Watch A Tale of Two Kitchens

A Tale of Two Kitchens is a heartfelt documentary from 2019 that explores the relationship between two restaurants, both owned by the renowned Mexican chef, Gabriela Cámara. The film takes an intimate look at the various cultural, economic, and social differences that exist between Contramar, located in Mexico City, and Cala, situated in San Francisco, through the eyes of their staff and patrons.

The documentary opens with stunning shots of Contramar, a bustling seafood restaurant in the heart of Mexico City. We are introduced to Gabriela Cámara, the owner, and her team of staff who all talk about the philosophy behind the restaurant. Contramar is not just a place to eat seafood - it's a place that celebrates the conviviality of Mexican culture. Gabriela shares that her goal is to create an environment where people can come and feel like they are part of a community. We see the beautiful and diverse people of Mexico City enjoying meals and conversations with friends and strangers alike.

The film then shifts its focus to Cala, the sister restaurant to Contramar, situated in the heart of San Francisco. Gabi and her team are shown in the prep kitchen preparing for the lunch service. As the staff works through their routines, the filmmaker interviews each of them, shedding light on the cultural differences that exist between the two countries. One common thread is that both restaurants pride themselves on using locally-sourced ingredients, with Cala staff sourcing their ingredients from farms in and around the Bay Area.

A Tale of Two Kitchens illustrates how these two cultures are intertwined at both restaurants. We see Mexican influences in Cala's decorations and in the ways the dishes are constructed. Meanwhile, Contramar's staff speaks highly of their highly-trained sommeliers and personalized service, indicating a sense of hospitality that is part of the Mexican culture.

The documentary also shows the struggles that come with running a successful restaurant, as both locations have gone through their fair share of problems. Contramar's oysters suffered from illness, while Cala faced issues related to rising rents in San Francisco. Through these problems, the staff on both sides of the border show an impressive resilience that makes their restaurants stronger over time.

At its core, A Tale of Two Kitchens takes us into the heart and soul of two highly celebrated restaurants and shows us how they've come to be so deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of their cities. It's a celebration of food, friendship, and the different cultures that make up our world. The film ends with a heartfelt message from Gabriela, thanking both her teams, and the cities that have welcomed them.

Overall, A Tale of Two Kitchens is a beautifully crafted documentary that shines a light on two restaurants that celebrate the human connection that good food, good company, and a sense of community create. It's a must-see for anyone who loves food and culture, and for those who want to experience the love and attention that goes into running a successful restaurant.

A Tale of Two Kitchens is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.