Jon Favreau · 2014Chef
When you’re not sure whether you’re more aroused by the bowl of aglio e olio or by Scarlett Johansson’s dreamy gaze, that’s a James Beard-worthy movie right there.
You know the feeling of bliss from that very first bite into a hot, crispy, melty, savory, juicy, perfectly pressed cubano?
Chef is the star-studded food truck movie version of that.
Don’t get me wrong. Chef is also the unicorns-and-rainbows version of what it’s like cooking for a living.
Yet so much care and love, passion and respect were put into punctuating the beautiful and earnest parts of the profession that we’ll give it a hall pass when it comes to skimping on the egomania, gruelling hours, and toxic work environments.
But I digress… Just watch the thing.
For one, Roy Choi consulted, and everything back of house is filmed proper with next-level food porn throughout. I’ve actually never seen such meticulousness poured into a grilled cheese before.
But watch Chef because it’s a heartwarming slow burn reminiscent of a demi carefully reducing on the stovetop.
Watch it because it’s full of surprises, from cameos to songs you love, each making you pause and smile just like the pit stops on the literal road trip it takes you on.
And most importantly, watch it because Favreau got the love of street food, the camaraderie and the banter, and the joy that can only be brought about by a food truck on a hot summer day… just right.