While you’re waiting for one of our tasty recipes to bake, roast or cool, why not stick the TV on for food inspiration?
We’ve rounded up seven of our favourite TV shows and films about food to make that first bite much more satisfying, here they are:
1. Chef
A story about a celebrated high-end chef who decides to pack it all in and open a brightly painted food truck, this movie – starring Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara and John Leguizamo among others – is about far more than food; it’s about realising what and who is important in life. With a killer soundtrack, all-star cast and feel-good points to boot, we should warn you that your mouth will water at the perfectly arranged grilled cheese, the steaming spaghetti aglio e olio, not to mention the chocolate lava cake. Available on Amazon Prime.
2. The Chef Show
We couldn’t resist. The Chef Show, a Netflix Original, is presented by Jon Favreau and Chef Roy Choi. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes exploration of the recipes, people and locations that inspired Chef, and an ode to good food in general. Roy Choi actually inspired the character of Chef Carl Casper and it was he who taught Jon Favreau to cook for the role. Jon enjoyed learning so much that he continued under Roy and The Chef Show was born. The series includes plenty of famous faces beyond the hosts. Gwyneth Paltrow. Robert Rodriguez. The cast of The Avengers. Really, we could go on.
3. Ratatouille
Ah, what food lover could forget this animated classic? Remy is a rat living in the sewers of Paris. He wants nothing more than to become a renowned chef. What could go wrong? When the only hurdle is how big you’re willing to dream, we’re going to overlook the obvious health and hygiene implications of allowing a street rat into the kitchen. The dishes look delicious, the ratatouille mouthwatering regardless of being rendered to perfection. Available for streaming on Now TV.
4. Julie & Julia
The past and present collide in this comedy-drama directed by Nora Ephron – Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally. Honestly, we could leave the endorsement at that. Julie Powell is a food blogger stuck in a rut. She embarks on a mission to cook every single recipe in Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. Following the highs and lows of life and French cuisine, we, like Julie, are happily a stone heavier to satisfy our cravings for bruschetta. Available to watch on Netflix.
5. The Great British Bake Off
A classic. That’s all.
6. Salt Fat Acid Heat
We too have spent our entire lives in the pursuit of flavour, and this series certainly makes us hurry to Asda in an attempt to replicate the dishes shown in the four-part documentary. A visual journey of the ideas explored in the best-selling cookbook by Samin Nosrat, Salt Fat Acid Heat instils that anyone can cook as long as respect is shown to these foundation ingredients. From Italy to Japan, Mexico to California, you’ll suffer from both hunger and wanderlust with this Netflix Original must-watch for any foodie.
7. Eat Pray Love
The first part of this film that’s just pasta, pasta and more pasta? Yes. While we’ll likely never eat our way through Italy, India and Indonesia, we’ll instead live vicariously through Elizabeth Gilbert as she rediscovers a love for food, life and herself. Based on real events, this movie makes our stomachs grumble and our souls want to throw caution to the wind to start afresh where the meals are large and the wine flowing. Available on Netflix.
