Let's talk about a movie for a while, because why not? Movies are good for the mind and, in case of The Trip, can even serve as inspiration for the stomach. This film follows Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as fictional-ish versions of themselves, touring restaurants in Northern England as part of a newspaper assignment.
The Trip isn't a food movie as such, not like Mostly Martha or Babette's Feast, but it's certainly aimed at those who like both good food and good dialogue. Some of the region's better restaurants are featured, and there is plenty of "food porn" (do we still use that expression?) to geek out to.
Part of the fun lies in the various under-the-breath comments about the food, most of which would suggest neither should have been sent on this assignment at all. (Think Thomas Haden Church in Sideways: "Tastes pretty good to me!")
Of course, food aside, this is simply a funny movie. A large chunk of it consists of Coogan and Brydon at various dinner tables, making snide comments back and forth, while lobbing a lot of celebrity impersonations. It's dialogue heavy, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Make tonight a The Trip night, just for some funny dialogue and good looking food.
Suggested beverage pairing: Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale. You'll feel very English.