28 May 2016

Weekend Cooking: For Grace (Documentary)

Weekend Cooking hosted by www.BethFishReads.comWeekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

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Review: For Grace (documentary) I don't even know how to begin to describe Mark Helenowski and Kevin Pang's amazing documentary For Grace, which focuses on Chicago chef Curtis Duffy and his move from working for someone else to opening his own restaurant.

Duffy's goal in life is nothing less than being the best in the world. You might think someone with that kind of drive could be a bit of a jerk, but Duffy turns out to be someone I'd be honored to work for, even though with my skills and experience, I'd have to be something completely unglamorous in the back rooms of his three-star restaurant, Grace. The documentary doesn't make Duffy out to be a saint but shows us there's a lot to admire.

Random thoughts:
  • If you didn't already know it, the restaurant business is damned hard, especially for those at the top and striving to be at the top.
  • It's possible to find success even with the worst of beginnings, especially if there is just one person who truly believes in you.
  • Curtis Duffy's food is absolutely stunning.
  • If you can watch this film without crying, I don't even know what to think.
For Grace is not just another food documentary about another chef and another restaurant;  instead, the film plays like a box-office movie. It's strong emotionally and visually and is sensitively and beautifully filmed and edited. I give For Grace my highest recommendation. Do not miss this. For those of you in the United States and UK, take advantage of this holiday weekend and sit down and stream this documentary.

Bravo to Mark Helenowski, Kevin Pang, and Curtis Duffy.


17 comments:

Mae Travels 5/28/16, 6:15 AM  

"For Grace" sounds like an exception to the usual quality and orientation of TV food shows. Though I did very much like two series that were made for Netflix (one on restaurants, the other on Pollan), I usually find cooking shows very hyper and not very enlightening about food or cooking. You definitely make this out as a change.

Happy Weekend Cooking!

mae at maefood.blogspot.com

bermudaonion 5/28/16, 6:47 AM  

This looks like something Carl would love. I'll have to tell him about it.

rhapsodyinbooks 5/28/16, 7:43 AM  

Every time I read or watch something about opening a restaurant, I am amazed at all the work and risk, and wonder how anyone could succeed!

Tina 5/28/16, 8:09 AM  

I'm glad you posted the clip, I will see if our library has the s or if I can inter library loan it.

jama 5/28/16, 8:18 AM  

Thanks for the heads up on this documentary. Will make a point of seeing it!

(Diane) bookchickdi 5/28/16, 8:25 AM  

Wow, you really loved this one. I think this is one my movie my husband and I can enjoy together.

Esme 5/28/16, 10:17 AM  

I really enjoy food movies. This will be on the list. Thank you.

Jackie McGuinness 5/28/16, 10:35 AM  

I watch a lot of cooking shows and can appreciate the work involved.

I am particularly addicted to My Kitchen Rules filmed in Australia and New Zealand. The home chefs begin competition cooking for 8-10 in their homes. It is hard work.

Katherine P 5/28/16, 10:37 AM  

This sounds really good! I always enjoy watching or reading about opening a restaurant though I have absolutely no desire to do so! I like that Duffy is portrayed as neither a villain or a saint.

Claudia 5/28/16, 11:45 AM  

Great, thanks for the heads up. I'll look forward to watching this as it's right up my interest alley:)

Deb in Hawaii 5/28/16, 11:49 AM  

It does sound like a wonderful film-I'm adding it to my foodie movie 'to watch' list. Thanks for sharing. ;-)

Margot 5/28/16, 11:50 AM  

This looks excellent. I'm so glad you shared it with us this weekend. This is the kind of documentary I love to watch.

Anonymous,  5/28/16, 5:01 PM  

This sounds excellent!

My husband and I are thinking of a trip to Chicago later this year. Perhaps I should add dinner at Grace to our itinerary...

Nan 5/28/16, 5:15 PM  

I'll put it in my queue. Thanks!

Joy 5/28/16, 7:01 PM  

This sounds good -- thanks!

Laurie C 5/29/16, 9:32 AM  

Wow! Quite a rave review! I will definitely watch this (with a box of tissues handy).

Heidenkind 5/31/16, 2:04 AM  

Thanks for,the recommendation! Will definitely watch this.

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