Directed by Nacho Velilla
Chef Maxi (Javier Cámara) is just about to hit 40 and is quite pleased with his life. He owns a trendy restaurant in Madrid and is passionate about his cooking. He believes that people don’t just come to his restaurant to eat, they seek pleasure and to satisfy their fantasies. He is open about his homosexuality and is supported by his best friend and maître d’ Alex (Lola Dueñas) and his team in the kitchen. Although they often behave more like nursery school kids, they are his only real family. The sudden appearance of his two kids after the death of their mother is not something he is prepared for. Neither is he prepared for the arrival of Horacio Peretti (BenjamÃn Vicuña), an attractive Argentinean ex–footballer who moves into the apartment next door.
This comedy is full of misplaced yet loveable characters in a constant search for happiness. This romantic comedy has no female lead, but Alex and Maxi do fight over the affections of the delectable Horacio who is unable to come out of the closet because of his high profile life. Horacio, however, is able to help Maxi with his 15 year old son who harbours resentment about his father’s sexuality because it was the reason he and his sister were abandoned. As with all romantic comedies, it is a joyous ride headed for a happy ending even though there are lots of bumps along the way. Fortunately the restaurant Chef’s Special (Xantarella) is a safe haven the five people can depend on when everything else is crumbling around them.
Chef’s Special is the opening film for the Spanish Film Festival that will screen at Cinema Paradiso 20-27 May. Tickets to opening night include tapas, delicious Spanish wine from festival sponsor Torres Wines and live music. Check www.lunapalace.com.au for dates and details.
***
