The Best Chef in the World | Op-Docs
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2022
- When my father died, he held disappointment in his heart. He was 66 and had only just retired from a life of 80-hour workweeks as a successful lawyer, and this next chapter promised everything he had skimped on since deciding to go to law school: family time, creative pursuits, fun.
His liver paid no mind, however, and he died on the morning of May 1, 2020. Four days later, I interviewed Sally Schmitt, bathed in golden Californian light, via Zoom, from the damp and shadowy basement of my parents’ home in Nova Scotia.
As a filmmaker and entrepreneur, I had always admired and studied the chef Thomas Keller, a walking pinnacle of craftsmanship, refinement and success - my father’s kind of guy. I had only recently learned about Ms. Schmitt, a pioneer of the Napa Valley culinary scene and the creator of the French Laundry, the restaurant Mr. Keller made world-famous. Talking to Ms. Schmitt that morning, I learned she held a different kind of wisdom: that success may have other definitions.
Ms. Schmitt died on March 5, 2022. But in "The Best Chef in the World," she shares with delightfully coy candor a message about the rewards of balance and the trap of ambition. I made this film for all of us who struggle “to stir and taste the soup” that already sits in front of us. Perhaps with time and Ms. Schmitt’s example, we will.
- by Ben Proudfoot
Credits
Director: Ben Proudfoot
Editors: Nick Garnham Wright
Featuring: Sally Schmitt
Cinematographer: Brandon Somerhalder, David Bolen
Original Score Composition and Orchestration: Katya Richardson
Supervising Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer: Sean Higgins
Colorist: Stephen Derluguian
Senior Post Production Supervisor: Dillon Brown
Post Production Supervisor: Laura Carlson
Co-Producers: Beatriz Browne, Abby Lynn Kang Davis, Gabriel Berk Godoi, Rachel Greenwald, Brandon Somerhalder
Associate Producers: Elizabeth Brooke, Sarah Stewart
Archival Producer: Sarah Stewart
Online Editor: Tyler Ten Haken
Assistant Editor : Cody Wilson
Second Unit First Assistant Camera: Jordan Scott
Story Reporting: Kirstin Falk
Archival Digitization: Hannah Auslander
Sound Effects Editor: Tom Boykin
Foley Services: POSTRED
Foley Artist: Biko Gogaladze
Foley Mixer: Giorgi Lekishvili
Foley Editor: Alexander Sanikidze
Scoring Mixer: Shachar Boussani
Musicians: Dominic Flynn, Ian Gottlieb, Vasilije Katanic, Nick Kennerly, Katya Richardson, Jonathan Schlitt, Niall Taro
More from The New York Times Video:
Op-Docs: www.nytimes.com/column/op-docs
Subscribe: bit.ly/U8Ys7n
Watch all of our videos here: nytimes.com/video
Facebook: / nytvideo
Twitter: / nytvideo
----------
Op-Docs is a forum for short, opinionated documentaries by independent filmmakers. Learn more about Op-Docs and how to submit to the series. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NYTopinion). 
Кино
Hi there! I'm Ben Proudfoot, the director and producer of this film. It was a passion project from the very beginning and I'd be very happy to answer any questions you may have!
How proud are you of your foot?
@@corruptsociety9146 I was hoping someone would ask. Thank you. Very proud, indeed!
I didn't know the beautiful history of this magical place. I've yet to dine there, wish I could have while the Schmitt family was still in residence. So we'll done. Thanks you, Ben Proudfoot☆♡☆♡☆♡
Also, I kept waiting for her to mention M.F.K. Fisher, who lived quite close to the area, and had been a prominent food writer and cook for such a long time in California.
How can I find more of your work?
Thank you for honoring my grandmother in such a beautiful and inspiring way. It was a pleasure working with you all to bring her story to life! We miss her dearly and are so grateful to have these visual memories of her legacy.
💗
So beautiful what a lovely family you have and so many fond memories I am sure
It made me so happy to see that she got to tell her story and finally get her moment to shine after allowing others to have theirs over all these years.
My deepest condolences n what a legacy you have from her! God bless!
❤❤🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎🍏❤❤
"I didn't want to change the world - I wanted to cook". Simple and honest ambition that influenced generations. Thanks Sally for sharing your story. 🥰
"If I were to do a three-star restaurant, I think I probably could do it if I set my mind to it. But it would throw my life out of balance. There’s no way around it. And I value my lifestyle too much to fall into that trap."
*What an AMAZING woman!!!*
It's a lil conceited in my opinion. It downplays how impressive and what those chefs actually put into their work.
Since my parents owned four restaurants, and I grew up in that world, I thought, "Well, this will be an interesting little video". By the time I came to the end of it, I was crying like a baby. This is a beautiful, lovely tribute to Sally Schmitt. Thank you Mr. Proudfoot, we should all try to emulate her kindness and grace.
I ate there 2 days after my youngest was born. To this day, 40 years later. I worked in the wine industry and ate great food, but this has remained the best meal I have ever eaten.
Hello 👋how are you doing?
Thank you, Ben, for telling her story in this way. I was so fortunate to take a cooking class with Sally some years ago at her home in Philo, California - the Apple Farm. A small group of us cooked and ate for two and a half days, sitting at a long table lit with candles well into the evenings, sharing stories and laughter, sipping wine. She taught me to toast peppercorns in a heavy skillet, then grind them with a mortar and pestle for the best flavor - something I do to this day. The memories of that entire experience I'll carry with me forever. Such a warm, generous, beautiful person.
Wonderful tip about the peppercorns, and such wonderful memories! I was also inspired by her, in this documentary, as I'm just about to try selling my rye bread. But not change the world :)
@@joantendler6518 Good quality bread is so uncommon in these United States that your Rye Bread WILL change the world -- all the best to you in this worthy pursuit to produce REAL food!
Having grown up in Napa, I rememrber going to the Vintage Cafe and the Chutney Kitchen at Vintage 1870 and The French Laundry across the street many times. Now the Vintage 1870 is a literal ghost of what it once was with great shops and The French Laundry is near impossible to get reservations. The locals definitely don't go to these places like they used to.
This was a great story to listen to and I am glad it got told.
@Md Miah Yeah, when it becomes inaccessible, we start to think like 'well, all this for food? It's just food'. Takes the pleasure out of it.
What a beautifully told story to honor Sally Schmitt and her legacy. She was so brilliant to know how to balance her life and work to actually enjoy her life. She's very inspiring and this is easily one of my favorite docs I've seen in quite a while. I loved the pacing and editing choices and incorporation of foley and sound effects to bring all the visuals fully to life. Well done to all involved! I hope this recieves an award!
That's how I feel about this wonderful testament to a beautiful person who created a beautifil life for herself, her family & those whose lives she touched, in that town & in the world, by making wonderful & inspiring food.
I agree, super doc of a magnificent lady. Can you give a hint of other great docs?
@@Tommen1957 Watch the other Op-Docs in the series. Really 👍 good.
Legacies that are past down can be measured by those who left them..
The French Laundry will be remembered for it's beginnings with Sally Schmitt and her family...💜🦋💜
I love what you are saying about balancing her life. Also, I was struck by one comment reported, "Also, he liked me." I had this experience in my life which sustained a relationship between me and a late in life partner. It feels so profound though simple. "Also, he liked me." Something I didn't really understand until he died. What a beautiful and affirming story for me personally.
I'll keep this short. My granddaughter was conceived after dinner at French Laundry. My daughter didn't think she could get pregnant ( many tries) ... the menu from that night is on the wall in their home. My sweet grandchild is my joy of life! Their garden and cooking are a way of life!
Did your daughter name her Sally?
What an adorable story
one of the most beautifully told stories I've ever heard. Rest in peace Sally, you're amazing.
That was a one-two gut punch. One: My husband always said we'd make it out to The French Laundry, but I lost him in 2020, after 28 years of marriage. Two: The loss of Ms. Schmitt. The film was so beautiful. An amazing tribute!
Jennifer, if you still want to go to the restaurant I’ll take you there. It’s been 11 years since I last went, you’d be a great reason to go back.
You could honor your husband and go. Just go.
Just go ❤️
oh my gosh I'm so sorry! you should most definitely go, to honor him
This level of storytelling, of letting the storyteller be the focus, the passion of the tale we didn't know about the French Laundry - much like the Atalissa story, this is where the New York Times has shined as of late. This is how you should approach the whole of your journalism - the people in the story are fascinating and interesting on their own.
I was a reporter for 30 plus years and my favorite assignments were the "human interest " stories. which generally were uplifting versus the fear-inducing, devisive and/or superficial celebrity-driven fluff we see so much of today. Ten years after retiring, I still occasionally will have someone remark, after hearing my name. "Oh! Did you write that story about (fill in the blank)? I loved that story!" That is a very unusual experience and gives me a sense of a job well done. I made a point of letting my subject kind of speak their essence through me, something like a medium, and it resulted in a heartfelt (and it seems, often memorable) story. I think Mr. Proudfoot did something like that, with admirable skill.
@@HTNPSullivan I completely agree with you! This film was so visually and spiritually nourishing to watch. The close-ups of the food with her narration and the music in the background were so beautifully rendered. I didn't think I would cry but but I was so moved by the ending. Such a beautiful tribute to a special woman.
“I don’t want to change the world, I just wanted to cook” ah the balance and she yet did it all! Big love!!!
A sentiment that most of us understand is that those seeking ambition over comfort and community are imbalanced. This is more realistic than everyone trying for a success story - just people living their lives.
@Jay Talents Being remembered for it's own sake is pure vanity. A fantasy for the dead version of yourself. I know you don't understand, from what you wrote, but this is the response of an incomplete and unhappy person. I hope you can find peace or get famous failing at that.
@Jay Talents A declaration and a retreat. It's as effective as if you had never made it. This is also self absorption. You did this for your ego.
Tell me about what you think being remembered is good for. Is it how it is earned or is it how it affects others? does either matter more than the other? Do you worry you won't have the opportunity to affect others? Will their lives be lessened without whatever you can offer? Have you examined this urge in any way beyond what it means for you?
To be honest, I fought the tears at the end. Sally's life and passion is such an inspiration. Thank you for this.
I lost that fight with my tears and the water works started
The sparkle in her eyes, the lift of the eyebrow. Life is beautiful and full of choices. We may never know if we took the right path but we can only go by what we know at the time.
Brava Ms. Schmidt! I wish you were alive so I could send you fan mail. I'm a former professional chef from Southern California and the fact that I've never heard the story of the French Laundry and Yountville with you as a part of it speaks volumes of how the industry still values women and work life balance. So hard to strike and you did it!!! Excellent film @Ben Proudfoot. Kudos to you as well.
So many women who remain unsung heroes are waiting for their stories to be told. Thank you for telling me Sally’s Story. ❤️
and men!
Women.
Sally Schmitt is my new hero!! She has a captivating, endearing personality-Loved hearing her story. What a life she created! Hard work, love of the craft, passion for making food and having local fresh ingedients seem to be the key to her success. And having a great partner in life.
She's talking about a time when working class people could afford to make these kinds of choices because inflation wasn't the insane gap that it is today. Truly incredible story and woman. A visionary.
You're thinking of the wage gap.
@@notacyborg I'm thinking the median income of a household in 1950-1960 was 5000 dollars a year ( generally single income) and the average cost of a house was 8000 to 11000 dollars adjusted for now would still average out to under 100k. That's the gap I'm referring to.
You prob voted for Biden
Actually they started the FL right at the beginning of a huge bulge in inflation… the lesson here is: there is never a great time you believe in yourself and you jump the rest will take care of itself lol
@@TurkeyCreekjackjohnson_ how did this become about voting for Biden? Why turn something that is a beautiful story into another political battle?! We are all in this together, you and I aren’t separate! That’s why this country is the way that it is now. Where has the thinking that you are displaying gotten us in this country? Just really sad.
I remember all of this vividly, as I lived it. Being 5th generation from Napa whose great grandfather came to Napa from Germany. Oh, to stop dream and remember the Napa/Yountville of yesteryear. It was so quiet back then, undiscovered. One could actually drive on a Sunday morning leaving the valley to go to Sonoma, Berkeley, San Francisco and nearly be the only one on the road. There are times that I get lost in remembering.
Sally’s was a great place as was Mama Nina’s another stone cottage haven on the other side of the street, a bit north.
My dad was a writer for the Napa Register … my do I cherish and miss those days.
Thank you for this. 🙏
Bless her heart 💖 This was beautiful. A way of life … gone. Humble, hard working, loving. S l o w e r
Such an inspiring woman. A trailblazer. Likable, intelligent, humorous and capable. Glad to know Sally’s story.
The world needs more like Sally.
She's wonderful.
I am so happy I learned about this California pioneer. Rest in Peace Sally Schmitt.
This was beautiful, it tugged at my heart. I am fifth generation Californian and my parents held the Napa Valley in the 50s , 60s, 70s as a magical agricultural place, where the soil was rich, the valley lush and green, people were down to earth and so friendly ( they still are ) and the restaurants and wineries fabulous. I’ve had the privilege and pleasure to dine at the French Laundry many times and , like some wines, it only gets better with age.
Thank you for this great video.
I love her ideology on balance. She knew that family was really important to her, and that finding that perfect balance is what made her happy in the end, which is what life is all about. She knew the ultimate goal in life was all about balance, which results in happiness and serenity. Rest in Paradise to a beautiful and graceful soul. She’s a true legend.
I met Sally several times in her kitchen while on other business at the Apple Farm. She was always gracious in conversation.
I love the way she lived her life. Sounds pretty perfect to me. Doing what you want to do and enjoying it with the people you love. Very inspiring. Thank you.
This woman is a treasure.
Loved stopping at the Vintage Cafe in Yountville in 1971-72. Best hamburgers ever! Wish my husband was alive to share this story with!
WOW!!! What an amazing film. I grew up in Los Gatos California and spent a lot of time in Napa Valley. The French Laundry is a jewel in the crown of Northern California and now I know who was responsible for putting this jewel on the map. What a lovely piece of film, featuring a lovely lady, I laughed and cried in equal measure. God Rest Mr&Mrs. Schmitt and long may the French Laundry shine. XOX From Dublin Ireland
You sure know how to tell an intimate story about someone who impacted an entire industry in such a personal way, I feel like I know her and her family. I lived in Napa for a summer and worked at a theater in Yountville. Still one of my fondest memories. This film adds a lovely asterisk to that summer. Thank you.
What a wonderfull experience you had!
Thank you, Ben Proudfoot!
I loved learning about a woman lucky enough to have chosen a life partner who helped make possible her dream to cook.
I am 76 and when I was 25 I was hired by a quality restaurant chain in Manhattan, first as a server and later as a management trainee -- none of this would have happened without the lawsuits that came before me.
And when I left fine dining in 1982 there was still discrimination against women in fine dining -- lots of it!
In watching this film I am glad that some women were supported in their culinary dreams, even before Julia Child popped on the scene.
It was a beautiful story, a love story really, and I appreciate your sharing it with us.
Thank you again for the hard work this took to produce -- a beautiful and touching piece of work!
Angelina
kind of wish her version of the french laundry still existed
What an amazing, intelligent, and accomplished individual. She is clearly a unique individual. The type that only comes around once in a decade. She did so much. She lived amazing and awesome life. I only wish to live a fraction the way she did. She truly seemed happy and content with what she did with her life. What a happy person and a happy life.
A terrific story, told beautifully. I love how you let Sally tell her own story. I love that she wisely chose having a great personal and family life over celebrity. Thank you for sharing Sally's story.
As one who grew up in Healdsburg, CA in neighboring Sonoma County, I watched this superb film on my digital edition of the NYT with special interest and am glad that the clip has been made available to a wider audience on RUclips. What a delightful human being was Sally Schmitt! And it's evident that her husband, Don, and their children were and are very special as well. Congratulations, Ben, on producing a story so worthy of being told, and for causing it to be told so very well!
She is a lesson in dignity. What a happy life she must have had with wonderful friends and family.
Ate at the original and have never ever had any desire to eat at the Keller version... it was so relaxed, so quiet, so laid back. You walked in the garden between courses. The original was wonderful and I wouldn't spoil those memories for anything, no matter how good Keller's food might be. Thank goodness for the Boonville Hotel and the Apple Farm. And I have the Apple Farm to thank for my favorite bedding set: I asked about a lovely duvet cover in one of the suites, found out where it was from, bought one for myself and still cherish it and think of Sally and family! Such terrific people.
A director who knew to get out of the way of the subject...a beautifully told and directed story
I have to admit, I haven't been a fan of NYT in recent years, but this was beautiful. I am so glad I stumbled upon this video and learned of the real story of Sally Schmitt & the French Laundry origins. She didn't do it for the fame, glory or $$, she did it out of pure passion. So simplistic and natural. I shed a tear at the end.
Ohhhh I wish I could have eaten there when they opened The French Laundry 🌟🌟🌟 What a lovely woman and a lovely story. She had her priorities set up right from the beginning!🙏🏼🌟
This world is a better place because of Sally Schmitt. Im sure she is adding grace to another realm.
Incredibly happy to learn of Sally Schmitt and to hear her inspiring story!
A beautiful story, so artfully told, Ben. Actually, many stories...of a woman following her passion, fearlessly and with nonchalance. Of innovation and creativity. Of family and love. Of a successor building on and honoring the original (Keller's reverence for Schmitt is so touching and honorable).
Oh my goodness what an incredible story! Thank you Ben Proudfoot for bringing the French Laundry to life for me. Time passes so fast and then becomes history but the family had a beautiful life together and was able to make dinners for many hungry people. Ms. Schmitt was an amazing women!
I’ve heard about the infamous French Laundry restaurant. It sounds great, but I wish that I would have had the opportunity to dine there during Sally’s time. It’s sounded lovely and homey. This story is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
These docs of yours emotionally undo me as nothing else can...in a good way.
Thank you so much for sharing Sally Schmitt's story.
10 minutes in she descibed her life using the word "heaven" twice already. this woman had a good life, doing what she was supposed to do which is follow her heart, among good people. what a delight
This made me cry.
I am a chef. Thank you so much sally. Cheers 🥂
To a life we’ll lived!!!
What an utterly heartwarming fabulous story from such a lovely humble lady - Kudos
I've heard of the French Laundry but wasn't familiar with the story of Sally. This was beautifully done and I'd love to see more docs just like this.
I never knew. Sally you are legendary. Thank you for your beautiful life, story, drive, determination as a light in the culinary field as a woman. Thank you for your story. Blessings to you and all…. from a person in the field for over 30 yrs. Thank you
This film should win awards! It is so lovely and well created! I will be watching it again and again.
Exceptional storytelling. Literally had me holding back tears
Beautifully conceived and created......I was in tears at the end!
An inspirational woman, tremendously inspiring, hard working with top integrity, hallelujah. Aware she was a professional chef yet modest. A remarkable video & very well done. Thank you.
This was SO beautiful. I live in Washington State now but grew up in Napa. I'm ashamed to say I did not know Sally Schmitt was the beginning of that world-wide known restaurant! So AMAZING!!!
Hello 👋 how are you doing?
Wonderful story of how to balance life and work. I went to this restaurant 40 years ago and loved it. It started my love of Napa. I'm Canadian and will head back there this winter. The area is to be enjoyed for its beauty, wonderful restaurants and wineries.
Thank you for sharing her story. She exhibited a beautiful humility, innate curiosity and a profound sense of purpose. What a joyous life she built. Truly a model for us all to take only what we need to make our lives full.
What a classy and sweet woman. So talented and humble. God bless her x
What a great and heartwarming feature. You capture her spirit beautifully. I can feel the love and admiration pouring for Sally from the production team.
Great story. I wish we could've gotten to know Ms.Schmitt a little bit more, though. This story was like having a great meal at a restaurant and leaving wanting more.
beautiful documentary. i always wondered how chef thomas keller started the french laundry in the middle of nowhere. great close up shots ben. very intimate talk with the former owner of the french laundry.
Ms.Schmitt, you’re also going out gracefully. May you Rest In Peace gracefully.
Thank you for this tribute to Sally. She was part of a generation of imaginative and intuitive female cooks.
One of the most beautiful pieces I've seen in a long time. Thank you Ben Proudfoot for sharing Sally's story. I will share this with my chef and as many people as possible.
Wow, what an amazing story and a life well-lived. It doesn't get much better than that. What an inspiration.
I didn’t expect to cry like a baby. What a beautiful story! Glad to have learned about Sally Schmitt and her legacy. Her humility, grace, and passion have truly inspired me ❤
This was an amazing story! My life feels more enriched just by seeing it & knowing about Ms Sally Schmitt. Just as she said her husband went out gracefully, she most surely did as well. Well done, Chef, well done! (blows chef’s kiss)
Oh Sally, what an incredible person with such a beautiful story☮️❤️🌞 This was one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve ever seen.
That was amazing. I knew of Sally before Thomas. She was amazing. Thank you Ben, this was a fitting tribute.
This is probably the best RUclips video I have ever seen. Cheers to Sally and family!
This is visually one of the most beautiful documentaries I’ve ever seen, thank you for making this available on RUclips
Beautiful piece of storytelling. Thank you for making it.
A life so well and deliciously lived, and a story told with the same beautiful balance as Sally’s cooking. I’m so moved by her story- which I didn’t know at all. Amazing to see how much of Sally’s existance seemed to influence Thomas Keller. Amazing how so much of how and what we all eat, is thanks to Sally. Thanks, NY Times, and Ben, for a magnificent “meal”. ❤
Beautiful! I have watched this several times. What an amazing woman and beautiful family. Love it!
This made me cry. What a remarkable woman and such inspiration to all women to make choices that come from their hearts. Thank you Mr. Proudfoot for making such a beautiful piece of art and sharing it with everyone. ❤
This is so amazing, one of the most beautifully put together mini-documentaries I've ever seen. What a beautiful and unique story.
One of the best narrations I have seen on youtube yet. I clicked on it definitely not expecting to shed tears and lo and behold the beauty of it just made me ...well... tear up. The grace and gratitude within sally's manner is astoundingly attractive. The warmth, respect and honor she held towards family and especially her partner just made me go...hey, I wish I had a love and passion like hers, I too want to be able to experience that level of gratitude and serenity she displays. I too would like that balance in life.
I love her, her love story, her beautiful face, her life filled eyes and I love that they did their life together their way….honestly and against the odds.
Thank you for this video. I very much appreciated it in ways you will never know.
I ate there with my parents many years ago. It was their favorite place and I remember Sally in the kitchen. What an absolutely beautiful life - inspiring! I just watched this with my Mom who will be 90 in November. We lost my Dad almost a year ago - this felt so nostalgic. Thank you for sharing this!
"Only by acknowledging the success and sacrifice made by those who came before us, can we fully understand what we must do to ensure the liberty of those who will succeed us."
"I am poor, but I am rich. I have my children, I have a garden, and I have my faith and the memories of those who have gone before me. What more is there?"
Non, je ne regrette rien. Eternal rest Sally Schmitt
I never knew this story. Thank you for engaging and entertaining us with your film making style. I was intrigued enough to watch the video in its entirety and appreciate the hardwork set by the Schmitt's family.
What a magnificent tribute to an amazing woman. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Oh my I just loved her story she's so genuine
What an excellent documentary. Thank you for telling Sally’s story. I so enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes.
Hi how are you doing?
Beautiful documentary. Growing up in SF I'd always heard of French Laundry, but I didn't know much more than the name and Thomas. Thank you for sharing her story!
“JUST WANNA TO COOK” that was she said. The best chef in the world. ❤
10:43 "And pile that high with good conversation". What a sentence!
One of the most beautiful videos I have seen, props to everyone who worked on this
This is one of the best food docs Ive seen in a while. Perfect arc and the ending quotes were touching beyond belief *chefs kiss*
I cried! Incredible story, Sally this is your moment!
Oh, I just love her! She's my kind of woman! I wish I had known her but I'm happy just to know that she existed.
What a wonderful life, she shared with her husband.
What a beautiful story. This is what it's all about. Family, passion, and good food.
ive watched this documentary so many times. we all have a passion, but balance is delicate and sometimes we have to choose one or the other. sally lived a fruitful life told by this amazing documentary that told a segment of her life that we all aspire to become someone that contributes to society in a way that changes others. this film was joyous, touching, inspiring, and sad but joyful for her moments here.
With so much negativity and hate in the world, isn’t it so beautifully refreshing and uplifting to watch a story which is just “good”. Extraordinary lives are lived by people who don’t crave anything more than filling their lives with their passions, we could all learn something about this.