Bill St. John – The Proust Questionnaire, Part 2

A former journalist and television reporter, Mr. St. John teaches at the Graham School. He holds an MA in divinity, an MA in public policy studies, and a PhD in theology from the University of Chicago.

In Winter 2010 he will return to his popular Culinary Arts series with a Monday evening course on American cuisine called: O Beautiful for Food and Wine.

See the end of this document for a preview of that course.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Nearly all of them. I am not a silent man.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

There is no such thing.

When and where were you happiest?

After a particularly good class that I had conducted.

What is your greatest fear?

Pain.

On what occasion do you lie?

To save someone pain.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Magno soap from Spain.

Who are your favorite writers?

Aristotle

Shakespeare

Diane Ackerman

Tennessee Williams

M.F.K. Fisher

Michael Broadbent

and, on a good day, myself.

What is your favorite virtue?

Giving.

What is your favorite occupation?

Going to the opera.

For what fault do you have the most toleration?

Passing gas.

What is your favorite motto?

This will be quite esoteric.

Thomas Aquinas: Quidquid recipitur per modum recipientis recipitur.

“Whatever is received is received in the mode of the receiver.”

Or, facilely, what is heard says more about the hearer than you.

What is your favorite color?

Yellow.

O Beautiful for Food and Wine (click on the link for registration information)

America is famous for its variety. Even before Europeans arrived, the continent was characterized by a rich diversity of cooking styles. Regional variations still exist, combined with influences from successive waves of immigrants from around the world. The result is a spectacular array of food and wine unlike those in any other country. This course will explore a selection of cuisines and wines of the United States, uncovering their history and considering what makes them American. Our delicious foray into that history will include a tasting of American wines at the final class.

Course Code: LACAO Section Number: 10W1
1/11/2010 – 3/8/2010
Monday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuition: $390.00
Early Registration Rate: $360.00 before 1/4/2010
Location: Downtown Gleacher

Instructor(s):
Bill St. John
Mr. St. John, a former journalist and television reporter, holds an MA in divinity, an MA in public policy studies, and a PhD in theology from the University of Chicago.

Notes: No class January 18. Final class is a wine tasting at Perman Wine Selections, 802 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60607. Cost of wine tasting is included in tuition.