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A Taste of Hunger is a Danish movie that depicts the life of a Copenhagen power couple in the restaurant industry and their relentless pursuit of perfection.
Starring Katrine Greis-Rosenthal as Maggie, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (aka Jamie Lannister from Game of Thrones) as Carsten, the film is a look inside the kitchen and the minds of two driven restaurateurs willing to put it all on the line for their Michelin-star obsession.
The film is just one of a few big-screen releases that put the chef centre stage, with Boiling Point being another exploration of a driven chef on the edge of reason. A Taste of Hunger lacks the visceral energy of the one-take Boiling Point, but the cool city backdrop and carefully constructed intimate relationship at the heart of the narrative makes for compelling viewing. Here are a few of the stand-out quotes from A Taste of Hunger.
On being a chef:
“What’s a chef’s job? To cook. How does he know whether the food’s good or bad? He tastes it. Did you taste it? No. You’re no chef then.” Carsten on discovering his sous chef has served over-fermented lemons.
On the kitchen and love:
“You just have to be attentive, dedicated and passionate. It’s like that in the kitchen, but in love as well.” Carsten
On the Michelin dream:
“That’s that then, our dream is shattered. What do we do now? Open a McDonalds?” Carsten
“A Michelin star isn’t easy to get. It can be the portal to paradise or the road to ruin.” Stellan (Carsten’s mentor).
“In six months you’ll be doing takeout.” Carsten’s cynical brother, Torben, gives his verdict on Carsten and Maggie’s plans to open a restaurant.
“All I’ve been is some jerk chasing a star. I thought that if we just got that star everything would be fine.” Carsten
“He isn’t from Michelin, he’s just some random British foodie who knows all the moves.” Frederik.
On what matters:
“All that matters is what’s on that fucking plate.” Carsten.
On THAT hotdog:
“I can assure you that we are the only Michelin two-star restaurant with a fucking hot dog on the menu.” Carsten.
