Allen & Alinea: One Man’s Odyssey Through an Iconic Cookbook

When Allen Hemberger dined at Grant Achatz’s pioneering Alinea restaurant in Chicago in 2008, he had no idea it would set him off on a 5 year odyssey to the heart of modernist cuisine - a journey on which he would lose and then rediscover his creative confidence.
Directed by Dan Addelson: www.danaddelson.com/
Featuring Allen and Sarah Hemberger: www.allenhemberger.com/
Additional photography by Brian Frank and Sarah Hemberger
VFX and Title design by Allen Hemberger
Music by Mophonics: www.mophonics.com/, Great Outwest: greatoutwest.com/, and 10K Islands: 10kislands.com/
Allen was inspired by a meal at Alinea in Chicago: website.alinearestaurant.com/s...
More details on Allen's project to cook his way through the Alinea cookbook can be found here: www.allenhemberger.com/alinea/
Alinea footage courtesy of the film Spinning Plates: www.spinningplatesmovie.com/
Many thanks to Nick Kokonas and Grant Achatz for their support.
Foodie Originals take you on a journey to connect with the personalities foraging, harvesting, growing, creating and making food.
Check out all of our Foodie Originals here: • Soba: The Art of Handm...
Subscribe to our channel here: kzbin.info_c...

[@dinonido]

I did not know what I expected in the beginning. But towards the end of the video this feeling changes from a random curiosity into becoming surprisingly inspired. I'm in awe of this, great video!

[@ericwork9255]

This should be a TED talk. Fantastic work Allen!

[@Whoru87]

If you aren't aware......The Aviary, Alinea's Cocktail Restaurant, is putting out a cocktail book and Allen is part of the project!!! Too Cool

[@junialstudios]

Excellent story and the perfect epiphany, too. And how perfectly ironic is it that the guys who's obsessed with making the most complicated, interesting recipes in the world has, for his audience, his wife whose palate and level of enthusiasm is totally normal and slightly underwhelming. And yet she anchored his sanity in so many ways. BTW, I remember seeing that cookbook at Barnes & Noble many years ago and first being drawn to it because of its sheer size and the stunning "on black" photography. And then I saw the recipes and was like, "what the HELL is this????" This was before Yelp got big and you could see what regular foodies thought of places like that. It was definitely an experience turning page after page of that cookbook and just shaking your head in wonder. Once again, great work, guys!

[@nSmatic]

This should have wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more views than it currently does, Absolutely amazing :)

[@nSmatic]

Oh yea, Well done tho, as a chef im really inspired by this video. Thank you.

[@frost66bit]

Yeah, a lot of the food video's should have more view than they do............. But people rather watch a twerker or a cat doing situps...... I am kind of glad tho bekuz it keeps room open in the industry for people like me who really care about the food, growth of the industry

[@mattspinks5861]

It'll get up thur, great video for sure 👌

[@willcookmakeup]

I love this story. Alinea is my favorite restaurant of all time. He has dedicated so much time and truly learned the skills to execute these disbes. And what an absolutely incredible experience. To cook with him, and to have him take the time to care enough to recognize his efforts and invite him to the kitchen makes me love Grant more. I need to plan a trip back immediately

[@TaurasSinkus]

I am just crying and watching it over and over. This is it. What a great story, storytelling and rawness of passion in Allen's words, plates, dishes and actions. I love this. THANK YOU for putting this out here.

[@kevinmcdaniel7480]

I know the feeling of need the chef's approval to know that what you are doing validates that you are on the right path. I left the restaurant about four months ago to pursue anthropology, but I still keep the finger on the pulse. I got goosebumps when he talked about going into the kitchen and actually made a dish for service!!! That was so fantastic. I am so happy for you and this was fantastically inspirational.

[@MichelKiflen]

Truly remarkable, thanks for sharing. The ending where he realized that he wasn't bound by the book was the best!

[@Gizmotechno]

So much respect for this guy. Incredible story and beautiful presentation.

[@pasqualepalazzoloentertain300]

I only found this today. Fascinating to see that moment where the cookbook may have been off and he so casually admitted it may be the issue. For those who know Grant and the Alinea restaurant group, watching your love of this is a treat. I've been wanting to visit Alinea for many years and I'm finally going to do it in August.

[@jermainebrailey1377]

If you were hoping this would make someones day and leave them with a smile you have achieved your goal.

[@remsan03]

A surprisingly inspiring video. Not just for gastronomy but life in general. Here's a story of a guy who worked really hard, idolize a genius and finally got a recognition by that genius and welcomed into his inner circle. That recognition must've meant more than any praise by any other food critics. The guy kept at it, never gives up and honed his skill. That's amazing.

[@more5347]

learning to trust yourself is the most amazing, valuable lesson you can ever learn. it's when you realize there are no gods, and that you are good enough. love it. so beautiful.

[@applesforakbar]

That's a seriously understanding/supportive wife. Great story

[@willstiffin5720]

PLEASE! More videos like this one! This was such an interesting piece, very original, great storytelling, and the down-to-earth cinematography was just gripping enough. Let alone the fact that he is a bit like me when it comes to food, this was very enjoyable! Thanks

[@lonogonzo4118]

Cheers. I cook for a living and there are moments when you out smart the chef and you realize he is just like you. This video is a revelation of one persons self evolution through cooking. It helps i imagine to have a great gal to taste and humor you along the way. Best.

[@joyaustin6581]

Do you still cook for a living?

[@Bzee10]

This was so amazing, and beautifully shot. I love watching people talk about what they are so passionate about. Fantastic!

[@rumbepack]

I come back to this video every few years always inspires me.

[@krakoooom]

bucket fountain t-shirt!!!!!! (and an amazing attitude - but BUCKET FOUNTAIN)

[@rubijenn]

A wonderful wonderful story, beautifully told.

[@MacKingG]

What an awsome documentary about a man's passion! And what a ride for you Allen, great job!

[@ZaxxaZ]

I love how you learned through your passion for something that trusting yourself and your own knowledge is every bit as important as trusting in information from others. Lovely story and beautifully told. :)

[@anweshc]

It makes you feel so good to see such passion and determination to make things happen. Really humbling piece. Allen, you have become an inspiration for me.

[@johnmcleod2544]

This was just lovely. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@rapixal42]

I found the last part quite inspired.... No attorney what your passion or art may be. Inspiration does sometimes, rarely cone in a flash, it takes dedication to follow thru the learning if ones craft to be able to strike when those rare moments come. So insightful. For the person that feels that hipsters have a lot of time, it has nothing to do with time, everything to do with a passion.

[@gregg48]

This was an amazing short documentary! Thank you! Now I have to get to Alinea, it's on my foodie bucket list.

[@direktaberfair]

Nice video, nice little documentary. I like it! Well done! One of the few where you actually get the feeling "hey, this is inspiring, this really made my day brighter" after you finish watching it.

[@ClareOlivia]

He's wearing the Wellington bucket fountain top! Small world

[@stanleetan430]

I just went through like 10 different videos, rewatched some on the way but this was truly so brilliantly made I had to comment. Thank you for producing the great stuff that you do. I'm just starting out as a video maker and I hope to be as good as you guys.

[@vegasrenie]

As someone else who is also adventurous in the kitchen, I really have to give it to you! This was far more inspiring than I had expected. Wonderful video! Thanks for sharing.

[@linhl4710]

The editing is superb! Glad to have stumbled across this channel. Subscribed!

[@ryantaylor976]

I saw a lot of me in Hemberger as far as taking a passion to a level of obsession. The obsession produces constant stress from never being satisfied. I always see what I did wrong, no matter how insignificant it may seem to others, and never what went right. This usually leads to a degree of alienation, and it becomes difficult to discuss with other people. It's always encouraging to see that I'm not alone on this. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@jestamon]

Amazing story, Amazing guy. He has showed and proved things i still struggle with to this day. Thank you!

[@aleattorium]

"I had always assumed up to that point when things went wrong it was because I was messing up." Nice. Just nice.

[@colinhthompson]

Amazing. Inspiring. Thanks for posting this.

[@cbob131980]

Recipes are guidelines. To be able to fix or know how to fix, at that kind of culinary level, is great! Super cool moment and video!

[@nixa007]

Because of inspiring videos like this on a third year of economy college Ive started to go on culinary school. Now i am working as a chef for a year now and still studying economics on a last year. And i am hoping i am gonna work abroad one day on a place like Alinea because of all inspiring chefs, restaurants and meals like this made me go diferent way in my life, thank you!

[@lilahmed7344]

Wow just Wow. Amezing guy and Amezing director.

[@edgardohuitron6912]

Such a great video so inspiring. Alinea such a great restaurant top 5 in the world and to know that is located right down the street from me is almost hard to believe.

[@EricKinney]

Added this to my favorites - loved the presentation Dan, thoroughly interesting peek on so many levels; a relationship that works, Allen's journey - complete with the machining and tinkering - and I loved Sarah's enthusiasm explanation, I'm right there with her. And an introduction to an awesome restaurant I've never heard of :) Now I have. In crowdfunding we learned with our thingCHARGER story - maybe anything - experiencing the story in a way that draws us in is such an enjoyable way to sample what others are doing and enjoying.

[@shofarmvt]

beautifully photographed and 'shot'. visual pleasure. thank you!

[@KingKylenides]

Awesome video and dedication. Molecular Gastronomy isn't really my style. But there are some things/recipes i want to try. .....The Alinea cookbook was on my doorstep this morning. It's like holding a brick of knowledge. It's massive. I cant imagine cooking everything in it. and 3 hours later i ordered my first tasting spoons...

[@ReflectionsofLife]

Great clip - well done - looking forward to your next films.

[@Sebbson1337]

Pure magic, I really enjoyed this!

[@feisquare]

Just want to say thank you for sharing this inspiring video. Really admire Allen's passion and determination throughout Keep it up!!!

[@zkumpew]

Amazing video, gave me tears for some reason! supercool project, adding to favorites!

[@aystubed]

This is such an amazing video. Inspiration comes in the most unexpected places.

[@408707801404]

I love this! Such an awesome video.

[@brandonelkins2957]

Amazing story, incredibly well directed and produced video to document it. Thumbs up!

[@daddelson2]

Thanks Brandon!

[@faded743]

thats really awsome to see what you actully did.. goood on you man

[@LanceTOsborne]

The whole thing is lovely, but I particularly appreciate the sound mix. It was almost like a This American Life story that happened to also have excellent visuals.

[@daddelson2]

Thanks Lance! This American Life is a huge influence of mine, and I'm so happy to hear that it came out in the mix.

[@Dizax]

Interesting and Motivational! great work and great message. Thanks for sharing.

[@Tomisdebomtom]

very well put together! loved it

[@gammakap]

This was excellent. Thank you!

[@shawnhampton8503]

Enjoyed this so much. I often wonder if chefs like Mr. Achatz or Mr. Adria publish cookbooks with the idea that someone will actually cook from them, or just to buy out of admiration and perhaps as a memento of dining in their restaurants? I wonder where Allen lives: Bay Area Northern California? He sounds southern. Bravo to a very great effort on his part and an excellent mini documentary.

[@IdoIndeedFlip]

He's in the bay area? Tell him when he's ready to tackle the French Laundry's cookbook I'll be his sous chef

[@skimask13]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@poozizzle]

I just got the Aviary cocktail book that springs from this project. Amazing passion!

[@TimBatt]

YEAH! Bucket Fountain t-shirt, awesome.

[@orvisalma]

That was lovely!

[@fpsplayer9095]

He spent an afternoon with my idol !!!!!

[@partykrew666]

really cool video. grant's pretty cool to let him hang out in the kitchen like that

[@gmiha]

Awesome video! This convinced me to buy the book.

[@chefcousin]

Wow, this is awesome so totally inspiring.I always tell my cooks you have to use intuition based on your repertoire & have conviction. You'll know if you're doing it right!

[@fusion1233358389]

Foodie has excellent taste in production and narrative. I look forward to what your channel has to offer.

[@fusion1233358389]

Definitely Cook: What it Takes to Make It in a Michelin-Starred Restaurant. "Working on a line in a kitchen is like composing a symphony" beautiful line... Michelin style cooking is an art in itself.

[@borasingh4737]

Sam Shull

[@AlejandroArriaga]

Beautiful work... thanks.

[@outlost1]

Just a awesome video! Thank you!

[@kylesdogshead2712]

This is a really beautiful video. I am going through that issue right now.

[@MakeSushi1]

that was a nice story

[@meaadaldossary7693]

One word: AMAZING

[@richardtomas609]

Really nice video which inspired me to finish my project. Thank you :)

[@ChreezyGee]

nice video and good job on him learning all that technical stuff from the alinea book! :) i would probably do the same thing... if i lived in a world... without computers... and games!

[@Matt-uf2nc]

Wow neat video! Its cool to see stuff like this

[@TheStardust02]

wow! loved it! well done!

[@htn1986]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@che542]

These videos are addictive

[@user-ly1px9on1u]

Incredibly inspiring

[@DiAMONDBACK85]

Wow! Very cool! This video made me happy :)

[@monanegi8244]

Grant Achatz should really meet this guy. Amazing determination. Amazing wife.👍

[@zamvschaos]

Wow, I was expecting it to be good, but not at that level. I feel warm and hopeful.

[@wcsah]

Video is very well done! Quite impressed!

[@InYourComputer]

Really well done, I must say!

[@dededede8888]

Unbelievably inspiring, epically job.

[@mynameismud76]

epic photos!!

[@bretp21]

Fantastic!

[@Flopsaurus]

That was so good.

[@dannyboyNS752]

Holy shit, dude. Your experience at Alinea is a dream of mine! Congrats!

[@carlijnros9912]

Love it!

[@CulinaryGuide]

The moral of the story is “Trust Yourself!”. Trust your passion and trust your process.

[@ParkerHarrington]

Great video! Kind of a cross between Bryson's 'Walk in The Woods' with 'Julia & Julia'. Great cinematography & storytelling.

[@ZionGuySupreme]

beautiful story...

[@luissolis8843]

Inspirational, i want to be him when i grow up!

[@yossarian22kfm]

Awesome!

[@JoelleAGodfrey]

The point at which he said he learned to machine pieces to present the food is where I realized he had gone beyond enthusiasm to another place of obsession.

[@justthej]

So inspiring.

[@Shampoo450]

Good job ! Very Inspiring

[@frankodriscoll8275]

thank you, this it want i needed to know

[@XerosXIII]

down right inspirational :)

[@iluvalima]

Great video. Inspiring.

[@Chopmops]

Amazing