dsmWeekly: February 14, 2024

Juliette Binoche and Benoit Magimel star in “The Taste of Things.” (Photo: IFC Films)

FOOD & DINING

Bon appétit et vive l’amour!

Writer: Mathany Ahmed

In “The Taste of Things,” a film set in late 19th-century France, professional chef Dodin Bouffant and his personal cook, Eugenie, share a decadeslong romance — and many decadent meals — while living together in their countryside cottage. When Eugenie continues to deny Dodin’s marriage proposals, he uses their shared love of food to make his case one last time.

Director Tran Anh Hung’s culinary romance was released in the United States only last week, but it’s already being hailed as one of the biggest foodie movies in decades. It’s been compared to gastronomic classics like “Tampopo” (1985), “Like Water for Chocolate” (1992) and “Big Night” (1996) for its celebration of food and love.

It opens tonight at the Varsity Cinema, just in time for Valentine’s Day. A sold-out screening on Friday includes drinks and small bites from La Mie and the Cheese Shop.

“We’re all about celebrating the art of film, which takes filmgoers beyond just sitting in a theater seat,” said Ben Godar, the Varsity’s executive director.

Even if you don’t have tickets for Friday, the movie runs at the Varsity at least through Feb. 22, which means you and a date could catch a screening before or after your own DIY meal. May we suggest:

Les omelettes. The couple in the movie share perfectly crafted omelets every morning — runny enough to eat with a spoon. The omelets at La Mie are swoon-worthy, too.

Les fromages. Try an assortment from the Cheese Shop, like a semi-firm Comté or the soft, triple cream Brillat-Savarin, named after the legendary chef whose book “The Physiology of Taste” inspired the film. Many of the shop’s offerings are produced right here in Iowa, the heart of the heartland.

Le gateau. For a sweet finale, try “le fraisier” from Nadia’s French Bakery, the city’s newest patisserie. The light-as-air sponge cake is made with a homemade strawberry syrup and topped with a luscious crown of “les fraises” — fresh strawberries.

Kirsten Vander Linden, a soprano with the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble, takes a turn at Noce. (Photo: DMVAE)

BEST BET

At Noce cabaret, come hear the music play

The talented local singers of the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble have delivered polished choral performances to Des Moines audiences for more than 30 years. To celebrate that legacy, they’ll step outside their usual concert format to sing Broadway showtunes and jazzy selections alongside a combo this Sunday at Noce.

Tickets include a drink and hors d'oeuvres, and proceeds from the event support the group’s mission to bring chamber music to the community. Get your tickets online.

The Week Ahead

Savor Moxie (6:30 p.m. Thursday): Moxie, a shared-use kitchen and event space, is hosting a monthly dinner series on the third Thursday of each month. A few tickets remain for this Thursday night, which offers a five-course Valentine-themed menu featuring the flavors of Italy, with the option to add a beer or wine pairing if you're feeling fancy.

Oscar shorts (6 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. Tuesday and 6 p.m. Feb. 21): The Des Moines Art Center offers free screenings for the short films nominated for this year’s most prestigious Hollywood awards.

Valentine's Day with Max Wellman & Co. (7 p.m. Friday): Noce’s co-founder Max Wellman and his band step into the spotlight to add a touch of romance to their jazz classics.

MindSpring Trivia (6 p.m. Tuesday): Jump in for a night of trivia and prizes. Event proceeds will help the local nonprofit expand access to mental health resources.

Fleur Film Festival (7 p.m. Feb. 21): The new event at the Fleur Cinema and Cafe showcases recent work by filmmakers from across Iowa.

COMMUNITY
Advisory board: Our parent company, Business Publications Corp., is broadening the scope of our racial equity advisory board. As a media company, we believe our products should mirror our community, especially in how we celebrate diversity and facilitate meaningful conversations about equity. With our sister publication, the Business Record, we’re pleased to announce nine new members: Marcela Hermosillo-Tarin, Antonio Kioko, Corey Lewis, Jerrica Marshall, Amner Martinez, Julian Neely, Manisha Paudel, Kourtney Perry and Madison Sconiers.

They join current members Dwana Bradley, Bridget Cravens-Neely, Brian Dennis, Tej Dhawan, Renee Hardman, Christine Her, Prakash Kopparapu, Tar Macias and Claudia Schabel.

Last summer these lovebirds sped off into their happily ever after. (Photo: Jordon Van Zante)

COMMUNITY

Sharing the local love this Valentine’s Day

High school sweethearts Claire Weatherwax and Blaine Hawkins married on July 28 in Ankeny. They held the ceremony and reception at Toast, a new venue in the District at Prairie Trail.

Blaine’s father let the couple take his old red Porsche for a spin during their photo session. “We both grew up in Ankeny, from kindergarten to high school, so it was nice to spend some time together driving around, chatting and reminiscing,” Claire said. “Plus, the car was pretty sweet.”

Their hometown pride runs deep. They went the extra mile to support local businesses and brands throughout their event, including dinner catered by Baratta’s, flowers from Boesen the Florist and cupcakes from Parinda Cupcakes in West Des Moines.

We often feature newlyweds in our printed magazine. If you recently tied the knot, or you know someone who did, drop us a note at editors@bpcdm.com.