A movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

Every now and them I run across a gem on streaming Amazon or Netflix. HAUTE CUISINE is one of these times. It’s an intelligent, witty, and engrossing film about French cooking.

Actually it’s a lot more than that. The fact-based story is based on a two year stint by a professional regional cook who served as the personal chef to French president Mitterand. She comes to Paris and immediately is plunged into the politics and bureaucratic struggles of high pressure presidential palace operations. Strong willed, she implements her high standards. In the process she gets to know the President who, it turns out, is an erstwhile fan of French country cooking as well.

I have no idea if all of this is REALLY fact-based but that’s OK. The film is beautifully photographed, the acting and drama are top notch, the music is excellent, and the food is to die for. In one scene for example she prepares a skillet full of small clams and at one point they open in tune with the music. Intentional? I like to think so.

The movie is beautifully crafted but not cute. This chef is tough and nails and, boy, can she cook up a storm. Prepare to learn something about truffles, cabbage, and salmon!

Movie review copyright (c) 2013 by Dennis D. McDonald