Make a cup of tea, put on some tunes, and dive into a good movie or book! It’s always fun to notice how authors describe food—it often inspires me to try new recipes. I’ve found myself making molé or an asparagus and prosciutto sandwich after reading...
Sections
4
Food Movies and Movies with Food
Book Series
Single Book Titles
Playlists
Food Movies and Movies with Food
These popular food movies, from Moonstruck to Chef, capture the passion, artistry, and joy of cooking. Each film on this list is a must-watch for food lovers, showcasing how food brings people together, sparks creativity, and fills life with flavor.
Amy Adams character is annoying, but this is a darling movie. Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child is her interpretation of our much-loved chef - Julia.
Julie & Julia
This movie was remade with Catherine Zeta Jones. Both are worth watching, this one is more believable.
Mostly Martha
This is the movie I watch when I miss New York or need an Italian fix.
Moonstruck (1987) - IMDb
This movie is based on the “Mostly Martha” story. Well done!
No Reservations
Made me think about buying a food truck (for a second!) It's a fun story with a sweet happy ending story.
Chef (2014 film)
The "Moonstruck" of food movies! This one can be tough to find on your typical streaming venues - but it is worth it!
Dinner Rush (2000) - IMDb
If I had to pick one "food" movie, this would be it for me. Everyone in this movie is a star!
Big Night
Babette's Feast is a masterpiece. I usually revisit it every five years.
Babette's Feast
Get ready to fall in love with this story and make some hot chocolate.
Chocolat (2000) - IMDb
This was the first book I read in the “mystical food” category. I got hooked.
Like Water for Chocolate (1992) - “Cast” credits - IMDb
Ratatouille is not just for children:-) It's fun to shed a kind light on rodents in the kitchen.
Ratatouille
Book Series
Food plays a part in all of these books. Be inspired!
If you love Venice and mysteries, you'll love these. It's not really about food, but there are many descriptive references.
Commissario Guido Brunetti Mysteries: Kindle Store
Highly recommended by my husband Mark. This was made into a movie with Jennifer Lawrence.
Red Sparrow (Red Sparrow Trilogy Series #1)|Paperback
These books are charming - set all over France - always a murder.
Murder à la Mode: A French Countryside Village Culinary Mystery|eBook
Single Book Titles
From mystical to practical.
Recommended by a cooking club member. It's become a favorite title of mine as well.
Louise Penny
I love this book. I love the movie too, but read the book first.
Like Water for Chocolate: A Novel in Monthly Installments with...
You can't go wrong with Isabel Allende. If you're new to her writing, Aphrodite is a good place to start.
Aphrodite: A Memoir of the Senses Paperback - Books
This book is half cookbook half a tour of Italy. A Tuscan in the Kitchen is a treasure.
A Tuscan in the Kitchen
This book was recommended by a cooking club member. It's particularly if you're a Minnesotan.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota: A Novel
Pomegranate Soup is on my list. The recommendation came from a cooking club member. I'll update this shortly.
Pomegranate Soup: A Novel
The Umbrian Thursday Night Supper Club will take you away and inspire you!
The Umbrian Thursday Night Supper Club
I had a little trouble getting in to this book at first. But, I'm glad I stuck with it. I love being back in Venice!
A Thousand Days in Venice: An Unexpected Romance
The Last Chinese Chef is well written and the story is memorable. Put it at the top of your list.
The Last Chinese Chef: A Novel
There are some departures in the movie from the novel. Chocolat is a lovely, romantic, mystical tale.
Chocolat: A Novel
A riveting psychological thriller about a perfect marriage where the wife starts to notice something's off with her husband.
Comfort Me with Apples: More Adventures at the Table
A guide to living well in trying times. It contains over 70 recipes and many life lessons.
How to Cook a Wolf
A meditation of the power of friendship and the role of food in our lives.
Provence, 1970: M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste
A MUST-HAVE book if you love Mexican food and Frida Kahlo's art. She loved to cook!
Frida's Fiestas: Recipes and Reminiscences of Life with Frida Kahlo: A Cookbook|Hardcover
This is the tale of two children from different countries. Both are separated from their parents and have a tale of unimaginable endurance.
The Wind Knows My Name|Hardcover
Playlists
Building playlists is a nice way to share music. Pick one and add it to your library.
I had to put together a list for pasta making. I use this for class!
Italian Cooking Music
Making tacos? Put this zesty list to use. You can rhumba while you're cooking.
Fresh Finds: Latin
This is great background music for a rainy day! I love to curl up with a book and put this on.
Rainy Day
Maria Luigia Borsi recorded all of the Italian favorites. You'll know them all!
Italian Soprano Arias
I have to admit, I was shocked when my daughter suggested I listen to Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift. But, here I am - building a playlist!
Cooking Grooves 🍋🍋🍋
This list contains some personal favorites and some new modern finds.
Culinary Serenade: Italian and French Melodies 🎻 🍝🥖
From Bowie to the Beatles. I put this on to generate some electricity!
Nostalgic Blend 🎸⭐️🎶
Spotify made me this list. They know how I feel about Aretha and The Mamas and The Papas!
Daily Mix
You have to love the name of this list. I suggest you pour a glass and give it a listen.
