![Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as Kate and Aaron Eckhart stars as Nick in the romantic drama “No Reservations.” [Castle Rock Entertainment/Village Roadshow Pictures]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/02/09/NPRJ/3feccb59-60d2-4545-b553-5667600586d2-nores.jpg?width=660&height=439&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Planning a movie night anytime this week or weekend with your Valentine?
Here are some of my favorite food movies that also offer romantic interludes.
“Always Be My Maybe” is the newest movie on my list and just thinking about it, I have to watch it again tonight. It is a Netflix romantic comedy, but it’s also the story of a friendship between a chef and her childhood best friend. Along the way to true love, they have a dinner at a new-age restaurant with her new boyfriend, Keanu Reeves, that is insane. It will slay with you.
“Simply Irresistible” is a 1999 rom-com with some of the most beautiful, and sexy, food scenes you’ve ever seen. Sarah Michelle Geller is an insecure chef who doesn’t know that she and her food have been enchanted. There are many intoxicating scenes with food and Sean Patrick Flanery. Plus it stars the fabulous Patricia Clarkson.
“No Reservations,” a movie starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart, is as satisfying as a crème brulee. It is a lightweight version of the German film “Mostly Martha,” but it gets to the happy parts much faster. The food scenes are totally amazing and you will be in desperate need of a plate of scallops with saffron sauce when you are done watching.
“Ratatouille” is a great animated movie to watch with kids. But it is also a love story between Alfredo Linguini and Colette Tatou. But mostly it’s about a rat who dreams of a better life, one in which he cooks in a Parisian restaurant. Hilarity ensues.
“Chocolat” with Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche is quite sad for most of the movie. Set in France, it tempts a town to enjoy a chocolate shop and all its treats after its owner blows into town. You cannot watch this movie without having chocolate something nearby. I suggest hot chocolate to start. It truly inspires a craving. And it gets you ready for Lent which starts next week.
“Julie and Julia” has something for everyone but has the love story of Julia and Paul Child. It actually tells two stories, alternately. One is of French chef Julia Child in the days before she published her first, famous book. The other is contemporary and depicts author Julie Powell, who took on the crazy task to cook every one of Julia’s recipes, as described in her book, ”Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen.“
“Little Italy” is a Netflix movie that didn’t meet my romantic comedy expectations but fufilled all my pizza fantasies. The stars have a Romeo and Juliet problem, but they are hardly poetic. But the pizza making sings.
“Big Night” with Stanley Tucci and Tony Shaloub has brotherhood, drama and food, and two of my fave actors. It is short on romance, but the killer soundtrack will put you in the mood for love. And Louis Prima. The best movie food quote is here “To eat good food is to be close to God.”