This week (Sept 30 – October 4) the San Diego Film Festival had several screenings (and parties) that took place downtown at the Reading Gaslamp Cinemas and at the Arclight Cinemas in La Jolla.
I was so fortunate enough through my work with That’s My E to be able to attend some screenings.
Now, I don’t know if San Diego Film Festival had a culinary track last year, they certainly did this year. I will most certainly attend next year, especially if they have the Culinary Cinema again!
I have been looking forward to this for a few days.
The featured films for the Culinary Cinema were:
King Georges
Cooking up a Tribute
Both amazing documentaries. First, we discuss King Georges:
King Georges is a film about Georges Perrier, a respected, renown French Chef since 1967. Owner of Le Bec Fin, an elegant French restaurant in Philadelphia. Le Bec Fin opened in 1970 and closed its doors in 2010.
Here is a snippet of Erika Frankel at the Traverse City Festival in July 2015
During that time, Georges was (is, honestly) an award winning chef and amazing saucier.
Saucier is one who makes sauces as an art. A quote that sticks with me: “To be a great chef, you must be a great saucier” (quoted from Chef Bernard Guillas of The Marine Room- I do believe he mentioned someone else saying the same thing).
In the film, you see Georges being hard on his staff, not because he enjoyed it. Because, as he said, he wants them to be better. Watching the behind the scenes, creating phenomenal dishes, it is so sure to get your mouth to water. Words like “duck” and “wine sauce”, and learning the term “galette” and to not burn them unless there is butter on them and a very watchful eye. I love to watch a chef’s passion. Hard work, blood, sweat and tears go into running a restaurant.
As a blogger, food lover and consumer, I can only imagine the hard work it takes to create dishes for our tasting. I know that I don’t have the patience, but most certainly appreciate the Chefs who put their passion into their dishes.
In the film, we also learn that his Chef de Cuisine, Nicholas Elmi, became his partner, then when the doors closed, he went on the Bravo TV show, Top Chef and won. He opened his restaurant, Laurel, where Georges consults for him from time to time.
Here is the trailer for the wonderful film we watched today!
I learned about the Chaine des rotisseurs (and wondering why I am not a member!!) one of the oldest group of culinarians. Literally, the first foodies (I am so inspired)!!!
This was an amazing film!
I previously posted a post asking how you (as the reader and consumer) enjoy food. You should take a read to it. It definitely circles to this one.
After the film, there was a Q&A Panel with Chef Yannick Engerran and Chef Bernard Guillas, as well as Fernando Garciola and Tru Miller. The panel discussed food and wine pairings. The wine pairings were from Baja, mainly the Valle de Guadalupe. The winery, Adobe Guadalupe named after archangels. I need to make a visit south of the border. There are 150 wineries in existence. SO MUCH wine!!!
The wine tastings we had were Gabriel and Kerubiel. Beautifully blended reds. Smooth and aromatic.
Here is a photo of the panel after the first film. Chef Yannick came in ten minutes later.
L to R: Fernando Garciola, Tru Miller, Chef Bernard Guillas and Hal Small
Chef Bernard Guillas of The Marine Room
Chef Bernard is 1 of 2 French Masters here in San Diego.
Some great questions were asked: How do the chefs think how true are food shows to the craft?
Chef Bernard felt that the Food Network is a great platform to showcase chefs where Chef Yannick felt that it is good for those who cannot cook, but believes that the smell and flavors in the kitchen needs to stay real.
After the Q&A, we were guided to the hallway where we were able to taste some AMAZING delectables.
Chef Yannick – European Champion Foie Grasa and Maitre Saucier
Chef Bernard
Foie Gras slightly dipped in chocolate
My tasting with Kerubiel to wash it down.
The Foie gras with fig was amazing. It just MELTS in your mouth. I am so glad it is back in San Diego, foie gras that is. The sandwich, chicken with mayonnaise and something added, fantastic!
There was so much food to snack and pair. By the way, the Paoloni, a Chenin Blanc was added. Notes of honey, perfect to pair with foie gras. Both reds: Gabriel and Kerubiel were beautiful. So smooth.
I was so eager to get into the second film, I must have been such a bother to the volunteers.
I hope the Film Festival does something like this again next year. This was amazing and so worth the ticket!!
Movie
Top 5 Ryan Reynolds Movies You Need to Watch Right Now
Ryan Reynolds has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, known for his quick wit, charm, and ability to effortlessly switch between comedy, action, and heartfelt moments. With a career spanning multiple genres, Reynolds has delivered some truly iconic performances. Here’s a rundown of the top five Ryan Reynolds movies that every fan should watch, filled with SEO keywords to help you discover them easily.
1. Deadpool (2016)
Ryan Reynolds found his career-defining role as the wise-cracking antihero Deadpool, and the movie became a game-changer for superhero films. With its R-rated humor, brutal action sequences, and Reynolds’ perfectly timed one-liners, Deadpool is a must-watch for fans of comic book movies. Reynolds’ portrayal of Wade Wilson/Deadpool is the perfect blend of his trademark sarcasm and heart, making it one of his most beloved performances.
2. The Proposal (2009)
In this romantic comedy, Ryan Reynolds stars alongside Sandra Bullock as Andrew Paxton, an assistant who agrees to a fake engagement with his demanding boss to help her avoid deportation. The Proposal showcases Reynolds’ comedic timing, and his chemistry with Bullock elevates the film to one of the best romantic comedies of the 2000s. Reynolds’ charm and humor make it a standout in his filmography, and fans of rom-coms shouldn’t miss it.
3. Free Guy (2021)
In Free Guy, Reynolds plays Guy, a non-playable character (NPC) in a video game who gains self-awareness and decides to take control of his own destiny. The film combines action, comedy, and a surprisingly heartfelt story about finding your purpose. Reynolds’ performance is both funny and endearing, making Free Guy one of his best films in recent years. Fans of video games, action-comedies, and feel-good films will love it.
4. Buried (2010)
Buried is a tense thriller that features Ryan Reynolds in a solo performance, trapped in a coffin with only a cell phone and lighter. The film is a masterclass in suspense, and Reynolds’ gripping portrayal of a man fighting for his life showcases his dramatic acting chops. Buried is a must-watch for fans who want to see Reynolds in a more serious, intense role.
5. 6 Underground (2019)
In Michael Bay’s action-packed 6 Underground, Reynolds leads a team of vigilantes who fake their own deaths to take down notorious criminals. The film is pure adrenaline, filled with high-octane action sequences and Reynolds’ signature humor. If you’re looking for a fun, explosive action movie with witty banter, 6 Underground is the perfect choice for a thrilling movie night.
Honorable Mentions:
Deadpool 2 (2018): Reynolds continues to shine in this hilarious and action-packed sequel, cementing his role as the ultimate antihero.
Detective Pikachu (2019): Ryan Reynolds voices the adorable Pikachu in this family-friendly adventure, bringing humor and heart to the beloved Pokémon character.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017): An action-comedy where Reynolds teams up with Samuel L. Jackson for a wild, thrilling ride.
Ryan Reynolds’ versatility as an actor shines through in each of these films, whether he’s playing an action hero, a romantic lead, or tackling more serious roles. From Deadpool to Buried, his unique blend of charisma and talent keeps audiences coming back for more. Make sure to add these top five Ryan Reynolds movies to your watchlist!
TV
Top 5 Performances of John C. McGinley: A Versatile Actor with Unforgettable Roles
John C. McGinley has built a career filled with dynamic, memorable performances across film and television. With his sharp comedic timing, intense dramatic prowess, and remarkable versatility, McGinley has earned a loyal fan base. From iconic TV roles to scene-stealing film appearances, this talented actor has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Here’s a look at the top five performances of John C. McGinley that every fan should revisit.
1. Dr. Perry Cox – Scrubs
No list of John C. McGinley’s best roles is complete without mentioning Scrubs and his portrayal of the no-nonsense, cynical, yet oddly lovable Dr. Perry Cox. Over the course of the show’s nine seasons, McGinley brought depth to what could have been a one-dimensional, sarcastic character. His performance fluctuated between gut-wrenching monologues on the realities of the medical profession and rapid-fire insults delivered with razor-sharp precision. Fans loved his dynamic relationship with J.D. (Zach Braff), especially the heartwarming moments that showed Cox’s mentor-like role.
2. Bob Slydell – Office Space
In Mike Judge’s cult classic Office Space (1999), McGinley plays Bob Slydell, one half of “The Bobs,” two management consultants brought in to downsize the company. His dry, deadpan delivery as he calmly discusses firing employees is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. Though McGinley’s screen time is limited, his performance remains one of the most quoted and memorable aspects of the film, contributing to Office Space’s enduring popularity in pop culture.
3. Sergeant O’Neill – Platoon
McGinley’s role as the tough and morally conflicted Sergeant O’Neill in Platoon (1986) earned him critical acclaim. In Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning Vietnam War film, McGinley stands out among a stellar ensemble cast, including Charlie Sheen and Willem Dafoe. His portrayal of O’Neill, who shifts between opportunism and fear as the war intensifies, is powerful and haunting. This role marked McGinley’s breakout in Hollywood, showcasing his range in serious, dramatic parts.
4. Stanley Miller – Stan Against Evil
In this underrated horror-comedy series, McGinley plays Stanley Miller, a retired small-town sheriff reluctantly pulled back into battling demons after his wife’s death. Stan Against Evil blends humor with supernatural elements, and McGinley’s comedic timing is on full display. His character is gruff and often surly, but the way McGinley balances Stanley’s grumpiness with heartfelt moments of vulnerability makes this performance a standout in his career.
5. FBI Agent Ben Harp – Point Break
In Point Break (1991), McGinley plays the by-the-book FBI Agent Ben Harp, who’s tasked with overseeing the young undercover agent Johnny Utah, played by Keanu Reeves. McGinley’s role is small, but his performance is unforgettable as the humorless, hard-nosed superior who has no patience for Utah’s laid-back, surfer persona. His iconic line “Young, dumb, and full of…” has become a classic in action movie history.
Honorable Mentions:
Dr. Cox’s Real Talk Moments in Scrubs: Some of McGinley’s best scenes come from his character’s vulnerable, often brutally honest speeches. Fans of Scrubs will recognize his mix of humor and emotion, which made Dr. Cox unforgettable.
John C. McGinley in The Rock: His role as Captain Hendrix in The Rock (1996) shows his ability to stand out in action-packed, ensemble casts.
John C. McGinley’s career is a testament to his versatility and talent. Whether playing a grumpy doctor, a slick FBI agent, or a worn-out war veteran, McGinley commands attention every time he’s on screen. His ability to switch between comedy and drama with ease is what sets him apart, and it’s why fans continue to revisit his best performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, these five performances are the perfect way to appreciate the incredible range of John C. McGinley.
Streaming
What to Expect from the New Season of Squid Game: Thrills, Twists, and High Stakes
The highly anticipated new season of Squid Game is set to deliver even more nail-biting suspense and shocking twists that fans of the global phenomenon have come to love. As the series returns, viewers can expect an escalation in the deadly games, with new challenges that push participants to their physical and psychological limits.
In this season, the stakes are higher than ever as a new group of contestants enters the arena, each with their own desperate reasons for participating. The games are more dangerous, the alliances more fragile, and the betrayals more heartbreaking. With the introduction of new characters and deeper insights into the shadowy organization behind the games, Season 2 promises to expand the *Squid Game* universe in unexpected ways.
The creators have teased that the upcoming challenges will be more complex and terrifying, testing not only the contestants’ physical endurance but also their moral boundaries.
Expect to see returning characters facing new dilemmas, as well as fresh faces whose backstories will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.
The new season is rumored to feature shocking revelations about the origins of the games and the true motivations of the game’s organizers, ensuring that fans remain on the edge of their seats.
Squid Game has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, and Season 2 is poised to take these elements to the next level. Fans can brace themselves for a roller-coaster of emotions as the game continues with even more at stake.