The recent release of the film “Julie & Julia” has got me not only craving all lavish French cuisine that fits on a plate, but all things of taste on the big and small screens. Thankfully, between films and television programs on Food Network, Bravo and Travel channels, I can satisfy any sweet or savory tooth that may appear during prime time or late at night.
Don’t let Food Network fool you. Yes, there are plenty of traditional, chef-led cooking demonstrations to view, from Paula Deen to Rachael Ray, but there is also plenty of drama cooked into shows like “The Next Food Network Star,” “Iron Chef” and “Chopped.” These shows pit the success-hungry against one another to whip up a victor. However, I still contend the best cooking competition show is Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Between the mouth-watering dishes and hunky head judge Chef Tom Colicchio (or for the guys, host Padma Lakshmi), Bravo definitely knows the secret ingredient for good TV drama. Lucky for all of us, a new season starts at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.
If a 30-minute to hourlong show won’t fill you up, there are plenty of movies to sink your teeth into.
“Last Holiday” is a feel-good movie (and remake of a 1950 film), where Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah), a New Orleans department store employee, is informed she only has a short time to live and decides to live that time to the fullest. She withdraws all her savings from the bank and heads to a posh hotel in Europe, where she befriends the hotel’s star chef and everything on the menu. Innocent mischief ensues, and she finds love along the way. Not to ruin the surprise, but of course there’s a happy ending – the cherry on top!
Speaking of sappy romantic comedies, others to take a nibble at include “No Reservations,” with one of my favorites, Catherine Zeta-Jones, or even cheesier fare with Sarah Michelle Gellar in “Simply Irresistible.” Also on the food/romance menu, “Mystic Pizza,” “Chocolat,” “Waitress” and “Sideways.” For a very sweet tale, try Disney’s “Ratatouille,” where a French sewer rat aspires to be a chef. Bon appetit!
On the not-so-cute-and-cuddly side is the documentary “Super Size Me.” It takes a look at obesity and the nation’s obsession with fast food. The director, Morgan Spurlock, documents a one-month binge, during which he survives only on items from the McDonald’s menu, trying every offering at least once. The kicker is every time he is asked if he would like to “super size” his meal, he cannot refuse. Certainly makes you want to drive as far as you can from the drive-through.
So, there you have it. A few choices off the entertainment menu to keep foodies entertained. Happy watching, and, as Julia Child would say, “sample a little bit of everything.”
Craves and Raves appears on the third Wednesday of the month. Kerry Lowe can be reached at ka.lowe@yahoo.com.
