The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) returns again this weekend with the creative and delicious CineCHEF competition on Friday, March 3rd @ 5pm.
Since the festival started in 2005, BIFF co-founder, Kathy Beek, along with her sister Robin, have wanted to integrate the festival with Boulder chefs who have successfully put Boulder cuisine on the map. However, in past years, the festival used to be on Valentine’s weekend, so they found it difficult to involve the restaurants because chefs were already pretty busy at the time.
When the festival moved to early March a few years ago, it was the perfect opportunity, Kathy said, “…To reach out and involve the culinary stars of Boulder, and marry great film with great food! The [BIFF] program typically includes documentaries and feature films that explore food culture in different ways. Since food and film so naturally intersect, we have created an experience for our foodie fans.”
And it’s likely to be quite the experience. Before Friday’s film, Boulders’ top chefs will compete with each other by creating dishes based on a movie that inspired, delighted or simply entertained them. While I had a sneak peak at the planned menus earlier today – there will be no spoilers here!
What I will say is that you can expect to indulge in a diverse range of expertly crafted dishes reflecting great movies such as La La Land, Ratatouille, Pulp Fiction, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, and Silence of the Lambs (Fava beans and nice glass of Chianti, anyone?). All while sipping on Francis Ford Coppola wines and mingling with the chefs and other guests.
This years film is Ella Brennan: Commanding the Table, (shown above) – a celebration of the renowned chef and restauranteur who brought New Orleans cooking to the world and paved the way for a the current era of celebrity chefs. Ella has been dubbed “The Queen of Cuisine.”
As if you need more inspiration, we’ve compiled a the list of Chef’s competing below. Oh – and one more thing – if you plan to attend make sure to use the discount code Insider2017 to get $20 off the regular price. You’re welcome – and – see you there!
When: Friday, March 3, 2017 from 5-7pm
Where: Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery and Event Center (1301 Spruce)
Tickets: Purchase here
Laurent Mechin Executive Chef and Culinary Director, Jill’s Restaurant [Winner of CineCHEF 2016]
Jen Bush Pastry Chef, Lucky’s Bakehouse and Creamery
Sam Parrett Chef de Cuisine, Jax Fish House
Steven Redzikowski Chef/Owner, OAK on 14th
John Platt Chef/Proprietor, Riffs Urban Fare
Daniel Asher, Chef/Partner, River and Woods
Salvatore Proia, Chef, PMG
Kevin Kidd, Proprietor & Executive Chef, 24 Carrot
