Chefs on the Films That Always Make Them Hungry
The rigor and schedule of professional cooking don't allow for many movie nights, but that's not to say chefs don't find inspiration on the big screen. When we asked a handful of food-world figures about the films that make them want to cook or eat or both, they spoke about narratives that remind them of the joy of a leisurely meal, food's ability to comfort and what drove them to cook in the first place. Here, 11 chefs discuss the food films, old and new, that still excite them.
Ruth Rogers, 76, chef and owner of the River Café, London: 'La Grande Bouffe' (1973)
I saw this film when I was living in Paris, in 1973. We were there because Richard [the architect Richard Rogers, Ruth's late husband] was building the Pompidou Center. The movie was quite controversial when it came out. It's about a group of friends who decide they're going to eat themselves to death. They get together and start to binge. These four men just absolutely love to eat; it's their great thing in life. My husband and I loved this movie, so we decided to judge people on whether or not the film made them hungry or disgusted. We, of course, were hungry. Years later, I was having lunch with Francis Ford Coppola, and he told me it was his favorite food movie too.
Charlie Mitchell, 32, chef of Saga, New York City: 'Good Burger' (1997)
I watched 'Good Burger' again this year. I'm from Detroit but I live in New York City, and when I'm homesick I usually get nostalgic for food, music or films. I must've been in elementary school the first time I saw it, probably on VHS. I always connected with the character [Ed (played by Kel Mitchell), a cashier at the burger restaurant where the film is set]. He's in his own world, and he creates this sauce that everyone loves. I felt like I was the only person in my friend group and community who was interested in food at a young age: Everyone was loving Dragon Ball Z and I enjoyed cooking dinner for my mom or cooking with my grandmother on the weekend. So 'Good Burger' was about connecting with that character who was in his own world having so much fun cooking.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
17 minutes ago
- Forbes
The Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art Hosts Inaugural Eid Reception
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: Anita Chatterjee speaks during Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of ... More Asian Art on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations ) The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, along with a distinguished host committee, hosted an exclusive Eid reception and gallery tours. The event brought together celebrities, prominent voices from media, entertainment, culture, and the arts. The evening honored the spirit of Eid through a dynamic celebration of community, heritage, and storytelling at one of the nation's most esteemed cultural institutions. The event featured remarks from leaders in journalism, business, and the arts, and provided guests with a private viewing of select exhibitions that highlight the museum's commitment to showcasing the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. Held at the museum's historic location in Washington, D.C., this meaningful evening served not only as a celebration of Eid but also as a platform to honor the ongoing contributions of the Asian diasporas to the fabric of American culture and public life. WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: Amna Nawaz attends Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art on ... More May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations ) 'Events like this are vital because they bridge culture, community, and visibility at the highest levels,' said Anita Chatterjee, Founder & CEO of A-Game Public Relations and event co-host. 'Celebrating Eid at the Smithsonian is not just a milestone — it's a statement about the value of inclusion and the importance of honoring a range of thoughtful voices in our national conversation. I'm proud to orchestrate an event that uplifts heritage while building connections across industries and communities.' A-Game has been instrumental in producing many South Asian American events, such as the South Asian Oscar party and the New York All That Glitters Diwali Ball. "This evening is not just about celebrating Eid, it was also about creating a space for connection, community, and joy," said Amna Nawaz, Co-Anchor & Co-Managing Editor of PBS NewsHour and event co-host. 'Gathering at the Smithsonian, surrounded by works of art that document our history and cultures in beautiful ways, is a celebration of the many tales woven into our larger American story. Tonight, it's about the joy in that storytelling." The museum holds more than 46,000 objects dating from antiquity to the present from China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East as well as an important collection of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American works from the Aesthetic Movement. New acquisitions are constantly added, and the museum now showcases the richness of premodern Asian arts and the evolving visual cultures of Asia in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Utilizing the museum's world-class library and archives, visitors can explore nearly every region and historic period of Asia and the Islamic world, and scholars will find value in exemplary objects as springboards for research. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: (L-R) Sam Hyun, Mohaimina Haque, Swati Sharma, Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, ... More Amna Nawaz, Anita Chatterjee, Amna Khilji and Alisha Chen attend Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations ) 'This evening was a testament to the power of cultural celebration and collective connection,' said. Robinson, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. 'We were honored to welcome such an inspiring and passionate group of voices to mark this special occasion.' Ali added 'Growing up, I never imagined celebrating Eid at the Smithsonian — let alone with a room full of change makers across media, culture, and entertainment,' said Asif Ali, lead actor in Hulu's new hit series Deli Boys and event co-host. 'This event wasn't just about tradition — it was about joy, representation, and showing the next generation that our stories belong in institutions like this. And let's be honest, any time you mix beautiful art, great people, and biryani, you're doing something right.' The event was hosted in collaboration with an esteemed host committee including: Chase F. Robinson, Director, Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art; Amna Nawaz, Co-Anchor and Co-Managing Editor, PBS NewsHour; Asif Ali, Actor and Comedian (Deli Boys); Aasif Mandvi, Actor; Maneet Ahuja, Global Editor-at-Large, Forbes; Swati Sharma, Editor-in-Chief, Vox; Mohaimina Haque, Attorney and CEO, Tony Roma's; and Anita Chatterjee, Founder and CEO, A-Game Public Relations. Additional notable attendees included Saagar Shaikh, Actor (Deli Boys); Nirupama Rao, Former Indian diplomat, Foreign Secretary ND; Ambassador; Rajiv Satyal, Comedian; Yasmin Elhady, TV Personality (Muslim Matchmaker); Swayam Bhatia, Actor (Succession, Zombies 4); Farhan Latif, President of El-Hibri Foundation; Negin Sobhani, Associate Director for Global Affairs (NMAA); Alisha Chen, Partnerships Operations Manager (TAAF); Amna Khilji, Senior Advisor (Pak Futures Foundation); Ehteshamul Haque, Attorney; Sam Hyun, Director of Government Relations (TAAF); and Shaneli Jain, Founder (Shaneli). Guests enjoyed delicious South Asian cuisine as they experienced the museum's exhibits. Gift bags were shared at the end of the night with swag from the museum, a gift from the popular South Asian retail brand One Minute Saree, and fennel sees used as South Asian mints from the Pakistani CPG company sponsors for the evening included The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA); The Asian American Foundation (TAAF); Pak Futures Foundation; A-Game Public Relations; Law Office of Mohaimina Haque, PLLC; Law Office of Ehteshamul Haque; Product of Culture; Paro; One Minute Saree; and Shaneli. The museum frequently hosts events for the community throughout the year that raises awareness to events celebrated by the South Asian diaspora including a Diwali event. As a big population of South Asians celebrate Eid, this was the first Eid celebration of many in the years to come.
Forbes
33 minutes ago
- Forbes
‘Ginny & Georgia' Season 3: Brianne Howey Discusses Her Character's Mental Health
Brianne Howey in 'Ginny & Georgia' on Netflix. The Netflix hit Ginny & Georgia is back and better than ever. The ten-episode third season is a rollercoaster ride, and the finale is phenomenal, with two cliffhangers in the last few seconds that will leave fans salivating at the bit for season four. When the series first premiered in 2021, it appeared to be a light-hearted, fun, sexy binge-watch. Though it is incredibly entertaining, it's so much more than a soapy drama. Despite the show's lighthearted, heartwarming, and humorous moments, it's also brave in how it tackles mental health, and it does so in a way no other television show has in that it is not heavy-handed or preachy in its approach. Creator/executive producer Sarah Lampert has never shied away from the angst of being a human being, putting her characters through struggles such as depression, addiction, eating disorders, personality disorders, self-harm, and this season, teen pregnancy, to name a few. The story centers around Brianne Howey's Georgia Miller, a mother who will do anything, moral or not, for her children. As the chaos creator of the story, those around her are left to deal with the fallout of her actions following season two's cliffhanger, which left a shocked Georgia taken away in handcuffs at her wedding to the Mayor when she was arrested for murdering her friend's husband. Brianne Howey says Georgia Miller has narcissistic tendencies. By the time we get to season three, which premiered on June 5, Georgia is on house arrest, bound by an ankle bracelet that keeps her caged like a wild animal as she tries to survive the media sensation surrounding her murder trial. Her world spins out of control when it comes out that she may have also killed a few of her husbands, and she's nicknamed the 'Mayoress Murderess.' When asked what she thinks Georgia's mental health issues might be, Howey replied carefully. 'The show works very closely with Mental Health America to make sure that we aren't glorifying any of the wrong things and that we're handling all of these subjects with the utmost respect and care. I do think Georgia has narcissistic qualities. That being said, I think Georgia is the type of narcissist who is capable of change, and that's what has been really compelling this season to see for Georgia. Every character goes on a mental health journey. But yes, especially Ginny and Georgia.' Lampert concurred, adding, 'The show's theme is that everyone is fighting a battle you can't see.' Of the new season, she explained that for Georgia to change her ways, the stakes would need to be raised. 'We purposefully exploded our entire world and revealed our main character. I loved it!' exclaimed Lampert. As the media frenzy around her murder trial explodes, Georgia is forced to face herself. Antonia Gentry talks about her character's journey in season three of 'Ginny & Georgia' on Netflix. This season, Georgia's daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry) must confront just how similar she is to her mom when her brother Austin (Diesel La Torraca) is sent to live with his abusive father, and she goes to live with her dad. Ginny discovers the lengths she will go to free her mom and get her family back together, and she realizes she's a lot like her mother. Gentry paused briefly when asked to describe the relationship between Ginny and Georgia. 'It's almost symbiotic…because they're so apart this season, we see them have to come into their own in different ways that they haven't been able to before. Ginny can't rely on Georgia as much as she'd like to. Georgia can't rely on Ginny or do anything at all because she's on house arrest. We see Ginny forced to make decisions for herself and to start creating situations and opportunities for herself instead of reacting to those things.' Gentry added how much she enjoyed the acting challenges this season. 'It was wonderful to play her, especially towards the end, as someone who is kind of turning into her mom in a sense where she's like, 'Look, I'm not getting the results that I want. My mom is going to jail. My brother is with his abusive father. I don't want any of this. I'm going to make it happen.' And she does, and it's scary for Georgia to witness, but it's fascinating because we see Ginny morphing into the young woman that she's going to become. And you can't come back from that ledge. It's very interesting to see Ginny walk this tightrope of chaos.' Brianne Howey and Antonia Gentry in 'Ginny & Georgia' on Netflix. This season, Howey pointed out, Ginny and Georgia were forced to question whether or not they should be together. 'Are they better together? Or, are they better apart? Is it them against the world? This season poses so many questions.' When asked if she thinks her character is a good mom, Howey gave a Georgia-like grin and said, 'I think so.' Georgia, she confirmed, will do anything for her children. 'This season gives her a run for her money. She's seeing the idea the public has about her, and it's starting to hit home like, 'My God, have I made my children's life harder than it needs to be? I think she had to get pushed to these extremes to have that realization. There's going to be a change, but as we see, it's very small and slow, but it's happening.' Lampert agreed with Howey's comments about Georgia having narcissistic qualities. 'She definitely has a personality disorder that can get better with treatment.' She added that she and her team have worked closely with Mental Health America since season one to craft the characters' mental health journeys. For seasons one and two, Lampert worked alongside showrunner and executive producer Debra J. Fisher, and for seasons three and four, she teamed up with Sarah Glinski. Antonia Gentry and Diesel La Torraca in 'Ginny & Georgia' on Netflix. As to why the fans continue to support Georgia despite her penchant for murder, Glinski thinks it's because, at her core, Georgia is good. 'Georgia believes she's doing everything for her children. All of her actions come out of that place of love. The fact that she's doing things out of love makes us root for her.' This is the beauty of good writing. Lampert, Glinski, and their team of writers have taken a character with a personality disorder that's very difficult to deal with and made her likable. Lampert credited those at Mental Health America with helping to write various scenes and morph the mental health journeys of the characters throughout the seasons. When she asked the doctors she was working with what would have to happen for Ginny and Georgia to have a healthy relationship, she was advised that Georgia would have to be broken down. 'She'd have to face something big. She'd have to feel threatened with losing her children to come to an understanding that she has to change and that her actions have consequences. And Ginny would have to set some boundaries," revealed Lampert. "Ultimately, their relationship being healthy isn't on Ginny. She's the child. It's on Georgia. This season, we broke Georgia's soul with the hope to rebuild.' To the fans anxiously waiting to see what happens next, the writers are back at work. 'The theme of season four is origins and cycles,' Lampert divulged, adding that though the original plan was to end Ginny & Georgia after four seasons, they've realized there's more to tell. 'We're not done yet.'
Associated Press
38 minutes ago
- Associated Press
AP PHOTOS: World Pride gathers LGBTQ+ advocates in Washington for 50th anniversary
WASHINGTON (AP) — World Pride gathers LGBTQ+ advocates from around the globe. This year, which marks the 50th anniversary of Washington's Pride festival, is the first time the city is hosting the gathering. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
