Friday, 10 September 2010
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Media-Inspired Food: Small Factoids on Central Perk, Bubba Gump, and Willy Wonka
1. Central Perk
Inspiration: Friends, 1994 (TV Show)
Background: Central Perk has become a global franchise. This is no big news, as places like London and Dubai have already featured the beloved Friends' inspired coffee house to adoring fans worldwide. (via Central Perk)
Last year September, to celebrate Friends' 15th Anniversary, Warner Bros had set up a 2-weeks only coffee shop called Central Perk in central London. (via Warner Bros) Likewise, a recent CNN article has confirmed a Central Perk replica in Beijing, which had memorable spot-on imitations such as the orange couch, bricked walls, bits of decoration, and the uncanny menu chalkboard.
Level of Interest: Fairly high. However I live in NYC and traveling all the way to Beijing for a "Central Perk" experience may be a little strange and a little on the not-worth-it side. Still, it is cool to know that somewhere out there, a Central Perk exists.
2. Bubba Gump
Inspiration: Forrest Gump, 1994 (Movie)
Background: Another successful franchise restaurant featuring Southern seafood cuisine. Based off of the renown classic Forrest Gump (1994), the restaurant came out after the movie around 1996. Containing "memorabilia" and obvious nods to Forrest Gump, the chain is known for its awesome customer service and fun atmosphere! (via Bubba Gump Co.)
Level of Interest: Somewhat moderate. I've been to one of these a long time ago. I suppose great fans of Forrest would have already visited anyways. If you crave seafood, there may be other worthwhile alternatives out there.
3. Willy Wonka's candy
Inspiration: Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 1964 (Book), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 1971 (Movie)
Background: I've always wondered what came first- Wonka candy bars or Dahl's famous book. Well the Internet is a great source for all questions and indeed- Dahl had been the indirect mastermind behind the marketing wonder of Wonka's delectable candies.
Wonka is a candy company owned by Nestle selling iconic candy worldwide. (via WillyWonkaCandyCo) Said to have been released the same time as the movie, the Wonka candy bar company seems exploit the wonders of Dahl's novel while outputting average candy into the market.
Level of Interest: Low. Perhaps it is the over-saturation of the Wonka brand with lackluster candy- something about it does not seem as special as it is portrayed in Dahl's chocolatey masterpiece.
Some Questions for y'all:
What other famous media-inspired food are out there? Do you think these franchises live up to the movie? Will you go to Beijing for a Friends experience?
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About the Author
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- From: Sandy
- About Me: Amateur food critc. Especially partial to desserts and medium-rare steak.
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Comments (5)
i loved friends, if i lived in new york city i'd totally go there just to be able to say i had.
I actually like the chocolate bars with the graham cracker cookie crumbs. I've been to Bubba Gumps, but you're right, there are better options for a seafood meal. It is fun to go to at least once. But living in Los Angeles, there's no shortage of places to go, things to do and see that has appeared in a movie. There are some movies that mention Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, now that is a place worthwhile for a fatty junk food fix.
Some of the Wonka products are interesting, but I get the idea that Nestle really doesn't know what to do with the brand.
I think the Wonka candy line could be great but so far the candy they've produced has been less than impressive.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co....GOD how I love their After the Storm Trash Bucket. I haven't had one in years. They're located here in Chicago at Navy Pier. the food is soooo addictive. I wish they had some frozen goodies I could order and eat at home!