Spinning Plates

Spinning Plates is a highly unique and captivating documentary film initially released in 2012, directed by Joseph Levy. The film delves into the world of food and restaurants while serving an underlying narrative about life, passion, love, and resilience. The top-billed stars are renowned chefs and restaurant owners such as Grant Achatz, Mike Breitbach and Cindy Breitbach.

Imagine a story that revolves around three incomparable restaurants and the incredible people who make them what they are. These establishments range from the ultimate sophistication of a world-renowned high-end restaurant, to a century-old community stronghold, and an ambitious family attempting to make their mark with a unique dining idea. Spinning Plates explores the world of each of these restaurants, the people behind them, and the communities they serve.

First off, you have Alinea, a Chicago-based, award-winning restaurant helmed by chef Grant Achatz. Grant is a culinary wizard, known for his boundary-pushing approach to gastronomy and his obsessive dedication to the dining experience. He battles a life-altering personal crisis that could end his career and changes the way he views food and life.

Next, the film takes you to Breitbach's Country Dining based in Balltown, Iowa. The restaurant is a lifeline and social hub for the small town land has been owned and operated by the Breitbach family for over 150 years. Mike and Cindy Breitbach proudly maintain this comforting beacon for their town, despite having faced unthinkable disasters. Their struggle and unwavering resilience to keep their legacy alive paint a telling picture of a genuine community spirit.

Finally, you're introduced to La Cocina de Gabby, a Mexican restaurant in Tucson, Arizona owned by the Martinez family. They bet their dreams and future on the restaurant, putting all their heart and soul into every dish they serve. Despite their commitment and the unique, enticing tastes they offer, business is slow, and the family is on the edge of desperate financial hardship.

The food in each of these establishments varies wildly—ranging from state-of-the-art gastronomy at Alinea to soul-warming country staples at Breitbach's, and hearty, traditional Mexican cuisine at La Cocina de Gabby. However, at its core, Spinning Plates isn't just about the food; it's about the indomitable spirit of people who live to express their creativity, serve their communities, and hold tight to their dreams despite the odds.

Spinning Plates portrays the mastery and innovation that go into crafting culinary masterpieces. It gives viewers a glimpse into the grueling hours and intense pressure of running a restaurant, yet importantly, it also shows the utter joy that comes from creating food that brings people together.

The film is a banquet for the senses, presenting breathtaking culinary imagery coupled with personal, heart-touching narratives. It effectively juxtaposes the varying stories of struggle behind the beautiful art of preparing and serving food.

Moreover, Spinning Plates is about more than the artistry of food and the restaurants' stories. Each narrative reveals life's frailties, strengths, tragedies, and triumphs while subtly cautioning viewers that life—as in the restaurant business—can be precarious, challenging, but rewarding. The overarching theme of determination despite adversity resonates throughout.

In this beautifully filmed and emotionally resonant documentary, foodies can enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes look at a handful of America's most intriguing culinary endeavors. It's an engaging exploration, caters to the taste of any food and film lover, and stirs up poignant reminders about the powerful role of food in our lives.

Spinning Plates is a testament to the strength of the human spirit when it comes to pursuing one's passions in the face of adversity. It is a film that will pique your interest whether or not you're a culinary enthusiast. It's a tale that reminds us how food and restaurants contribute to our shared human experience, weaving stories of perseverance, aspiration, togetherness, and love.

Whether you're drawn to the world of gastronomy or the rich spectrum of human storytelling, Spinning Plates offers a well-rounded, succulent piece of cinema. It's a film that enchants, exhilarates, and in its unique way, truly feeds the soul.