It’s Oscar Night. And in honor of the Academy Awards, I thought I’d pay tribute to two things I love.
Movies, natch.
And food.
To be specific, fab foodie moments in cinematic history.
Is there anything more mouth-watering than watching a great meal lovingly prepared on film?
Maybe it’s just me, but I like these scenes much better than loves scenes.
Give me a closeup shot of a great bowl of pasta over a two shot of kissing any day.
So get out your knives and forks and let’s dig in.
Because it’s the newest on my list of great film food moments, we will prep with Chef.
Written, directed and starring Jon Favreau, it’s a fairly formulaic modern fairy tale of the rise and fall- and rise again- of a LA star chef.
Spoiler Alert: This film really pushes the envelope of credulity if you buy the premise that hot tamale Sofia Vergara would ever have married such a sad sack in the first place. Let alone take up with him again.
Nonetheless, Chef is a feel-good bagatelle. But boy, does it have a great opening scene.
Check it out.
Wow! I am as turned on as that cook top. All that sexy chopping and garlic-crushing. And later in the film, there is a scene where the chef makes a bowl of pasta for Scarlett Johansson.
That’s food porn, brother.
Spanglish, another minor movie, has a major meal moment.
Yet another superstar LA chef- this time tocqued by Adam Sandler- makes dinner for his former maid and would-be inamorata, Paz Vega.
Let’s peek in, shall we?
Look at the rapture on Paz’s beautiful face. Food is better than sex in this movie.
It’s the same in Taipei, too.
Eat, Drink, Man, Woman is a great film written and directed by the greater Ang Lee.
The food shots are so remarkable that they make me want to order a Peking Duck to fly in to my house right now.
A banquet of a movie. Heartwarming, nourishing and beautiful.
But Italian-Americans have made their bones in movie food moments, too.
The photo that heads this post is that of Brooklyn’s Grand Ticino restaurant. The restaurant no longer exists, but it starred in Norman Jewison’s bella opera della famiglia, Moonstruck. Some of the film’s most important action takes place over the minestrone here.
And Moonstruck’s food can be delizioso when it’s alla casalinga too.
Then there’s Big Night. Two brothers- Stanley Tucci and Tony Shaloub- are expecting Louis Prima to grace (and save) their failing restaurant. There is only one dish to set before this cool jazz king.
Ecco! Il Timpano!
And in Dinner Rush, Louis Cropa is the talented chef who is a not-so-talented bookie. The mob wants a piece of him- and his family’s restaurant. Although he’s on the lam, he still has the chops to wow a food critic.
Cancel the Peking Duck. I want that lobster.
And now it’s Bonjour, Paris.
Paris. The Mecca of food- and food movies.
Allons y to the Cordon Bleu, n’est-ce pas?
Let’s take another class there, d’accord?
In Haute Cuisine, Hortense Laborie is a talented cook. Much to her surprise, she is appointed personal chef to the President of the Republic.
This film is in French with subtitles. But the cooking scenes are are universally fantastique.
Voilà!
And right now on Netflix you can order in Le Chef.
This is a bijou of a film. The recipe? An old chef at war with his philistine of a boss. (See Chef for the same plot.) Mix in a new eager sous chef who wants a chance to shine. (See 42nd Street and every other “You’re just a young kid. But after tonight, you’ll be a star!” movie.) But still it’s très adorable. And the cooking scenes are only matched by the clothes.
Mon Dieu. Those Frenchwomen know how to eat and wear great clothes.
Regardez!
And then, enfin, there is the pièce de resistance. The food movie to end All food movies.
Babette’s Feast.
Stephane Audran is magnifique as a brilliant artist exiled on a bitterly-cold, barren Danish village. She works for two spinster sisters who have devoted their lives to the memory of their father- a minister to the very small flock of hardy old souls.
Babette has left everything she loves behind in France- food, wine, her fame. But one day…
Sacre Bleu! Cailles aux sarcophages! Take me out of the oven, brother. I’m done.
Ok, I’ve got to end this foodie orgy. Back to the festivities at hand.
I hereby make my Academy Award predictions.
Best Movie: Birdman
Best Director: I want to give it to Iñárritu for Birdman but I’ll award it to Boyhood’s Richard Linklater as a consolation prize.
Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne. I want so badly to see Michael Keaton win for his brave, no holds barred performance but…
Best Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Supporting Actor: J. K. Simmons
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette
Hope you like these dishes.
Now one more food clip for carryout.
You wouldn’t want to eat here, but the food looks delicious.
Ciao!
Ellen, I’ll grant you that “Moonstruck” is a great great movie, but somehow, the food scenes are not what are permanently anchored in my mindset. Funny you should mention “Julie and Julia” since one of those characters is a blogger. And very modest of you to not mention your co-authorship on one of the most amazing puzzles I have ever been involved in, coming out today prior to the Academy Awards ceremony. Those of your readers who are interested should watch my website, and/or e-mail either of us.
George, you have the heart and soul of Irving Mansfield. You are incorrigible. Thanks- and get back to work!
That was delicious…agree about Moonstruck! And hopefully Birdman will soar. Very cute post.
Molto grazie, producer mio. And break a leg with “The Heidi Chronicles.” Miss Moss is a dish with chops.
Merde and merci!
In bocca del lupo and toi toi toi!
Ellen, another great blog! Loved all the clips – I’m adding a few more to my watch list. I’m a sucker for foodie movies too – the artistry of chefs amaze me. Have to agree with you on Chef – those knife skills! Great movie.
p.s. Your grandson is a handsome little man – thanks for sharing your trip with all of us.
Thanks, Michele. Nice to hear from out Colorado way. Glad I could add to your movie must-see repertoire. These are all terrific and they always inspire me to greater gastronomic heights in my kitchen. And thanks for the props about Sam. Glad you were along for the Boston ride.
Don’t forget Woman on Top with a very young Penelope Cruz and her loving father Hector Elizondo whipping up dish after dish to make one’s eyes water!
Ola, Ricardo! You are muy correcto. I did forget that terrific cooking movie. But no man could ever forget Penelope La Gloriosa. Gracias, amigo.
My loving brother-in law never fails to come up with the one missing iconic movie or song. He amazes me. However, if ever there was a “Letter from Elba” for me to relate to, it is this one. I know you know how I have been a cook all my life. And yes, as much as I have done it for my own passion for creating great food, it was always the way to seal the deal with the girl! (including my wife of 35 years in May). I haven’t been cooking for company much lately, but I obviously owe you a meal. You just look like I’d kill you with one of my 6-8 course opus’. My sister, your very good friend takes one bite at each course and then pushes the rest of the food around her plate. I understand such things. Our vanity is something we definitely have in common.
This was a great article. My only disagreement, with which I often astonish everyone, is that I thought the food from “Big Night”, was truly horrific. The techniques , ingredients and final dishes were appalling to me as a cook. However, the movie itself could have been great…they just needed a better food person on it.
Thanks for another great Sunday morning!
I have often heard from our mutual source that you are a whiz in the kitchen. Many’s the time when her tales of dinner chez vous have left me drooling? (do I remember something about a puzzle oven?)
Well, your invitation to dine is most charming. I’d love to- although, you’re right. A 6-8 course evening would probably do me in. I have a two course rule at all times. But we always have Wing Hoe. And that way we can chat and you won’t be running back and forth to check in things in the kitchen.
Funny you should think that about the ford in “Big Night.” Stanley Tucci is a SUCH a foodie. Thanks for all this – and wishing you many many happy meals.
I loved the food foreplay. I tried to hold out for the lobster, but when you got to the Timpano…well excuse me while I finish my cigarette!
Damn. I should have started out with the Chinese cuisine. I’d be ready to watch again in an hour.
Delizioso. E buffa. Grazie, Stefano!
Food and movies mmmm. Tom Jones and Animal House both have crazy food scenes.
True, but technically they are not cooking scenes.Thanks for mentioning them anyway, Mitch. They are two of my favorite movies. Happy Oscars.
A very short movie to get you into the mood for tonight’s date in front of the tube: click here. And you need to make those CAPTCHAs harder, Ellen.
Thanks, Doc. A very popular choice.
“Weighing ” in. Not a foodie but I do love to watch people perform kitchen chemistry!
I’m adding “Mostly Martha”, a delicious romantic comedy as a movie to savor.
Also, Chocolat, and the great chocolate croissant- making scene from “It’s Complicated”. I must admit my passion is a recipe towards dressing and not the type that is served with a meal!!
You’re so right. I had another reader email me about the Catherine Zeta-Jones remake, “No Reservations.” “Mostly Martha” is much cuter. And ooh la la, “Chocolat.” And you’re also right to add Marvelous Meryl making with the pastry. I (almost) wanted one it looked so yummy.
Nice dressing pun, hon. Thanks.
All the comments make it clear that your readers truly love food.
I was the reader who recommended “No Reservations,” but I will have to try to see “Mostly Martha”.
Enjoy the Oscars — maybe Rickey and Joan will send you fresh pasta.
Thanks, Jack. You, too.
Best food scene in movie history?????
The Three Stooges pie throwing fight at the elegant dinner.
Next……….?
Soitanly! A great food scene, but not a cooking scene. And I am partial to Curly eating the oyster stew. Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck. Thanks, Bernie.
Big Night is a terrific movie. It is also a moral tale of the consequences of trying to turn a fantasy into a reality. All-star cast, many of whom were not yet famous. I think Gordon Ramsey owes his success to Stanley Tucci and Tony Shaloub.
I highly recommend the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” Lunch costs $300 per person. It lasts 15 minutes. There is no talking.
Lastly, because I had to go there: “The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, Her Lover” Dame Helen, when she was the dish: “Try the cock, Albert. It’s a delicacy, and you know where its been.”
Fun Puz, Ellen. You beat me fair and square!
Thanks for the delicious additions. Nice to come back for seconds!