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"Is this the beginning of something crumbling, or is something that's gonna strengthen [the restaurant industry]." Gravitas Venture has already released this documentary film on VOD already - but we're just now catching up with it. Directed by Peter Ferriero, Sorry We're Closed takes a look into the personal trauma, mental health, and livelihood of some of the best chefs during the hardest time of their careers. In the summer of 2020, restaurants are hit doubly hard by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. Chef Elizabeth Falkner checks in with her restaurateur colleagues across the country to see how they're coping, and whether or not they're able to keep on cooking. The film features appearances by Chef Elizabeth, Dominique Crenn, Nancy Silverton, Ann Kim, Gerald Sombright, Maneet Chauhan, and many more chefs from around the nation. This won the Best Feature Documentary award from the Pasadena Film Festival a few months ago.

Ever since Netflix announced it would be opening a Los Angeles pop-up restaurant, the jokes have been flying on social media. Would the servers use an algorithm to ask, “Since you liked grilled cheese, can we suggest broccoli?” Would you be allowed to share food with your friends or would it be forbidden, like Netflix password-sharing?

But at the preview night Tuesday for Netflix Bites at Short Stories Hotel on Fairfax, it was clear that the seriously delicious menu for the three-month pop-up, inspired by the streamer’s food programming, was no laughing matter. Imaginative cocktails from mixologists, like “Drink Masters” contestant Kate Gerwin, got guests in the mood with concoctions like the Oaxacan on Top of the World, while Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos mingled with the chefs. Netflix’s VP of Live Experiences Greg Lombardo welcomed guests, explaining, “We’re always focused on bringing our fans closer to the stories that they love.