements: Without Murder, Madness, Suicide or Divorce, published in 1997.

Weimer also chaired numerous panels and conferences and was instrumental in starting the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF). She received awards and recognitions for her writing and work in the culinary world, among them the International Journalism Contest "Maria Luigia Duchessa di Parma" Prize and best paper at the 1999 Appliance Manufacturer Conference and Expo, a rare achievement for a woman and non-engineer.

Weimer died April 13, 2007.

Scope and Content

The Jan Weimer Papers comprise materials documenting her career as a writer, consultant, and leader in the food industry. The collection includes personal and professional correspondence, typed drafts and published copies of Weimer's writings, and video and audio cassettes of media appearances and interviews. The papers are arranged in six series: 1) CORRESPONDENCE, 2) WRITINGS AND RESEARCH, 3) PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES, 4) BIOGRAPHICAL, 5) RESTAURANT MENUS, and 6) AUDIO/VISUAL MATERIAL.

Series 1: CORRESPONDENCE

The CORRESPONDENCE series, arranged alphabetically, contains letters from Julia Child, Simone Beck, M.F.K. Fisher, and Craig Claiborne, among other prominent culinary figures.

Series 2: WRITINGS AND RESEARCH

The WRITINGS AND RESEARCH series is arranged in three subseries: A) Articles and Recipes, B) Books, and C) Notes.

A) The Articles and Recipes subseries includes both clippings and typescripts of Weimer's articles that appeared in publications including Bon Appétit, Cuisine, Food and Wine, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

B) The Books subseries includes correspondence, reviews, and clippings relating to both Kitchen Redos, Revamps, Remodels, and Replacements and Michael Richard's Home Cooking with a French Accent, which she co-authored. There are also publicity photos, contact sheets, and negatives from Kitchen Redos.

C) The Notes subseries includes a notebook with Weimer's handwritten notes and a scrapbook, maintained in original order, of annotated research materials and handwritten notes.

Series 3: PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

The PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES series is arranged in four subseries: A) Consulting, B) Events and Conferences, C) Speeches, and D) Media Appearances.

A) The Consulting subseries comprises writings and correspondence relating to her consulting work for companies including Princess Cruises, Trefethen Vineyards, and the Cook'Stop project.

B) The Events and Conferences subseries is arranged chronologically by event date and documents Weimer's involvement in conferences like the AIWF Annual Conference, Celebrities Cook for the UCSD Cancer Center, and the International Food Media Conference.

C) The Speeches subseries is arranged chronologically and includes typed and handwritten speech notes.

D) The Media Appearances subseries includes correspondence and transcripts from Weimer's guest appearances on television and radio news, food, and lifestyle shows.

Series 4: BIOGRAPHICAL

The BIOGRAPHICAL series includes newspaper clippings, awards won by Weimer, portrait prints, negatives and contact sheets, and Weimer's well-used, autographed copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child.

Series 5: RESTAURANT MENUS

The RESTAURANT MENUS series includes six folders of menus and one flat box of oversized menus from restaurants all over the world. Some have Weimer's handwritten notes on them.

Series 6: AUDIO/VISUAL MATERIAL

The Video Cassettes subseries is arranged according to format: A) VHS and B) U-Matic, a precursor to the VHS video format. They include Weimer's appearances on television news and lifestyle shows.

The Audio Cassettes subseries includes 43 audio cassette recordings of Weimer's radio show appearances, conference panels, and interviews.

Finding aid generated: 2010-11-17