Films & Feasting
Cooking is an art, as is hosting wonderful parties. It can seem a little overwhelming, particularly at this time of year and in this particular year, but a great way to get inspired is to do so gently, leisurely and with a little bit of fun.
As we are on lockdown we thought it would be nice to explore food films and cookbooks as escapism but also to let the ideas of food, eating and sharing a table have time to ruminate and settle before the real planning in December starts. Here are our recommendations for great food focused books and films, enjoy!
A Festive Library
This year has seen some wonderful new books on food that skew the traditional cookbook genre, weaving stories, recipes and a lot of fun.
The Food Almanac, by Miranda York.
This book takes you through the year with recipes and stories, and for once it gives you a perfect excuse to jump straight to the end! December ingredients to look out for include clementines, dates, pomegranates, Mont d’Or cheese and Stilton; with recipes for spiced tree biscuits and the classic Christmas leftover sandwich.
The Little Library Christmas, by Kate Young
All of Kate’s cookbooks are inspired by fiction and this book is a beautiful wander through some of the best Christmas scenes in literature. And if you enjoy the dish, but haven’t read the book it's inspired by - this doubles as a great reading list!
Which Wine When, by Bert Blaize & Claire Strickettt
Choosing the right wine can be exhausting, this book helps you navigate this through easy diagrams, fun pairings and great tips. December is not all about lavish feasts; drink a Verdejo with a hot dog, Sekt Riesling with Bombay mix or a Borolo with a mushroom risotto.
Faviken: 4015 days, beginning to end, by Magnus Nilsson
This is the ultimate coffee table book, it is hefty, beautiful and full of great stories. Chronicling the restaurant Faviken it discusses ideas around sourcing produce, what fine dinning means and gives context to the dishes. Magnus views the recipes more as stories as they were created for the restaurant and so might be suited for the home kitchen, but they can also be seen as an inspiration of flavours, textures and produce.
Movie Night
There is nothing better than winter nights and favourite movies. There are some wonderful food films and now is the time to indulge! Some may give inspiration for festive feasts - even if might be on what not to do!
The Hundred Food Journey (2014)
A comedy-drama, this film tells the story of the Kadam family who ran a restaurant in Mumbai. The family have to leave due to political circumstances and end up in France, where their culinary journey takes unusual twists and turns.
Les saveurs du Palais (2012)
A French comedy based on the true story of Danièle Mazet-Delpeuch. Danièle becomes the private chef of the French President and through cooking we get to see behind the scenes of power and politics.
Chocolat (2000)
A romantic-drama starring Johnny Deep and Juliette Binoche. The film tells the story of a chocolatier, Vianne Rocher, who end up living in a quiet french village where she opens a chocolate shop, much to the disapproval of the locals. Vianne strikes up friendship with a Roma camp, and in particular with Roux.
Julie & Julia (2009)
This fun film looks at the life of American cook Julia Childs through the eyes of New Yorker Julie Powell as she takes up the challenge to good all 524 recipes from Child’s books Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
No Reservations (2007)
This romantic comedy is about a tough and intimidating head chef, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has to deal with some tragic news, run a restaurant and put up with a new sous chef who everyone seems to love…
Ratatouille 2007
Remy, an ambitious rat, dreams of becoming a renown chef! One day he finds himself in the kitchen of his idol, the late chef Auguste Gusteau and so his culinary training begins, with many pitfalls and story twists. A heartwarming and joyful film for all the family.
Big Night (1996)
This film follows a day in the failing Italian restaurant Paradise, in New Jersey. This is a make-it-or-break evening, as it is rumoured a critic is coming to dinner; it is full of love, drama, heart-break, catastrophe, and incredible cooking.
Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
Based on the novel by Mexican writer Laura Esquivel this film is set in the early 1900s and chronicles the de la Garza family. The story is told through the eyes of the daughter of one of the protagonists, looking back at the family’s history. This is a beautiful, sad film where food is the link throughout.
