It’s kind of a shame these days that food (in general) don’t get enough recognition in movies. Too often, they’re used as cannon fodder for 15-second or 30-second commercial spots. But not all hope is lost, however, as there are five (good, seriously good) movies that are out there to make you salivate, make your stomach scream, or most likely both.
The Trip
It might be a bit daunting to watch a comedy movie about two British comedians (Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon) about restaurant-hopping all over North England, but that’s kind of exactly the point. They are the best of friends who, instead of judging about sweetness or specific flavors for a newspaper as they’re supposed to, they end up enjoying food and doing some amazing Michael Caine and James Bond impressions. You may argue that this isn’t about food, but don’t discount the fact that inbetween the jokes and the eating, are some wonderful scenes involving chefs using restaurant equipment (no kidding, they were seriously well-shot).
Oh and if you’re wondering, yes they do have a sequel: The Trip to Italy.
Chef
Easily one of the most underrated movies this past year, it’s refreshing to see John Favreau (who also wrote and directed this movie) go from a full restaurant chef to a food truck owner (and a lot of the movie is set in Miami, too). But the heart of it isn’t necessarily he’s selling Cubanos (Cuban sandwiches), but that in general it feels good as is tasting food. While Carl (Favreau’s character) didn’t get a food truck from us, it’s good to see that he’s embracing the spirit.
Ratatouille
Captain Obvious? Perhaps, but before moving on to the next subject, consider this: A restaurant is hardly what it seems. It’s not about the fact that a talking rat can cook (although to give credit where credit’s due, it’s pretty cool even for an animated movie), the Pixar movie reinforces the fact that behind the double doors, lies tireless artists and craftsmen (even like you!) going forth and making edible creations their masterpieces. For once, here’s a movie that gives restaurants a fair light between both sides of the double-doors.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Sometimes, restaurants have to be viewed at a more global perspective. This 2011 sleeper-hit documentary focuses on Jiro Ono, whose sushi restaurant was the first of its kind to get three Michelin stars, considered sushi to be an art form. It’s a beautiful perspective to remind that kitchens aren’t always fully-clad in stainless steel or is it as busy as a stock exchange. It might almost be considered its own experience (both going to the restaurant and watching the movie), but boy does the movie empty stomachs!
Big Night
Finally to round out the list is probably the most “traditional” out of the movies featured on this list. Starring Tony Shaloub and Stanley Tucci, this movie hits all the right notes about running a restaurant and the challenges that are involved. For a movie that’s almost 20 years old, it’s remarkable how a lot of the elements in the movie still hits home today. And the movie lets you ponder a few questions. Is it the chef that rules or is it the owner? Is it a place to eat or a place to enjoy? Are brothers really the best people to run a restaurant? While some of the questions might be obvious, what’s not obvious is that running a restaurant is no joke.
There are a lot of other movies to consider on the list, but these five (which you should be renting or buying if not already!) movies only give a small glimpse of what the restaurant business is about. And also (if not more importantly so), that restaurant equipment are hidden, but crucial elements.