As you can tell from the Recipes Section of my blog, I very much enjoy getting in the kitchen and cooking whatever comes to mind! Lately though, with the pressures of work, being a working mom, and attempting to maintain a decent social life, I haven’t been feeling the culinary inspiration. That is until I headed out to Los Angeles a few weeks back…
While out on the West Coast for the press events, I had the opportunity to screen the film THE HUNDRED FOOT JOURNEY, which hits theaters tomorrow! Rated PG, the film tells the story of Hassan Kadam, who is a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect pitch! Soon his family, led by Papa (Om Puri), settles in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France. They decide to settle down and open an Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai, much to the dismay of Madame Mallory (Academy Award®-winner Helen Mirren), who runs Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin-starred, classical French restaurant right across the street! At first the two restaurants engage in a culinary battle, until Madame Mallory recognizes Hassan’s gift as a chef and takes him under her wing.
After watching the film, we headed to Le Cordon Bleu Los Angeles for a tour of the school and cooking lesson! I think THE HUNDRED FOOT JOURNEY is EXACTLY what I need to get my creative foodie juices flowing!
Top 5 Reasons The Hundred Foot Journey Has Inspired Me to Cook Again!
1. Indian Cuisine. I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen since I was a young girl. I’ll admit though, Indian cuisine is something I’ve never attempted. Sure I’ve dined at Indian restaurants and have always enjoyed the spices and flavors of cardamom, ginger, cumin, and saffron. Though while watching this film something became suddenly intriguing about the culture and their foods that made me want to head to the kitchen and try my hand at curry, thupka, or maybe sonpapdi!
2. French Desserts. Growing up I always dined at this little Viet-French fusion restaurant in town. Attached to the restaurant, the owner’s daughter who went to culinary school in France, had her own little french bakery. The desserts were to die for! I always wanted to learn to make souffles, tartes, meringues, and crepes! The scene where Madame Mallory has the desserts on Bastille Day reminded me how I once had that inspiration to create such beautiful sweets!
3. Cooking to entertain. I used to ALWAYS host dinner parties galore! It is something I loved doing but have been doing less and less. Working long hours, and now being a mom as taken a toll on the hours required it takes to play chef and hostess. But you know what? It was something I loved. I miss having people over for a meal. And THE HUNDRED FOOT JOURNEY reminded me that sharing a meal with your loved ones is sometimes exactly what your life needs.
4. Experimenting in the kitchen. I haven’t been always one to follow recipes. Sometimes after work I would just throw ingredients together and see what could come up with. It was a no-pressure type of cooking. If it turned out delicious, then awesome. If it didn’t then I knew not to try it again.However there was something relaxing about just experimenting. In the film, Hassan starts to explore his more creative side and it was cool to see what dishes he came up with that infused French or modern cuisine with his Indian roots.
5. Cooking together. I have you tell you ladies, there is something about a man who can cook that is sexy. So even if he totally lacks culinary skills, why not suggest for Date Night you two cook a meal together? Not only is it fun, but always romantic to cook, and then ENJOY a meal together.
If you are a looking for a sweet movie, then give THE HUNDRED FOOT JOURNEY a chance. I really enjoy the culinary theme and aspect of the film. However the themes of family, friendship, and achieving your dreams creates an enduring aspect of the film. Plus there’s a little bit of romance! Great date night movie!
The Hundred Foot Journey Trailer
Don’t forget to connect with THE HUNDRED FOOT JOURNEY on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY arrives in theaters everywhere TOMORROW August 8th!
While I attended an expense paid trip by Disney to the press events for Guardians of the Galaxy, 100 Foot Journey, and ABC Family, all opinions are 100% my own.
I cannot wait to see this movie. It looks great and I love Helen Mirren.
Excellent review! I loved this movie, it is one I would not normally see, but I am so glad it was part of our trip!
Mitch
This looks like such a fantastic movie. I hope to go with my girl friends to see it soon!
I cannot wait to see this movie. I also love cooking but have never attempted Indian food even though I love it – will have to be brave and give it a whirl one of these days :)
Those are really great reasons! I am very much looking forward to this movie!