Hollywood Foodies: Restaurants in Movies
Around the World, Food Lovers — By NileGuide staff on October 12, 2009 at 9:43 amThey say that “you are what you eat,” so it’s not surprising at all that we often learn the most about movie characters from their onscreen restaurant meals and bar visits. While you’re stuffing your face with popcorn and candy at the movie theater, these characters are having some very telling meals. Would Vincent and Mia be the same in “Pulp Fiction” without Jack Rabbit Slim’s? Would we understand Alex in “A Clockwork Orange” without the trip to the Korova Milk Bar? Would we realize the extent of Ferris Bueller’s cunning without his trip to Chez Quis as Abe Froman, the sausage king of Chicago? No. These beloved movies are intrinsically tied to these very telling scenes. Sadly, you won’t be visiting Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Korova Milk Bar, or Chez Quis anytime soon, as they were all fictional creations for the movies! Fortunate for movie buffs and foodies alike, the following five restaurants and bars exist so you can re-live these great moments in cinema:
Katz’ Deli: A New York City institution, Katz’ is worth visiting for the sandwiches alone… but also for the sake of visiting a pivotal location in both “When Harry Met Sally” and “Donnie Brasco.” The sandwiches are great, but don’t forget that Meg Ryan was merely faking her… ahem… moment.
Cafe des Deux Moulins: The cafe where Amelie Poulin works is real! Sit in this lovely little corner of Paris, order a kir royale, and feel French and romantic for a while. The crème brûlée here is named after Amelie, just waiting for you to crack it with a spoon.
New York Bar: Perched 52 floors up in Tokyo, named after New York, and full of Chicago jazz musicians, it’s no wonder that Bill Murray was “Lost in Translation“. You don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to visit, but be prepared for the cover charge just to enjoy the view.
The Derby: This spot in Los Angeles is full of movie moments. Slide into one of the circular booths and pretend to be a card shark a la “Swingers“, or channel Joan Crawford from her noir “Mildred Pierce“.
Rainbo Club: Planning on popping the question to a lady who loves music and John Cusack? This Chicago spot is the place for you. Grab a table and re-live the “High Fidelity” liquid lunch where Rob proposes to Laura.
Did I miss your favorite movie nosh spot or watering hole? Leave me a comment!
[Photo:Serendipity / Creative Commons]
3 Comments
Thank you for including the when Harry Met Sally restaurant. I wonder if the staff there is sick of people coming in and faking a…moment…when they eat their food.
While the one in the TV show is based on Cholmondeley’s at Brandeis University, there is a recreated version of Central Perk (of Friends’ sitcome fame), in London. (http://www.nickburcher.com/2009/09/friends-central-perk-london-coffee-shop.html)
Ciao Victoria! I didn’t know that Cafe des Deux Moulins was where they filmed Amelie. That’s great! Just added it to my list of things to do when I go to Paris is autumn. Thanks!
Could you Please
This list could go on and on. I did a post a while back on inns made popular by the movies, but I believe you could make a much longer list of restaurants in movies. Katz Deli is a classic, one of my faves in NYC.