If you’re as obsessed with The Bear as we are, you’re probably already anxiously waiting for season 4 to drop. Until then, check out these documentaries that will certainly satisfy your appetite for all things food and restaurant. Dive into the stories behind some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and their culinary creations, each offering a perfect blend of inspiration and drama that fans of The Bear will love.
For Grace (2015)
For Grace is a compelling documentary that follows Chef Curtis Duffy as he opens his first restaurant, Grace. Today, Curtis Duffy is the chef and owner of the acclaimed Ever restaurant in Chicago that’s actually featured in The Bear. The film delves into Duffy’s challenging upbringing, personal struggles, and the immense pressure of establishing a world-class restaurant. Fans of The Bear will appreciate the real-life connections, as some extras in the show are actual employees from Grace who now work at Ever, including Chef Duffy himself, cooking real dishes from the menu. You might even recognize the Grace kitchen from season 1 of the show. For Grace is a powerful documentary about one chef’s dream of culinary excellence in the competitive Chicago restaurant scene.
Ants on a Shrimp (2016)
Ants on a Shrimp follows the acclaimed Noma restaurant, led by Chef René Redzepi, as they temporarily relocate from Copenhagen to Tokyo. At the time of the documentary, Noma had been named the best restaurant in the world four times by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Fans of The Bear will recognize Noma as the place where Marcus Brooks (played by Lionel Boyce) goes to learn desserts from Chef Luca (Will Poulter) in season 2. In season 3, episode 1, Chef Redzepi makes a brief cameo as himself in a flashback to when Jeremy Allen White’s character Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto works at Noma. The documentary captures the creative process, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for excellence that define Noma and its team. It also showcases the challenges of adapting to a new culinary environment and creating a menu that honors both Noma’s philosophy and Japanese traditions. Another notable Noma alum who makes a cameo in The Bear’s season 3 finale is former pastry chef and R&D specialist Rosio Sanchez, a Chicago native.
Chef’s Table (2015 to Present)
Chef’s Table is a critically acclaimed documentary series on Netflix that explores the lives, philosophies, and culinary artistry of some of the world’s most renowned chefs. Each episode focuses on a single chef, delving into their early life, inspirations, struggles, and creative processes. The series provides a deep look into the inner workings of the world’s best chefs, offering inspiration and insight into their food creations.
Notable episodes include:
- Dan Barber, a New York-based chef and restaurateur focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainability, and quality over quantity. Owner of Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Blue Hill in New York.
- Christina Tosi, a New York City pastry chef and business owner who has redefined modern baking through nostalgia, making a lasting impact on the culinary landscape. Tosi also appears in The Bear season 3 finale along with her husband Will Guidara who served as a co-writer in one of season’s 3 episodes.
- Grant Achatz, a Chicago chef and restaurateur whose restaurant Alinea is consistently ranked among the top in the US. and continues to define what food could be. Achatz also appears in The Bear season 3 finale.
These documentaries provide a rich, immersive experience for food enthusiasts and fans of The Bear, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, creativity, and dedication that drive the world’s top chefs.
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