Premiered in May 2015
Director Wayne Wang (The Joy Luck Club) takes us into the world of Cecilia Chiang, the woman who introduced America to authentic Chinese food. Chiang opened her internationally renowned restaurant The Mandarin in 1961 in San Francisco and went on to change the course of cuisine in America. The film is equal parts a delectable showcase of gastronomy and a touching portrait of Chiang's journey from a childhood in Beijing before the Cultural Revolution to accidental restaurateur on the west coast of the United States. Soul of a Banquet features interviews with Alice Waters, Ruth Reichl, and Cecilia Chiang herself.
More from Soul of a Banquet
Get to Know Cecilia Chiang
Famed restaurateur of The Mandarin Restaurant and subject of Soul of a Banquet discusses her past and the establishment's early days. Continue
Q&A with Director Wayne Wang
Wayne Wang, director of Soul of a Banquet, discusses the role food has played in his life and filmmaking. Continue
Alice Waters Reflects on Friendship with Cecilia Chiang
Renowned chef and author Alice Waters shares memories of her four-decade long friendship with Chiang. Continue
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