Watch Florent: Queen of the Meat Market

Florent: Queen of the Meat Market is a documentary film that explores the life of Florent Morellet, owner of Florent, a French diner located in the Meatpacking district of New York City. The film is directed by David Sigal and produced by Kate Johnson, and it features interviews with Florent and several of his friends, including cross-dresser and performance artist Joey Arias, comedian Nora Burns, and erotic talk-show host Robin Byrd.

The movie takes us on a journey through the history of Florent's iconic diner, which was a mainstay in the Meatpacking district for over 20 years. Florent speaks candidly about his early days in the restaurant business, including how he got his start serving food to the sex workers and truckers that frequented the area at the time. He also talks about his artistic background and how he used his love of art to decorate the diner with colorful murals and paintings.

Throughout the film, we get to see Florent in action as he lovingly prepares classic French dishes like steak frites and moules marinieres for his loyal customers. We also get to see him interact with his staff, including the flamboyant hostess Bunny, who is a fan favorite among diners.

As the film progresses, we start to learn more about the challenges that Florent faced over the years. For one thing, his restaurant was in danger of being closed down due to the increasing gentrification of the Meatpacking district. Florent fought back against this by organizing rallies and even running for local office, but ultimately he was forced to close his doors in 2008.

The documentary also touches on some of the personal struggles that Florent faced over the years, including his battles with alcoholism and his HIV-positive status. Through it all, Florent comes across as a resilient and charismatic figure, one who embodies the spirit of New York City.

In addition to Florent himself, the film features several other prominent New Yorkers who were regulars at the diner, including artists, writers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. They all speak passionately about how Florent's diner was a place where they felt accepted and celebrated.

One of the highlights of the film is the footage of Florent's final party, held on the last night that the diner was open. The party was a wild, emotional affair, with dozens of customers and friends packed into the diner to say goodbye. In one memorable scene, Florent takes to the microphone and leads the crowd in a rousing rendition of "New York, New York."

Overall, Florent: Queen of the Meat Market is a touching and entertaining portrait of an iconic New York institution and the man who ran it. It's a film that celebrates the city's diversity and resilience, and it's sure to make audiences nostalgic for the days when the Meatpacking district was a little less gentrified and a little more wild. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or just a fan of New York City history, this movie is not to be missed.

Florent: Queen of the Meat Market is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.