MANILA, Philippines – Somehow, the magic of food and film are frequently fused together. There is Like Water for Chocolate, an enchanting Mexican realist drama magical which depicts the sensual power of a recipe; Chocolat — a whimsical tale where a certain sweet, cacao-based substance wins over closed hearts; and Ang Lee’s Eat Drink Man Woman, whose central character is a master chef whose only real means of communication with his daughters is via the elaborate Sunday dinner he cooks for them every week.
Danish drama Babette’s Feast stands out with its beautifully rendered depiction of a lavish meal; while Ratatouille, an animated movie about a rat with an unlikely penchant for French cuisine has charmed audiences worldwide. From Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, films have celebrated the power of food in bringing people together. And haven’t many memorable film dialogues taken place while eating?
It was therefore not surprising when we learned that internationally-acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Mendoza has opened a café in the Centerstage compound in Mandaluyong, his film production studio.
Many may not know it, but Mendoza, the first Asian to win the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009, is a foodie who appreciates good food. He is, after all, from Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines.
While attending film festivals abroad, Mendoza noted that there is usually a place where artists or filmmakers can meet, eat, drink and have coffee — a place where they can talk about films, food and more.
This is what he had in mind when the opportunity to open a café with chef Allan Garcia, another Kapampangan who had previously worked in Singapore and Thailand, came about. And Filmfest Café opened late last year.
The café’s elegant black and white interiors have a movie motif — a marquee-inspired design welcomes customers at the entrance. Then, there are posters from international film festivals Mendoza has attended, as well as those his films; specially-designed table lamps that highlight his films; as well as movie memorabilia. Mendoza personally designed the interiors, a throwback to his days as a film production designer. Yet, there is coziness about the place that makes it perfect for private get-togethers.
Café specialties have also gathered quite a following. There is the delightful sushi-shaped Fresh Spring Roll; rice specialties that are a meal in itself — Bagoong Rice, Seafood Rice, Crabmeat Rice, Pineapple Rice; melt in the mouth Baby Back Ribs; and Crispy Kare Kare. Not to be missed is the Trio Pasta, which brings together its signature pastas — Mushroom and Ham Carbonara, Pesto Linguine and Meatballs Spaghetti. It also has a special version of the Thai dessert Sticky Rice with Mangoes with Mendoza’s special touch; as well as Strawberry Margaritas and Frozen Margaritas to cap a hearty meal.
Since it opened late last year, Filmfest Café has become a gathering place where friends and family members get together for great food and great movie talk. It has also been a venue for christenings, bridal showers, birthday celebrations, company brainstorming sessions and other occasions.
(The Filmfest Café and Restaurant is located a 947 Busilak Street, Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City and is open 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. the following day, Monday to Saturday. For inquiries, contact Ara at 531-9831 or 0917-3246217 or e-mail ftlmfestcafeandrestaurant@yahoo.com.ph and visit v7ww.facebook.com/Filmfest-Cafe-and- Restaurant.)