I do think about other things. Sometimes..well occasionally. I have actually started watching Mad Men which is pretty addictive and that has no relation to food at all. BUT I love watching shows about food, films about food, documentaries …you get the picture. I thought I would put together a list for those of you who are as food obsessed as I am with suggestions from myself and some of my fellow food bloggers. Some of these are available on Netflix, some are fairly old movies which you may already have seen but if not they are definitely worth a watch.
One thing to remember, before you even think of hitting the play button – get ALL of the snacks. These films will make you hungry and make you want to cook, in fact if the day after you watch some of these you aren’t inspired to hit the kitchen and get cooking I will be surprised.
1. Starting off with my favourite of all of the food movies. Julie & Julia. This film is the story of a government worker who gets bored of her office job and decides to blog her way through a mammoth cookery book written by Julia Child ( played by Meryl Streep ). Ahem… there may be some similarities between myself and Julie ( played by Amy Adams ), perhaps that is why I love it so. I adore Julia Child as well and have cooked many of her recipes with great success. Bon Appetit.
Snack recommendation: cheese, crackers and wine.
2. Chef – this film starring Jon Favreau is about a chef who receives a slating from a food critic and decides to start up a street food van selling Cubanos ( which are amazing meat and cheese filled sandwiches ) the whole film had me drooling and it was just an easy, fun watch.
Snack recommendation: A really good sandwich, with gherkins, meats and cheeses.
*photo credit – Eating Collective from www.unsplash.com
3. Ratatouille is the next foodie film, recommended by Claire from Foodie Quine – it is the animated Disney Pixar story of a rat who lives in Paris and dreams of being a chef. It is a really fun film to watch for all generations. I love films set in Paris whether real or animated. J’adore cuisine Française.
Snack recommendation: I say go all out here… go for a big bowl of pasta or some similar steaming bowl of food.
*photo credit – Carissa Gan www.unsplash.com
4. The Hundred Food Journey has been recommended by several bloggers including Choclette from Tin & Thyme, I haven’t seen it myself but I just checked out a trailer and it seems just perfect for me so tonight I am thinking of making myself some really good food, getting a good glass of wine and enjoying it for myself. One quote I picked up from the trailer said Food is memories.. so true.
5. Moving onto a TV show now, this is a series you will find on Netflix and it’s called Chef’s Table. Each episode focuses in on a world renowned chef. My very favourite episode is the one which features Francis Mallman – if you watch it, skip to this one first! It was my first introduction to this chef who loves to cook with fire, I am fascinated by him.
Snack recommendation: something smoked or BBQ themed for the Francis Mallman episode.
*photo credit: Jessie Beck www.unsplash.com
6. Cooked – this is another Netflix documentary series which takes a look at the evolution of food and the history of food preparation, it’s really interesting whether you are someone who loves to cook or just someone who likes to observe. Recommended by myself and also Mary Garcia of Goodie Godmother.
7. Spirited Away is a Studio Ghibli film which although it is not actually about food has numerous food references and food related scenes which will be appealing to all foodie fans. In fact most of the Studio Ghibli films are worth a watch, they are a bit different to typical films and always in such beautiful, intricate detail. As recommend by Kavita from Kavey Eats.
Snack recommendation: LOTS. Food is plentiful in this film, have lots of bowls of different food offerings.
8. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations – this is an American food and travel show which follows Anthony Bourdain around the world. It is the ultimate food and travel fix. As recommended by Andrea Sorandis of The Petite Cook.
9. Burnt – this is a reasonably new film starring Bradley Cooper, is that reason enough to watch it? I think so. But seriously, I haven’t watched it yet but after Roz from The Foodie Couple Blog recommended it I am desperate to watch it. It follows the story of a top chef in Paris who has a drug and alcohol related meltdown and his second chance to make his mark in the food world.
Snack recommendations: Popcorn!
- photo credit – Alex Munsell www.unsplash.com
10. Love’s Kitchen is another film I am yet to see but is now on my list after recommendation from Jacqui of Tinned Tomatoes. Starring Claire Forlani and Dougray Scott it follows the romance between a restaurant owner and food critic. I love a good romance.
Snack recommendation: chocolate cake
11. And finally Chocolat is a film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp about a woman who opens a chocolaterie in a small French village and how her chocolate begins to change the lives of the villagers.
Snack recommendation: CHOCOLATE. A varied selection is best..possibly Hotel Chocolat for good quality and authentic options.
And some last minute additions:
Two Greedy Italians – recommended by Lisa from Lovely Appetite
Rick Stein’s Long Weekends
Haute Cuisine
Water For Chocolate
Do you have anything to add to the list???
Great selection, agree with several of these! Can I also recommend Tampopo, a cult Japanese film about a woman who sets up a ramen restaurant with some help from a friend. Fascinating.
Ooh will have to check that out x
What a good idea for a post. I’m shocked to find there are a couple of films on here I’d not heard of, so I’ll be checking those out. I saw Spirited Away so long ago, I’d completely forgotten food was featured at all. Time for a re-run I think.
Yes I could do with re watching it too x
What a lovely idea for a post. I always love a food related film and some of my favs are on that list. A few I haven’t seen yet either. You’ve cheered me up !
I am very glad to have cheered you up x