Top five food movies

I love films where food plays a starring role - my two passions combined! And though there are many fine flicks for the gourmand in all of us, here are five I particularly enjoy:

Ratatouille (2007) - Pixar's gorgeously-rendered creation about a rat named Remy who goes to Paris with dreams of being a chef. He teams up with a restaurant's garbage boy to secretly put his culinary skills into practice. Paris and its classical cuisine looks simply divine in this heartwarming family film.



Big Night (1996) - Anyone who knows the hard work and sometimes heartbreak of owning a restaurant must sympathize with this poignant film about two brothers, Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) trying to save their intimate Italian restaurant from going under. Their plan: one special night, with an incredible traditional menu, to make or break their establishment. The food in this film was so impressive that it's apparently sparked 'Big Night' parties, where the entire menu is recreated, notably the showstopper timpano.

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) - Ang Lee wrote and directed this story about a senior chef who lives with his three grown yet unmarried daughters. Though the plot mainly centers around their struggles in life, particularly the middle daughter, the patriarch's elaborate Sunday dinners are one of the linking devices for the film and one of its highlights.

Waitress (2007) - An indie gem about a diner waitress (Keri Russell) who channels her frustrations in life, among them a terrible husband, into the most incredible looking pies you've ever seen. Sadly, the film's writer-director Adrienne Shelly never got to see its release - she was killed by a man trying to rob her apartment in 2006.

Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971) - Admit it, you were jealous of those five kids who got to take a tour of the magical Willy Wonka factory. Well I was at least. The whole place was made of candy! But I would've happily given up the gum that never loses its flavour, the lickable wallpaper, and the stays-fizzy soda pop for an endless supply of Wonka Bars. I'm all about the chocolate.

Put on one of these films tonight, and make sure you have some snacks on hand because they'll make your mouth water.

Salut!

Suzanne

Comments? Email suzannekathrynellis@gmail.com