Film Focus: Big Night

To celebrate our current spring/summer film-inspired “Rough Cut” edition every week I will be posting clips from the movies that inspired the recipes and our contributors. First up, an anecdote that didn’t make it in the issue from chef Jenn Louis of Lincoln Restaurant and Sunshine Tavern in Portland, Oregon, about her favorite big screen food moment.

“In Big Night, I love the conversations that take place about authenticity versus likeability, running a family business, and, of course, the food. The risotto in the film reminds me of the ones we have in the kitchen at my restaurants and at home. Risotto wasn’t a popular dish in that time period, but it was a case of authenticity winning out—taking that thing people don’t know about and keeping with tradition. I feel that way about gnocchi, and all the interesting kinds that people who are used to the potato or ricotta varieties don’t know about. Sometimes it’s risky to introduce a lesser-known variety on your menu because you run the risk of disappointing customers, but it’s important to keep that tradition alive. And, often, it’s a great success.”

—Jenn Louis, chef and owner of Lincoln Restaurant and Sunshine Tavern in Portland, OR