91. SPINNING PLATES

a film about 3 very different restaurants.  the 7th best restaurant in the world, alinea, in chicago; a 150 year old establishment, breitbachs in iowa; a new mexican place, la cocina de gabby in tuscon.  each is followed in some detail, through successes and challenges, including finance, fire, and poor health.  it always amazes me the passion that goes into a successful restaurant....as well as long hours and a nearly obliteration of any personal life.  3 moving, personal stories as someone notes on the rotten tomatoes site.  all speak to the power of food; the power of coming together in a place of food.  from the very traditional, to the personal, to the far reaching molecular gastronomy approach, food speaks to people in very powerful ways.  i enjoy seeing the behind the scenes of restauranteuring.