The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution

No one would object if a woman cooks at home, for herself, her husband, and children. But everything is different when women come into the restaurant business.

That is the way of the world, that men rule in the kitchen at restaurants, and that is why they are jealous and obtrusively fight for a place at the stove. Their vanity is instigated and quenched by various international awards and the media. Compared to men, the achievements of female chefs look like barely permissible exotic phenomena, or an act of tolerance. Any antics in the manner of Hollywood stars performed by male chefs are excused. Women are never excused. Women can do salads and desserts, or even be sous-chefs assisting men, but not the chefs themselves! Director Maya Gallus tells the true stories of her female protagonists: Victoria Blamey (the restaurant Chumley’s, NYC); Amanda Cohen (Dirt Candy, NYC); Anita Lo (Annisa, NYC); Charlotte Langley (freelance chef, Toronto); and Suzanne Barr (Saturday Dinette, Toronto) to the sound of slow tango melodies. This is a film about scents and senses, color and magic. And about absolute passion and love. Along with a frank discussion of current gender issues at restaurant kitchens internationally, the picture features unique documentary records of how women create their masterpieces, every day, on each plate. Sensually, subtly, precisely, and boldly, like genuine queens. 

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