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Tortilla SoupReviewed by Madelyn MillerWARNING: This movie may be dangerous for anyone on a diet. Just like the surgeon general advises us about smoke and medical side effects of drugs, perhaps movie-goers should be warned about any movie that has too much appetizing food. I have been to cooking classes where the food didn't look this wonderful. The reason the food looked so wonderful is that is was all actually cooked by "Two Hot Tamales", Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, chefs of the Border Grill in Santa Monica, Ciudad in Los Angeles and the television series "Two Hot Tamales."
Three grown women still live with their father who has one simple rule: Don�t mess with his tradition and his lovingly prepared Sunday evening feast. What could be simpler? Tortilla Soup is a comedy about food, family, romance and love released by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Carmen (Jacqueline Obradors), beautiful, in and out of relationships and a driven businesswoman, has an opportunity to move to Barcelona and make more money than she�s ever dreamed of and probably even have a nice relationship with her cute boss. Does she do the sensible thing or follow her heart into the kitchen like her father, a Master chef? Little sister Maribel (Tamara Mello), who looks exactly like my new daughter-in-law Paola Lefcovitch-Miller, is supposed to be heading off to college in the Fall. Then, upon meeting someone she thinks could be her destiny, she falls in love and moves in with her new boyfriend Andy (Nikolai Kinski), a bohemian free spirit. Who needs college right away? School-teacher Leticia (Elizabeth Peña), the oldest of the three sisters, has sworn off most things with the exception of her job and new-found religious devotion. So what is she doing eyeing the new baseball coach (Paul Rodriguez) at school?
This is family, so anything goes and things are always simmering beneath the surface. Add Hortensia (Raquel Welch), a lusty neighbor to the pot, and things get even more interesting. What follows is a series of unforgettable Sunday meals—tasty offerings with a bevy of surprises. In this family, you bicker, fight and disapprove. Above all, you cook...and live your own life. Tortilla Soup is a directed by Mar�a Ripoll, executive produced by Samuel Goldwyn, Jr. and produced by John Bard Manulis. Inspired by the film Eat Drink Man Woman, the screenplay is written by Tom Musca & Ramon Menendez and Vera Blasi. The running time is 100 minutes and is rated PG 13 by the MPAA. No telling how many calories are shown in the meals. Be sure to eat a big meal before you go. But if you want to eat like this at home, go to Sur La Table. All Sur La Table stores will also carry the Tortilla Soup CD, featuring music performed by top Latin American and World music artists, as well as a handful of great recipes to prepare. The CD can be purchased for $16.95 in Sur La Table stores nationwide beginning in August, through the current edition of the mail order catalog or online at www.surlatable.com. Sur La Table has partnered with Bon Appetit magazine for the "Tortilla Soup Vacation in L.A." contest. The grand prize will be a trip for two to Los Angeles to meet Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, dine at their restaurants Border Grill and Ciudad, and spend 4 days/3 nights at a Los Angeles hotel. The runner-up prize includes a 10-piece CalphalonTM Commercial Hard Anodized Cookware set, 8-piece Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware set and a 10-piece utensil set. Sur La Table will be accepting entries at each of their stores and on-line at www.surlatable.com through September 17, 2001. A winner will be chosen from each Sur La Table store as well to receive a Calphalon 7-quart Commercial Hard Anodized Chef's Casserole pan. Known for its vast selection of authentic cookware, bakeware and tableware from around the world, Sur La Table operates 21 retail locations, a catalog and an e-commerce site. From tomato knives and serving platters to cookbooks and copper roasting pans, Sur La Table carries more than 12,000 items from around the world. Customers may find the nearest store and request a free catalog by calling the company's mail order division at 800-243-0852 or shop online at www.surlatable.com |
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Weight watchers would be advised to leave after the first three minutes. So I will tell you about the story and plot since your eyes and mind will be focused on the fabulous food.
Never predictable, Tortilla Soup revolves around the relationships and romantic entanglements of the Naranjo family, headed by patriarch Martin (Hector Elizondo) who insists that Sunday evenings should be spent together. Attendance is non-negotiable. Change is not out of the question, but issues are to be brought up gently.