The animated film “Ratatouille” has not only captivated audiences of all ages with its charming story, but it has also offered valuable lessons for those interested in the culinary arts. Through the adventures of Remy the mouse and his dream of becoming a chef, the film presents essential principles of gastronomy that are as applicable in a fantasy kitchen as they are in a professional one.
In this article, we will explore the key lessons from “Ratatouille” and how they can inspire and guide future gastronomy students at Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro.
Anyone can cook
The central philosophy of “Ratatouille” is that “anyone can cook.” This message is personified by Chef Gusteau, who firmly believes that with passion and determination, anyone can become a great chef. Remy, despite being a rat, has an innate talent for cooking and an unwavering desire to create exquisite dishes. This lesson is a reminder that no matter where you come from or what your circumstances are, if you have passion and work hard, you can achieve your culinary dreams.
So, if you feel inspired by cooking, don’t let anything stop you. At Anáhuac Querétaro, we value passion and effort. We are here to help you develop your skills and fulfill your culinary dreams.
The importance of punctuality
In “Ratatouille,” punctuality is crucial to success in the kitchen. Every minute counts when it comes to preparing and serving high-quality dishes. The film shows how a lack of punctuality can cause chaos and affect the quality of service. Remy and Linguini quickly learn that being punctual and precise in their tasks is essential to maintaining the workflow in the kitchen.
In real life, this lesson is just as important. Chefs must be punctual not only in preparing dishes, but also in delivering their services. Being punctual demonstrates professionalism and respect for others’ time, essential qualities in any professional kitchen.
Keeping your workspace organized
Colette, one of the restaurant’s chefs, teaches Remy the importance of keeping a tidy kitchen. “Keep your station clean, or I’ll kill you,” she tells him in one memorable scene. This lesson is essential for working efficiently and safely in the kitchen. An organized workspace makes it easier to access ingredients and utensils, reduces the risk of accidents, and improves the quality of work.
For us at Anáhuac Querétaro, it is vital that our students acquire habits of cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, as this is a reflection of the discipline and efficiency they have in their daily lives.
The influence of personal experience on tasting
The film highlights how personal experiences influence taste perception and culinary creativity. When Anton Ego tries the iconic dish ratatouille Prepared by Remy, he is transported back to his childhood, recalling his mother’s home-cooked dishes. This moment underlines that food is not just a combination of ingredients, but also an evocation of memories and emotions.
As future chefs, it is important to recognize that each person has a unique story that influences their taste and perception of flavor. Drawing on these personal experiences can inspire creativity and authenticity in the kitchen, allowing for the creation of dishes that resonate deeply with diners.
The crucial role of the food critic
Anton Ego, the food critic from “Ratatouille,” shows the importance of criticism in gastronomy. His review can make or break a restaurant’s reputation. Although criticism can be intimidating, it is crucial to professional growth. Learning to receive and take advantage of constructive criticism can significantly improve your culinary skills. Feedback allows you to identify areas for improvement and refine your technique. At Anáhuac Querétaro, we foster a learning environment where constructive criticism is seen as an opportunity to grow and improve.
Go beyond criticism, explore creativity and dare to combine
Remy inspires us to dare to experiment and combine unexpected flavours to create unique dishes. In the film, we see Remy mix seemingly incompatible ingredients to create something extraordinary. This bold and creative approach is essential to culinary innovation. As a culinary student, it is important to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new flavour combinations.
Creativity is what distinguishes an ordinary chef from an extraordinary one. So, dare to experiment and leave your mark on the culinary world.
The value of teamwork
The collaboration between Remy and Linguini is a perfect example of the importance of teamwork in the kitchen. Although they come from different worlds, together they manage to create exceptional dishes. This makes it evident that teamwork is essential in any professional kitchen, where coordination and communication are key to success.
Each team member has an important role to play, and the success of the restaurant depends on effective collaboration between everyone. At Anáhuac, we promote teamwork and teach our students to work together and support their peers, thus preparing future chefs for the dynamic and collaborative environment of a professional kitchen.
The key is in the selection of food
Finally, one of the most important lessons of Ratatouille is that the quality of the ingredients is fundamental to the success of any dish. Remy is very picky about the ingredients he chooses, making sure they are fresh and of high quality. This attention to detail is reflected in the taste and presentation of his dishes.
In one scene, Remy the mouse even appears showing his brother, who was used to eating from the garbage, the difference between a crispy bread and one of poor quality, as well as the importance of knowing how to select foods and having enough tact to appreciate their flavors and the sensations they provoke, which in the film are represented as fireworks in the imagination of both mice.
As chefs, it is crucial to know how to select the best ingredients, because at the end of the day, in life, the process or the path to get there is as important, or more important, than the final result. So keep practicing, strive, recognize your talent and let these culinary lessons translate into a fuller life for you.
Let’s get to work and cheers!
At the Autonomous University of Querétaro (Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro), we offer programs that incorporate these values and prepare students to achieve excellence in the culinary world. If you have a passion for cooking and want to become a professional chef, check out our Licenciature in gastronomy and join our academic community!
We know it: gastronomy is an art, and with the right training, you can transform your love of cooking into a successful career. Contact us and start your own culinary journey!
