Dining and Entertainment | The Culinary Mastermind of the South Pole
Join us for an exciting event that blends cinema and cuisine, as we delve into the heartwarming Japanese film, "The Chef of South Polar (Nankyoku Ryorinin)" and the culinary creations of renowned food stylist, Nami Iijima.
About the Event
The event features a screening or discussion about the film followed by a demonstration or tasting session, showcasing dishes inspired by the movie, crafted with insights from Nami Iijima. "The Chef of South Polar" is a captivating tale based on the true story of a chef who feeds researchers in the harsh environment of Antarctica.
Behind-the-Scenes Details
The film's food scenes were meticulously designed to convey not just the visual appeal but the comforting and nourishing impact of the meals on the research team navigating extreme conditions. Nami Iijima worked closely with the production team to ensure the food appeared realistic, appetizing, and true to the era and location depicted. Ingredients used in the film and event were chosen to align with what would realistically be accessible in Antarctica settings—often simple, hearty, and warming.
Typical Dish Recipes from the Event
The dishes featured are inspired by the types of meals the Antarctic chef would prepare—nutritious, warming, and comforting.
- Seafood Curry ("Antarctic Chef Curry")
- A warming dish emphasizing fresh seafood’s umami, adapting to what might be shipped or sourced in such a remote environment.
- Steamed Fish with Seasonal Vegetables
- Emphasizes a simple, healthy approach – perfect for high-energy, cold weather conditions.
- Antarctic Style Bento
- Portable, balanced meals suitable for researchers working outdoors.
Additional Notes
Nami Iijima often demonstrates plating techniques to capture the warmth and simplicity of the food, enhancing appeal for viewers. The dishes highlight the balance between nutrition, taste, and visual comfort to support wellbeing in extreme environments.
Would you like a detailed recipe for one of the dishes, or more background on the film or chef’s story?
Following the screening, participants will be treated to a tasting of dishes included in the movie and prepared by Iijima. The "Movie & Bites" series presents a combined screening/tasting event.
Nami Iijima has published books like "LIFE nandemo nai hi, omedetou! no gohan ('Meals to Congratulate Yourself for Just Another Normal Day')" and "Wine ga oishii French Gohan ('French Meals That Go Well with Wine')".
The protagonist of the film is the chef, who struggles to provide diverse and appetizing meals using limited ingredients. The event ends with a Q&A session.
Please note that the event is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and dishes using shellfish may be served. Some of Nami Iijima's largest projects include movies like "Kamome Diner," "The Chef of South Polar," "The Great Passage (Fune wo Amu)," and "Our Little Sister (Umimachi Diary)" and television series like "Gochisousan," "Midnight Diner," and "Quartet."
Currently, Nami Iijima's products are available through Hobonichi. "The Chef of South Polar" is directed by Shuichi Okita and stars Masato Sakai. Many of the dishes in the film were prepared by food stylist Nami Iijima.
- At the event, attendees will experience a screening or discussion about the film "The Chef of South Polar" and then enjoy a demonstration or tasting session highlighting dishes inspired by the movie, prepared by renowned food stylist Nami Iijima.
- The food scenes in "The Chef of South Polar" were carefully designed by Nami Iijima to show both the visual appeal and the comforting and nourishing impact of the meals on the character navigating the harsh environment of Antarctica.
- Dish options at the event will include a seafood curry, steamed fish with seasonal vegetables, and an Antarctic style bento, all designed to be nutritious, warming, and comforting like the meals prepared in the film.
- Nami Iijima's culinary work transcends food and film, with books like "LIFE nandemo nai hi, omedetou! no gohan" and "Wine ga oishii French Gohan" showcasing her expertise in various cuisines, plating techniques, and pairing food with wine.
