Bon Appetit

The movie Julie and Julia is a delight. You have probably heard about this picture which tells the story of two women, one being the force of nature and the kitchen, Julia Child, and the other a blogger, Julie Powell, who cooks every recipe in Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Critics have liked the film, although they offer that the Powell story element is weaker that the fascinating tale of Child's successful assault on the formidable bastion (bastille?) of Cordon Bleu cuisine.

Meryl Streep is wonderful as Julia Child and Amy Adams certainly holds her own as Julie Powell. In the end the film really isn't about French cooking, from my perspecitve. It is a celebration of love, strangely enough, and conviviality. There are a number of scenes of groups of people enjoying great food and each other's company.

It our fast-paced, fast-food society there isn't always much energy left for hospitality around a meal table. Yet, as I have noted before, Jesus did some of his best work over a good meal and one of the reasons he was criticised by religious leaders is that he appeared to be having too good a time with the wrong sort of people.

Make sure you see this one. Bon Appetit!