Why We Like To Go To The Movies

“A good movie can stimulate your appetite, but you need good food to enjoy life.”

Seventeen years ago, Ed Crane, a fellow mortgage broker, and I spearheaded the first chapter of BNI (Business Network International) in San Francisco. Today, there are71 chapters all over the Bay Area. As the name implies, BNI is a networking organization. Once a week, groups of professionals from various industries gather together for breakfast or lunch and exchange referrals, create friendships, and long lasting relationships. And of course—generate substantial (for some) steady income from the referrals. At every meeting, we go around the room, re-introducing ourselves and our occupation, for the benefit of our guests (some of whom become new members).

Our chapter has close to 30 members and we meet for lunch every Wednesday, in Downtown, San Francisco. To keep introductions more interesting and to share some of our personal trivia, we have a theme each week. Last week, we had to share what recent movie we’ve seen. Many mentioned “Chef”. When my turn came, I told the group that in our family, my wife Elfa is in charge of our entertainment. She checks relevant news, the Pink Pages, and usually on Sunday afternoons, we have our outing to the movies. For me, it is just a relaxing time to spend together with my wife.

Last Sunday, we went to see “Chef”. It is a feel good story with a happy ending and has an ensemble cast of well-known actors. I learned how hard restaurant employees really work–from the chefs to the busboys. I think that restaurants that are successful have one more ingredient besides good food. It starts with the skill of the chef. In the film, there is a scene where The Chef, played by Jon Favreau has a conversation with his 10 year old son Percy, played by Emjay Anthony, who learns how to work with his father in a food truck. When the son burns a Cuban sandwich they are preparing, his father takes him aside and asks if he likes what he is doing. His son replies, “I do”. His father replies “I love to feed people, make them feel good, and not just take their money”.

In the movie “Like Water For Chocolate”, the heroine is asked for her secret recipe. She lists the ingredients and adds, “and a little bit of love”.In my line of work, I think this is a true statement regardless what we actually do, and as far as I am concerned, I love when people feel good about themselves, after they receive a new mortgage with my help.

P.S.

In San Francisco, we have many movie theaters. Some of them not only serve you popcorn, but also have a full bar and comfortable chairs in the lobby to enjoy ice cream before or after the movie. And if you want to experience good food, there are so many restaurants here as well, where chefs create their amazing feasts with love. Some of my images are from ISA on Steiner, Out The Door on Bush, (the little sister of The Slanted Door on Embarcadero), my recent discovery–the 20^th Century Café on Gough and Oak, and of course our favorite—Zuni Café on Market.

Do Not Keep Me As A Secret!
Smile And Please SHARE It With A Friend!

Cheers,