Three foodie films to check out at the SBIFF

The 31st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicks off this week. One category within the festival, called “Screen Cuisine,” spotlights films centered on food. According to Matt Kettmann, editor at the Santa Barbara Independent and Wine Enthusiast, this year’s food film lineup is particularly strong.

Here are some of his top picks:

• City of Gold: A portrait of Pulitzer Prize-winning food writer Jonathan Gold as he eats his way through Los Angeles. “His food writing is really about culture, and history and Los Angeles,” said Kettmann. “It’s not just about some tomatoes and lettuce on a plate. It’s a fascinating look at culture through the lens of food.”

• The Missing Ingredient: A New York City restaurateur makes a controversial decision to put up his own version of the famous zebra wallpaper that helped make the defunct Gino’s an iconic culinary institution. “It’s a great look at how restaurants work, and what makes a place classic,” said Kettmann.

• Craft: The California Beer Documentary: A road trip throughout California, learning from the master brewers of the state. “If you’re at all into beer, this is a one stop shop for learning everything about craft brew in California,” said Kettmann.

Matt Kettmann catches up with us Wednesday mornings and afternoons on 88.7 FM in Santa Barbara. You can hear his past segments on food and wine on our website.