Weekend Cooking: Delicieux (Delicious)

Over the last couple of weeks I have watched several foodie movies, and one about wine. As an aside, does that make it a drinkie movie? Maybe not. 

A couple of weeks ago, I reviewed Toscana and today I am blogging about a French movie called Delicious.

Delicious tells the story of the first restaurant in France. Now, to be fair, if you search first restaurant in a search engine, it is generally accepted that the first restaurant was actually started in Paris in 1765 so maybe there is some artistic licence at play here.

The story is set in 1789, on the eve of the French revolution. Chef Pierre Manceron works in the busy chateau kitchens of the (fictional) Duke of Chamfort. The film opens with Manceron lovingly making pastry and creating a gorgeous looking pie consisting of golden pastry, and layers of potato and truffle. When asked what it is called, he names it The Delicious.  To me, this sounds incredibly decadent, but the wealth guests at the duke's table, one of the guests is incensed at being served food fit only for pigs. The duke is embarassed, but Manceron is unrepentant, so he and his son are thrown out of the chateau.

They return to the small coach stop where he grew up, providing basic services to people travelling on the road. A bit of bread, some cheese and some water for the horses. Not much more than that.

Manceron has lost his enthusiasm for cooking, knowing that he has lost his chance to end up in Paris, where he was aiming to cook at the French court. Not long after he returns home, a woman turns up at his door asking to become his apprentice. She says that she was previously a jam maker and that she wants to learn more. Manceron has several reasons for not wanting to teach her. Firstly, he is no longer cooking but also because it is unacceptable for women to be cooks. Louise is, however, a determined woman, and she has her reasons for wanting to work with Manceron, and she has many secrets. Manceron eventually relents, basically because Louise said that she would pay him, but it takes time for him to being to trust her.

The story is told against the background of the looming revolution. Manceron's son Benjamin is the person who is vocalising the changes that are coming. It is Benjamin who suggests that his father should cook the fancy food that he and serve it to anyone. Manceron, however, is holding out hope that he can work his way back into favour with the duke and that he will be able to return to his previous role.

When the duke announces that he is coming, Manceron's chance to redeem himself is here. He goes all out to produce a feast, only for the duke's entourage not to stop. It has to be said that the duke is pretty much a characiture of what we imagine the wealthy and titled would have been like at this time. This is after all a time that is characterised by the well known image of Marie Antoinette saying "let them eat cake.

It is Benjamin and Louise who really drive the changes to create what we now would recognise as a restaurant. They create a set menu, charge prices, welcome anyone despite their status, start indoor and outdoor dining, creating atmosphere and become a destination for their customers.

Starting from the opening scenes where Manceron creates The Delicious, this is undoubtedly a film that fits the definition of foodie. The food is the star of the show. The story itself is interesting so it was a fun way to spend a couple of hours, even if the history might not quite be accurate.

Louise is played by Isabelle Carre, who I liked a lot in Romantics Anonymous a few years ago. Seeing her in this movie definitely made me want to rewatch that movie!

I am also linking this post up with Paris in July, although to be transparent this movie is actually set in the countryside in France. Paris does get a mention or two as that is ultimately where Manceron wants to end up. So yes, cheating a bit, but given the references to the upcoming revolution and the idea that it is the first restaurant I am hoping to get away with it.

Weekly meals

Saturday - 

Sunday - Ham and cheese toasties

Monday - Spaghetti bolognaise

Tuesday - Pork chops, mash and beans

Wednesday - Pork nachos

Thursday - Beef stir fry

Friday - Out for dinner

 

Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page