Dora and I watched this incredible foreign language DVD over the weekend which I must share with you. Written and directed by Gabriel Axel, it won the 1987 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. The story is set on a desolate Danish coastal township whose inhabitants live an austere existence in the name of faith and duty. Babette, a mysterious refugee from the civil war in France came along and things began to change. A talented gourmet chef, she terrified the pious townspeople 'with the prospect of losing their souls for enjoying too much earthly pleasures'. Half of the film is devoted to 'transforming a sumptuous dinner into a love affair, where there is no longer distinction between bodily apreciation & spiritual appreciation'. It is a brilliant mix of humanity, romance, indulgence and of course cooking. Voila! Needless to say I was mesmerized by the menu, presented as follows :
* Turtle Soup, with an Amatillado
* Caviar on Blinis & Creme Fraiche, with Veuve Clicquot
* Cailles en Sarcophage or Roast Quail Vol-au-Vents, with Clos de Vougeot
* Salade of Endives & Walnuts
* Cheese Assortment
* Gateau with Rum
* Exotic Tropical Fruit Plate
Many have told us about the film and we are in full agreement with the Los Angeles Times' remarks some 22 years ago .... 'Delectable! A fable told with passion, intelligence and sumputousness'. HMV carries it!
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