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Lunch with Hollywood Food Stylist, Susan Spungen, of Eat Pray Love

Hollywood's Food Stylist, Susan Spungen, of Eat Pray Love
Eat Pray Love – Food Coordinator & Stylist, Susan Spungen

Hollywood’s premier food stylist, Susan Spungen, was the food coordinator for movie greats like, Julia & Julia and It’s Complicated.    She recently attended a luncheon to discuss her latest experiences working on the set of this year’s movie, Eat Pray Love, based on the Elizabeth Gilbert’s New York Times bestseller book.

The event included about 15 food and Mommy bloggers from Southern California and was held over a beautifully presented lunch in Brentwood’s Vincenti Ristorante (an elegant Italian restaurant in reference and honor of the memorable and deliciously styled food scenes from the movie that took place in Italy).   A last minute honor for attendees also included the film’s producer, Dede Gardner (President of Plan B Entertainment).

Susan has worked in the food industry as a cook, food stylist, recipe developer, editor and author.   She was the food editor for a then newer publication, Martha Stewart Living, for 12 years before going freelance.

Admittedly, I have yet to read the book but have enjoyed the DVD several times over already!    I have my favorite scenes, many memorable quotes and enjoyed the role that food plays in the movie.   In Gilbert’s book and movie based on her memoirs, she heads to Italy to find the enjoyment and passions of eating again.     The food scenes in Italy are delectably stunning and Susan is the creative force behind it.

At the luncheon, I wanted to hear about specifics and technical aspects of Susan’s food styling expertise.   I managed to steal in a couple of questions with one in regards to the “spaghetti scene.”   It’s just one of several pivotal moments from the movie and I wanted the scoop on:

  • How many plates of spaghetti did it take to complete the scene?    It only took a couple, which is not as many as I would’ve thought…
  • How did she style it?   Susan shared that the plate of spaghetti was styled by using her hands, no tweezers.  The director, Ryan Murphy, was specific about how it was represented in the book – down to the basil.    I could probably try styling spaghetti like that for a month and not achieve what it looked like in that scene before Julia Roberts chows down on it.

Hollywood's Food Stylist, Susan Spungen, of Eat Pray Love

Within the three movies that she was involved in, I was wondering if there were glimpses of her in any of the scenes as maybe an extra or passerbyer, etc.    Interestingly, Susan’s hands are used as doubles in several scenes…I’ll give you a hint – it has to do with poultry.

Some other fun tidbits from the Eat Pray Love movie:  The scenes in Italy are taking place in Fall, or cooler weather months so the actors are wearing sweaters, hats and coats.   The reality is that they were working in over 100 degree weather!   I can only imagine other challenges in such warm weather when working with the food so that it doesn’t spoil or appear wilted.   Also, the scene of Elizabeth (Julia Roberts) and Giovanni (Luca Argentero) enjoying those gorgeous, cheese-filled squash blossoms, posed a challenge to make it look like cheesy-oozy goodness.   To get that desired effect for the camera, taleggio was used instead of mozzarella!

Producer of Eat Pray Love - Dede Gardner
Eat Pray Love – Producer, Dede Gardner

I asked Susan if she conducts workshops on food styling.   Wouldn’t it be invaluable and interesting to attend an intense  workshop on the subject of food styling for print publication and movies/video?    Who better to learn from than Susan?     She was open to the idea and that has my mind spinning….Would anyone else be interested in such a workshop too (please express your interests in comments)?

At the end of this article, I’m providing some additional links to interviews and insights of Susan’s work…one as recent as a couple of days ago on December 10th, 2010 (the day of the luncheon) that was featured on Access Hollywood featuring Holiday Appetizers.

Dede Gardner is the film’s producer and President of Plan B Entertainment (owned by actor, Brad Pitt).    She has a long list of impressive credits, including:  The Time Traveler’s Wife, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.   She is also the producer of the soon-to-be-released film, The Tree of Life, (2011) starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.

It was a memorable afternoon that went by too quickly and it was a pleasure to meet new faces and catch up with some familiar ones. If you were at the luncheon and we didn’t get to meet, please introduce yourself.  Shout-outs to fellow luncheon guests:

Memorable movie quotes…

“Sometimes to lose balance for love…is part of living balance in life.“

Ketut

“dolce far niente!“

Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing”  – as shared by Giovanni and Luca Spaghetti

Eat Pray Love - DVD & Blu-Ray
Much appreciation to…

Cristina D., Staci G., Kayla K., and Karen P. for organizing an enjoyable afternoon for the group;

Susan and Dede for being so warm and approachable – for sharing your stories and insights;

Maureen, owner of Vincenti Ristorante, and her fine personnel who never had us in want of anything because they took care of us so well and never let my red wine glass go empty.     Salute!    (Italian for “To good health and well-being”).  Maureen’s restaurant served us a beautiful and delicious Italian lunch that included a Butter Lettuce Salad with these amazing Warm Polenta Croutons (which I must find out how to make!) and four gorgeous artisanal pizzas.   I’m including the delicious details:

  • Pizza with housemade Sausage, fresh Porcini, Mozzarella and Black Truffles (those truffles were amazing!).
  • Pizza with Bufala Mozzarella, Fresh Cherry Tomatoes and Basil (my favorite)
  • White Pizza with Artichokes, Burrata Cheese, Zucchini Flowers (my first time trying zucchini blossoms and loved it!) and Prosciutto Crudo
  • Pizza with Assorted Vegetables and Mozzarella

Also, an appetizer was served with a tomato and what I think was Bufala Mozzarella, drizzled with a vinaigrette and seasoned olive oil (or was it pesto?) – beautifully presented.    I’m featuring images of the luncheon below.

The movie is available now on both DVD/Blu-RayTM and includes both the Theatrical and Never-Before Seen Director’s Cut versions of the film. The Blu-RayTM edition includes some extra featurettes.

[Click on an image to easily browse image-set.]

Related Articles and Interviews on Food Styling with Susan:

Disclosure: I attended a luncheon hosted by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in relation to the DVD/Blu-RayTM release of the movie, Eat Pray Love. I am under no obligation to write or share favorable or specific details about the movie.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Pachecopatty says

    I loved your write up Cristina and enjoyed the photos as well. The menu for the luncheon looked good and how inspirational to be surrounded by so many talented accomplished people:)

  3. kendall says

    wow, what a special experience! I am considering getting involved in the culinary arts and am always toying with the many options for career paths. A food stylist sounds like it would be amazing. If you have any questions about any other types of careers, check out my site.

  5. Joanne says

    Wow, this sounds like it was such an amazing experience!!! I’m jealous =) I’m living in a really small town for the next 2 years and I wish we could have something like this. Btw, your photography is gorgeous!

    • Cristina - Teenie Cakes says

      LOL! Angie – Thanks for sharing you are enjoying the movie. Truth be told…I liked it even more the second time I watched it and I scene selected many times to parts where I thought the dialog was really profound. 🙂

  13. Samantha says

    Julia and Julia is one of my favorite movies and so I hope to see this movie soon. I wanted to see with girlfriends but never worked out. A food styling workshop sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing these tidbits and articles on food styling. btw like how you did the picture slideshow.

  14. Stephanie says

    What an amazing opportunity! And the variety of pizzas offered looked awesome. Actually, just reading about all that fresh mozzarella made my mouth water. Love that stuff.

  16. Emily Z says

    What an amazing and enriching experience that must have been! So cool! I have not seen Eat, Pray, Love but I have been meaning to… I think reading this post is a sign I need to do it ASAP! I also have not seen Julie & Julia, but that is another one on my list of movies to see. They both look so good, I just don’t often take the time to sit down and watch movies by myself, and these are not the kind of movies my husband would willingly watch with me!

    • Cristina - Teenie Cakes says

      Emily…these are easy fixes – start dropping hints and post-its for Julie & Julia and Eat Pray Love to be under the holiday tree this year. 😉

      I know what you mean about movies for Hubbs to enjoy too (it’s a compromise…mostly on his part). :o)

  17. Angie's Recipes says

    What a fun event!
    I have not seen the movie, but now I am going to get a DVD..thanks, Cristina, for sharing all the interesting experiences and for this great write-up.

  18. RKM says

    What a great opportunity to meet people in the business. You have a way in your writing that makes people feel they are there with you, what a gift. I have not seen the movie, but will go out and get it now. Thank you for sharing this with everyone.

  20. GourmetGetaways says

    Wow!! I can’t imagine having the opportunity to meet the food stylist for Martha Stewart and now “Eat, Pray, Love” brilliant. Such a great experience and a brilliant story. I find food styling very, very difficult even at my basic level! I love your site. I will be a regular.

  22. Evan @swEEts says

    How cool! I am so incredibly jealous of your opportunity.. that is really amazing. And such great bloggers in tow as well 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience!

  24. Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says

    Wow Cristina, what an amazing opportunity. I can’t believe you got to have lunch with the food stylist from Eat Pray Love! And how fun that you got to have lunch with so many amazing bloggers! I definitely think she should do a workshop! 🙂

  25. whatsfordinneracrossstatelines says

    Wow Christina, how come I never get invited to anything this great! How lucky were you to meet the producer, stylist and hang with fellow awesome bloggers! I must be on the D list. I’d love to go to a workshop if it was online, I don’t get to L.A. much.
    -Gina-

  28. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says

    I just saw the movie a few days ago and these are SUCH interesting tid-bits about the food styling! What an incredible opportunity to sit down with a pro like Susan. Thanks so much for taking these notes and sharing them with us, Cristina. It sounds like you are well on your way to a creative career in food yourself! 🙂

  29. Liren says

    What a wonderful luncheon, Cristina! I agree that it if Susan Spungen were to teach a food styling seminar, there would be a keen interest in what she has to offer. I’m so glad you had a wonderful time and got to enjoy it in such good company.

  30. Sara says

    What a great group of people you got to meet! I’m going to look for the other bloggers’ posts too! And for sure looking forward to see Greg’s kitchen (i’ve already seen a couple of pictures and looks amazing!

  32. Judy says

    What a fun sounding event. If I happened to be in Southern California, I’d love a food styling event. I get there about once a month, maybe the timing would work out….

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