If you find yourself going through Food & Drink withdrawal this summer, curl up with a delectable cinematic delight or a scrumptious serving of literature to get you through the hazy, lazy days. While there are many of these to be found, here are some of our favorites.
Books:
Bread and Jam for Francis by Russel and Lillian Hoban - If you didn't read this book as a child and develop a crazing for a thick slice of white bread smothered in strawberry jam, you missed out. Big time.
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan - Pollan's sequel to The Omnivore's Dilemma takes a look at the effects of nutritional science on how we approach and appreciate food in today's diet-crazed society.
Remembrance of Things Past by Marcel Proust - The madeleine scene is a classic. The detail he uses to describe the taste, the feel and the scent of the delicate little cakes is mouthwatering and of course beautifully written (it is Proust, after all).
Heartburn by Nora Ephron - The writer of Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail is actually quite the foodie. By combining the stresses of her character's romantic life with the joys of cooking (there are even several recipes included in the text), she creates an easy-to-read guide to getting through life's toughest challenges with a simple appreciation for the power of food.
Movies:
Ratatouille (2007) - Seriously, the best food movie ever. Disney was completely and totally revived with this classic tale of a rat-turned-chef. The recipes make your mouth water and the storyline, centered upon the phrase "Anyone can cook!" is truly inspiring. We cried, no joke.
Moonstruck (1987) - For Italians (and those obsessed with Italian cuisine), the combination of food and romance is unbeatable. And Cher is in it! And she cooks!
Chocolat (2000) - Because French people know their stuff. And who doesn't appreciate Johnny Depp with a little chocolate on the side?
Sideways (2004) - If you know a lot about wine, you'll feel as if you've found your canon. If you don't, you're probably going to have a lot of trouble returning to your beloved Franzia after this film. PLUS: This doubles as a movie and a book. Gold star!
