Ahhh … FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
FACT: I love to cook (and bake). So I often look forward to watching how the actors in films throw down. As you can imagine, it is not the most authentic portrayal of the culinary arts in actions. But the results are (of course) something to marvel at.
That got me thinking further about food and their representation in motion pictures. Thanks to some intrepid research on the Chowhound website, I was able to compile a list of pretty yummy offerings. You may also want to check out this article on the Gastronomica website; it has a wonderful comprehensive list.
Among of my favorite films:
- LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE
- BIG NIGHT
- UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN
- SOUL KITCHEN
On my must see list:
- Chocolat
- Mostly Martha
- Fork Over Knives
- Food Inc.
- Ratatouille – I saw about 30 minutes of it and then my niece and nephew had a meltdown in the theatre. We had to leave the cinema. I have yet to see the rest of the film. Although I will admit that the idea of a rat being a master chef is not necessarily the most appetizing of prospects.
Honorable mentions: Waitress, Soul Food
Guilty Pleasure: No Reservations
While I have not seen Mostly Martha, I have seen the English language/ U.S. version No Reservations starring Catherine Zeta Jones and Aaron Eckhart. I watch this on repeat viewings for two wonderful reasons: 1) great NYC shots and 2) Aaron Eckhart.
(Dis)honorable Mention: Eat Pray Love.
Not the best film that I have seen in recent memory, but this is about the best pizza I have seen; brought me right back to Italy!
What are some of your favorite films featuring food and cooking?
Interesting post Iba.
I dont have any particular fav movie related to food…but I do have favorite TVseries from Japan, it’s called Antique. It’s about a cake store owned by a man who hates sweet food.
That seems kind of cute 🙂
Hahaha, you’ve made me hungry now. Will head to the kitchen for some food now 😉
Personally I love cooking too (if time allows), any favorite books/sites you use for your recipes? Personally I love the BBC Good Food site. If you can you should try the Ultimate Chocolate Cake they have on their. Have been making that for years and everyone loves it.
I love America’s Test Kitchen (TV Program) and the associated cookbooks and magazines as well (Cook’s Illustrated, Cook’s Country). A very evaluative approach to cooking. I tend to collect random cookbooks as well. myrecipes.com is an awesome site as well. Also williams-sonoma.com.
I have ventured to BBC Good Food Site for assorted things as well.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I haven’t heard of those, but I really love cooking if I have the time to do it. Taking your time to prepare all the ingredients, putting them in separate bowls before you start cooking, enjoying all the scents and tasting it. And of course the look on the faces of other people when they enjoy something!
Ratatouille struck me as great ‘food film’, it is amazing how hungry a few pixels can make you feel. I think the fact that they managed to make the process and the food itself look and ffel authentic is to their credit. Chocolat is a another good one and I would add Fast Food Nation (as an alternative choice), that really changed the way I think about fast food and made more conscious about my eating habits so that’s got to be a good thing right? Interesting post.
I actually read the book Fast Food Nation. Have yet to see the film (obviously). If you like books on the subject, I also liked In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Interesting read.
I am now officially hungry!! THANKS!! LOLz
Great article iba
Thanks Scott!
Hi, iluv and company:
Excellent choice of topic and clips!
One of the first films to catch my attention in regards to food was romantic comedy/drama titled ‘Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?’. With George Segal, Jacqueline Bissett and Robert Morley’ from 1978.
The kitchen and preparation scenes were so colorful and sumptuous that I’ve kept my eyes open for similar offerings ever since.
You’ve chosen some of the best!
A wonderful way to start a Monday.
I have heard of that movie but have not seen it. The title is wonderful sounding enough 🙂
Nice list, I really need to see LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE, that’s one of the two films I read that Gregory Peck loved out of contemporary cinema 😀
No Julie & Julia?? There are tons of memorable cooking scenes in that one.
RE: Julie and Julia – did not see it or read the book, so it did not make the cut. And it did not make the must see list because I heard-say that the Amy Adams character Julie was quite annoying. That and I hated the wig she had on in the trailer 😉
And don’t forget Julie and Julia. That movie made me drool!
Ruth recommended that as well …