Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday Must (Have) See: Julie & Julia



I was all set to post about another kitchen gadget that I find very useful and then this afternoon I FINALLY went and saw the movie Julie & Julia. I realize that I'm far behind in going to see this movie and that I'm definitely not the first to blog about how great this movie was--and it really was GREAT! The kitchen gadget will be saved for another Monday, but I really feel like I need to express my thoughts and add to what so many others have already said.

I've never really considered myself to be defined by the term "foodie." I just really love learning about foods, the history, where it comes from, different varieties and more specifically anything to do with desserts. There is just something so invigorating about see a beautiful dessert that not only looks like art, but tastes even better than you could possibly imagine. This is why any worthwhile purchase of a cookbook or baking book usually has stunning photos that draws me in and then my imagination takes over and I dream about what flavors and textures will work together to create a delicious or rather a "Jillicious" dessert. But I've happily come to the realization that I am in this group of other like minded people called foodies.

Back to Julie & Julia.

I must admit that I don't own the famous cookbook by Julia Child - Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It's not that I don't think it would be an outstanding addition to my culinary library, it's just that over the last 4 to 5 years, I've been focused on dessert or baking books. But after seeing this movie and getting a glimpse into Julia Child's passion for French Cooking, I will be purchasing a copy to add to my cookbook collection.

The main reason why I LOVED this movie was the feeling I had while watching it. Seeing Julia Child decide to go to cooking school and loving every minute of it, brought back my own memories and how much I too, loved culinary school. I could relate to her competitive spirit--I'm sure most people in this industry can too. There is something within me that is completely motivated to push myself to do better, to create a dessert more delicious than the last and to be the best at what I do. And this is a daunting task, to say the least. There is a lifetime of learning to be had in any field, but especially in culinary pursuits.


I also related to the pure joy of sharing a well cooked meal with friends and family. When everyone comes together to savor a meal that was created with them in mind--is just a wonderful and satisfying feeling. It reminds me of one of my favorite food quotes that I have listed near the bottom of my blog page:

"The pleasant hours of our lives are all connected by a more or less tangible link, with some memory of the table." ~ by Charles Pierre Monselet

*All three above pictures are courtesy of Columbia Pictures.

There is just something completely magical about good food, family and friends and being together to enjoy a wonderful meal and creating memories. If you haven't seen this movie, for whatever your reasons--just go. Go and enjoy!

9 comments:

  1. Nothing brings people together the way food does! Thanks for the movie recommendation!

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  2. Ciao Jill ! I can't wait to see the movie !! Sharing good food is wonderful as making it !

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  3. I've been meaning to see this movie....but I just haven't got around to it. And I don't think it is going to be this week........hopefully soon.

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  4. I want to see this movie very, very much! And now even more after your review. Unfortunatelly it will be here in cinemas from 11th Sep... I'm so jelous that you saw it already :P Cheers!
    Anula.

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  5. Yes, a friend told me about this movie too. She's even willing to go watch it with me again! :) If only I have someone to watch my 2 monkeys. I'll just have to wait for the DVD....*sigh*

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  6. Threads: It really is a great movie--I think you'll like it. :)

    Natalia: I can't say enough great things about it--be sure to see it! :)

    Jeff: Go and see it. Don't wait. :)

    Anula: I can't believe it takes so long to get over there! Let me know what you think when you get to see it.

    Jenny: I hope the babysitting thing works out, so you can go see it. :)

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  7. I agree with your recommendation! Although it has reasonable criticism, I think it was very entertaining, and any foodie could appreciate Julia's side of the story. I rarely see movies in theaters, but this was worth it!

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  8. I so agree with your sentiments around food. It really is a powerful thing that brings people together, and is so enjoyable to share. I have just over a month to wait for the movie to be released here in Australia - 8th of October. I will be first in line! :)

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  9. Hannah: I love seeing a good movie in the theater too. :)

    Julia: I'm so excited for you to see the movie (only one more month!).

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