Two giants, not only in film and entertainment, but in the world, came together to produce this film “100 Foot Journey”.  The theme of journey begins  in the title.  An Indian  family of cooks ends up in the south of France  and are the  most unlikely contrast with their new neighbors , the  French.    The Indian Restaurant  is directly across the road. . . . 100 feet exactly, from an exclusive Michelin  one * French Restaurant. This is the beginning of a gastronomic love story, clash of cultures very different from each other in every way,  with a bridge of cultural differences being food.  There is competition, “eye for an eye” behavior, and  “Romeo  and Juliette” young love and always the sights of French markets, spices, vegetables,  and delicious, beautiful  dishes. Finally a gesture of “turning the other cheek,”  is the event that begins the turning of the tide from hatred to understanding and appreciation.

I think Spielberg and Oprah loved this story because it is an example of people and cultures, so divergent, who  can become friends in spite of  and maybe because of these  differences.  It is about “kindness and good food!”  A sweet old fashioned story  with the idea that “differences are not bad, they are just different,” and a great tool to become the learning bridge to understanding.

Hassan, the young Indian cook, says often. . . “Food is memories!”   I agree. Do you ? 

Text from “Huffington Post” and “Christianity Today.”