Archive for January, 2008

I recently saw Ratatouille, an animated movie from Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures. If you’ll ask me what this movie’s all about, from the title alone you can guess that its about a “rat”. Kidding aside, it’s about rat with a very good sense of smell and who has a passion for food and cooking. Then he teams up with his pal Linguini and together they form a formidable team in the kitchen. Let me quote a line from a movie. “Anyone can cook.”  The famous American chef Thomas Keller was a consultant in this movie. This is one entertainingly good movie. People from all ages, especially those who love food will surely like this animated movie. With regards to the music used in the movie, I’m sure you’ll also enjoy it as much as I did. The title of the song used in the movie is “Le Festin” by Camille Dalmais, a French singer and songwriter, actress. Picture yourself drinking a hot cup of coffee while listening to this song. 

Everyone’s hooked with cooking these days. Cooking shows sprung up like mushrooms in every channel whether it be local or foreign. So this movie caught my interest too! I love food and since I was a kid I enjoy watching different cooking shows. Have contributed some recipes here too! Well, I’m not really an expert in the kitchen I can bake and cook a thing or two. Maybe, I’m more of critic like the dreaded Anton Ego in the movie.

Exactly, what is a Ratatouille?. I’ve got 2 answers. First it’s an animated movie and second it’s a dish from France. Searching on the net, it is a traditional French stewed dish. It is a peasant’s dish.  I’ve read the Wiki article and they said that its quite similar to our “pinakbet”. A similar dish was prepared in the movie and the name of that dish is  “confit byaldi”. It is a classic interpretation of the original “ratatouille” dish. What’s with the French cuisine? I’ll take that up in my next article.

What lessons will you get in this movie? It’s definitely not a good movie if it has no sense at all. Pursue your dreams and don’t give up! Remy didn’t give up even if it seems impossible to fulfill his dream of becoming a chef. And then, it talks about friendship, family and love. Remember, when Remy’s father & brother and all their rat pals helped out in the kitchen. When Collette remembered the famous chef in the world, Auguste Gusteau’s motto, “Everyone can cook.” And the she went back to the restaurant and helped Linguini.  Never forgetting the lessons that you’ve learned whether in school or in your life.  

After watching the movie I’m sure you’ll not forget Ratatouille. You will definitely enjoy watching it and I’m sure your taste buds will also be tickled! Don’t get me wrong I’m referring to the movie and the dish. Lastly, don’t forget this, every food should be well prepared with love and care always! Bon Appetit!