City Of Gold

City of Gold is a compelling 2015 documentary that focuses on the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold. Directed by accomplished filmmaker Laura Gabbert, whose previous works include No Impact Man and Sunset Story, City of Gold offers a vivid portrait of a city as seen through the eyes of a food critic fascinated by its diverse culinary offerings.

The film features appearances from influential chefs and food personalities such as David Chang and Roy Choi, who share their experiences and perspectives within the food industry. Despite focusing on Gold and his career, the documentary revolves around the metropolis of Los Angeles as its central character, a town that has long been maligned in the abstract but is infinitely compelling when looked at closely. An engaging homage to both Gold and the city he loved, City of Gold offers a unique window into the culinary world of Los Angeles, as well as into the life of one of its most beloved citizens.

From the Afghan food joints tucked away in strip malls to high-end fine dining experiences, the film explores the vast range of food cultures that populate the city. Jonathan Gold, the first food critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for his work, stands at the center of this rich tapestry. The film looks at Gold's unique approach to food criticism, one that favoured 'hole-in-the-wall' restaurants and food trucks over more traditional fine dining establishments, which he asserted offered the true heartbeat of the city.

City of Gold goes beyond merely profiling a food critic's career; it explores the marriage of food, culture, and identity, taking us on a journey that is as much about the inhabitants as it is about their food. It provides an understanding of how food serves as a social equalizer and cultural connector, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. Through Gold's writings and this documentary, food is presented as a channel of understanding cultural diversity, and thereby, humanity.

The film encompasses how food permeates both the personal and public life of a city which commands the attention of the global entertainment industry and offers a timely examination of both the food industry and journalism. Gold's restaurant reviews not only influenced where LA residents ate but also shaped how many people viewed the city's various cultures. Gold was a champion of immigrant-owned "mom and pop" establishments that culminated in an authentic, representative picture of Los Angeles and its rich multicultural tapestry.

Jonathan Gold's in-depth knowledge and love for Los Angeles food and culture shines brightly in every frame of City of Gold, reflected in each mouth-watering dish and in the culinary enthusiasm he shared. The film presents how he went about his work, talking to cooks, understanding their motives and ambitions, thus showcasing the intimate connection between reviewer, the food, and the metropolis that served it.

City of Gold carries a beautiful sentiment and an appreciation for culture through food, serving love in a platter garnished generously with nostalgia, charm, and warmth. The film is beautifully shot, fluidly moving between intimate sit-down interviews with Gold and sweeping scenic shots of the diverse landscape of Los Angeles.

Despite the inherent focus on food and culinary criticism, at its core, City of Gold is a love letter to Los Angeles. The iconic city is seen in a new light through the lens of this documentary that uncovers its elusive soul, hidden behind its sprawling urban landscape, through its food. City of Gold delves into the immense diversity of Los Angeles, highlighting the presiding function of meals in unifying the city's varied cultural population.

The charm of City of Gold lies in the visionary conception of the late Jonathan Gold, who helped redefine food criticism by using food as a lens to explore culture, society, and the human experience. In essence, it is an appealing and enriching chronicle that touches upon the universal language of food and its power to bridge divides, foster appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds, and generate understanding. City of Gold celebrates the spirit that Gold brought to his profession as a pioneering food critic, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire.