The 50th Seattle International Film Festival shines the spotlight on an eclectic lineup of independent movies May 9-19. Some of the most delicious features focus on food. Here’s what’s coming up for this year’s Culinary Cinema... with tips on where to dine before or after the show.
"Susan Feniger. FORKED", a film by Liz Lachman, was a fan favorite at the 35th Annual Palm Springs ... [+]
Susan Feniger. FORKED
There’s nothing novel about a behind-the-scenes look at a chef’s life, but this entertaining documentary serves up a look at a project that goes sideways. Let’s just say that groundbreaking chef Susan Feniger was ahead of the curve in her effort to introduce global street food to a new audience. Of course, she did her darnedest to make limonada out of lemons. The filmmaker Liz Lachman and FORKED’s celebrity chef star will be in Seattle for the two screenings.
Attend the May 15 screening for a trivia giveaway of a $75 giftcard toward a culinary class with SIFF community partners at The Pantry!
Dining rec: When it comes to street food in SEA, there’s nothing quite as well-seasoned as Where Ya At Matt, the New Orleans-inspired operation that makes regular rounds throughout the city. And while Marination started in 2009 as a food truck, there are now three locations throughout the city serving feel-good Hawaiian fare including Loco Moco and kimchi fried rice.
Rioja: The Land of A Thousand Wines
Cheers to this deep dive into Spain’s most beloved wine region. This José Luis Lopez-Linares film pulls back the curtain on grape growing and the process of creating these distinctive reds by interviewing winemakers, sommeliers, restaurateurs and enologists.
After the May 12 screening, the SIFF Lounge presented by Delta Air Lines will offer a guided wine tasting hosted by Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler. It’s complimentary for Festival pass holders. Day Passes available for entry to the SIFF Lounge for $30 ($25 SIFF members).
Dining rec: The Harvest Vine has been making diners happy for decades. Owner Carolin Messier is welcoming presence in the front of the house and executive chef Joey Serquinia and his team skillfully serve an extensive lineup of tapas and main plates such as Ibérico pork in a cider sauce. On May 16, there’s a special paella feast showcasing wines from Rioja.
Chicago restaurateur and Emmy winning TV personality Billy Dec travels to the Philippines to ... [+]
Food Roots
Chicago restaurateur and Emmy winning TV personality Billy Dec journeys to the Philippines to rediscover his ancestral heritage and documentarian Michele Josue captures the delicious discoveries along the way.
Director Michele Josue and producer Mike McNamara scheduled to attend the festival. The audience at the May 10 screening will have a chance to win tickets to the Wing Luke Museum, the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the United States, as well as prizes from Saint Bread.
Dining rec: Filipino food is so haute right now in Seattle. Melissa Miranda’s Musang is wildly popular, but temporarily closed, so head to Kilig and/or Wild Cat in the meantime. Also, check out the old school breakfast at Ludi’s at its new location near Pike Place Market and the gorgeous desserts at Hood Famous Bake Shop. Ube cheesecake? Yes, please!
June Squibb visits the IMDb Portrait Studio at Acura House of Energy on Location at Sundance 2024 on ... [+]
Very special brunch
While it’s not part of the official Culinary Cinema programming, food-loving film fans are not going to want to miss the brunch tribute to Academy Award nominee June Squibb at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11 at Palace Kitchen. The meal will be followed by a conversation with the star of “Nebraska” and “About Schmidt” and Variety's Jenelle Riley. Squibb’s latest film, “Thelma”, is opening the film festival on May 9.
“SIFF is ecstatic to celebrate June Squibb’s work by presenting her with the 2024 Seattle International Film Festival’s Golden Space Needle Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema” says Beth Barrett, SIFF’s Artistic Director on the SIFF website. “Over her decades-long career, Squibb has cultivated exceptional skill in her craft. Her magnetism and charisma shines through her many memorable roles and her work in Thelma is no exception.”
For information on purchasing tickets, check out the official SIFF website.
