New York-based filmmaker Matt Bertles doubled his fun and pleasure while he was in SA last week collecting footage for a documentary on Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. Another of Bertles’ projects is capturing chefs on film, preferably candid in the kitchen. Damien Watel, fresh from the Del Golfo Al Pacifico road rally where he and driving partner Jerry Gore picked up a first-place medal, showed Bertles around his Ciao Lavanderia and Bistro Vatel kitchens, and with his preference for fresh, locally sourced food “was just perfect to work with.” The final destination for the short film will be talkingfood.com, an interactive guide where travelers can find local dining gems and recommend their own favorites for future features.
Bertles used to own a restaurant in Seattle, much like Bistro Vatel, he says, until a head injury from a bicycle accident dramatically affected his short-term memory. This summer, he and his crew are embarking on “a big, ugly roadtrip,” which includes another swing through Texas, with the goal of producing 52 films. “I’m not a foodie,” says Bertles, but like most travelers, “I’d like a good meal.”
Talkingfood.com should be live with a handful of films in June.
