Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger’s Inspiring Documentary “FORKED” at NB Film Fest
Susan Feniger, a beloved and trailblazing celebrity chef based in Los Angeles, known for her iconic restaurants Border Grill and Socalo, continues to shatter ceilings and pave the way for women across all industries. In a groundbreaking new documentary titled "FORKED," written, directed, and produced entirely by a talented all-female team, Feniger's remarkable story is brought to life.
Scheduled for its West Coast Premiere at the Newport Beach Film Fest on October 17, this star-studded event at the Resort at Pelican Hill will be preceded by a lively open-to-the-public celebration at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate with Feniger, director Liz Lachman, the cast, and friends, all while savoring Feniger’s distinctive culinary creations and engaging in a brief moderated Q&A session.
For an all-inclusive reception experience priced at $150, guests gain access to both the film and the celebratory gathering, whereas film-only passes are available at $20. Interested individuals can secure their tickets and obtain more information at newportbeachfilmfest.com. Following the West Coast Premiere, the film will tour various cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles (LA Femme Film Festival, Oct 19-22), San Diego, and Ojai, offering screenings and celebratory dining events.
Directed by Liz Lachman, a renowned filmmaker and Emmy Award winner, "FORKED" delves into Susan Feniger's life, chronicling her groundbreaking journey in the culinary world as she embarks on opening her first solo restaurant. The film sheds light on her transformative influence in the gastronomic landscape, her forward-thinking approach, and the challenges and triumphs encountered in launching Street in Los Angeles. Feniger and Lachman describe it as "a story of reinvention, not just the possibility of failure, but how to rise beyond it."
The documentary intriguingly aligns with the pop-culture phenomenon "The Bear," providing an entertaining and authentic perspective on the restaurant industry, complete with cameos by notable figures such as Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay.
A significant aspect of the film showcases Feniger's four-decade-long commitment to paving the way for women and LGBTQ+ chefs, addressing the historical underrepresentation in the culinary world. Starting from her days in Chicago, where she was one of the few women chefs in the city's culinary scene, to her enduring partnership with Mary Sue Milliken, a fellow iconic restaurateur, Feniger's impact on the industry is profound. Together, they crafted a restaurant empire primarily in the LA area, gaining acclaim through shows like "Too Hot Tamales" on Food Network and appearances on renowned programs like The Today Show, Iron Chef, and Top Chef Masters.
Their outstanding contributions were acknowledged when they became the first women to receive the Julia Child Award from The Julia Child Foundation. Feniger's accolades also include a James Beard Award and the privilege of cooking for distinguished figures such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Oprah, and Lady Gaga. Through "FORKED," the film captures not just a culinary journey, but a legacy of empowerment and transformation that has left an indelible mark on the culinary world.
