As a young kid, I loved watching movies and shows. I always felt connected to the characters and the stories that were brought to life on the screen. I felt especially immersed in a film whenever food was being displayed at the forefront. The 2014 movie "Chef," directed by Jon Favreau, has profoundly impacted my life and culinary journey. This film has taught me so much about the power of food, its ability to connect people, and the importance of pursuing your passion.

A Beautifully Crafted Film

"Chef," tells the story of a celebrated chef, Carl Casper, who quits his job at a prestigious restaurant and eventually starts his own food truck. The movie is filled with mouth-watering scenes of food being prepared and shared, and it truly captures the joy and passion that comes with cooking.

My favorite aspect of the film is the premise of Carl getting his food truck from Miami and driving it cross-country back to Los Angeles. I was in awe at all the stops they made on the journey and how each visit influenced the menu they created. They ate and created cubanos, platanos, and yucca fries in Miami. In New Orleans, they ate and created beignets and po'boys. In Austin, they ate brisket and made sliders out of them.

It impacted me so much that I wanted to get a food truck as a retirement dream and drive around the world. What also resonated with me was the film's message about taking risks and the power of connection through food.

Taking Risk

The movie shows that even the most successful chefs must take risks and sacrifice to achieve their goals. It has taught me to trust my instincts and believe in my abilities.

One thing that has always scared me was the unknown outcomes of taking risks. I also hate the feeling of failing at something and looking like an idiot.

I am constantly reminded that the most incredible things that have ever happened to me involve taking risks. Moving to Kansas City when I had never visited, asking my best friend to be my girlfriend, going to therapy, pursuing a culinary career with no prior professional experience, and so much more.

In the film, Carl had some trepidations in the beginning with the idea of owning a food truck. He had already made it big as a chef; it almost seemed like a downgrade or going backward in his career. But he needed to go back to doing what he loved, cooking simple and delicious food. Carl took the risk.

Connection Through Food

Another aspect of "Chef" that has influenced me is the beauty of connecting with people with food. Throughout the movie, Carl tries to communicate with people; food is the only way he knows how. 

Throughout the film, you see Carl struggling as a father to connect with his son. His initial attempts involved doing things he thought a kid would like; watching action movies, riding rollercoasters, eating junk food, etc. As the film progresses, he realizes the best way to connect with his son is through his passion, cooking food. 

A moment in the movie that resonates is when Carl has a heart-to-heart/pep talk with his son about cooking in the kitchen. He says, "I may not do everything great in my life, but I'm good at this. I manage to touch people's lives with what I do and I want to share this with you." 

As an introvert, I have no issue with being in the background; big social gatherings overwhelm me. But the best way I can connect with people is through food. I've always said that whenever I cook someone a meal or dish, I give them an extension of who I am. Everything that I am, my culture, my skills, my passions, my influences, my desires, and every part of who I am, is put into the dishes I make.

A Must-Watch for All Food Lovers

Chef has had a profound impact on my culinary journey. It taught me the importance of pursuing my passions and taking risks and the beauty of connecting with people through food. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves food and cooking, and I hope it inspires others to follow their dreams just as it has inspired me.