Soul Of A Banquet

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Cecilia Chiang in a still from the film, "Soul Of A Banquet."

Courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories

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Steamed bun preparation in a still from the film "Soul Of A Banquet."

Courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories

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Cecilia Chiang and an assistant work in the kitchen in a still from the film, "Soul Of A Banquet."

Courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories

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Beggar's chicken preparation in a still from the film "Soul Of A Banquet."

Courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories

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Cecilia Chiang and Alice Waters in a still from the film, "Soul Of A Banquet."

Courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories

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Wayne Wang, director of the film "Soul Of A Banquet."

Courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories

Director Wayne Wang (“The Joy Luck Club”) ventures into the world of Cecilia Chiang, the woman who introduced America to authentic Chinese food.

Chiang opened her internationally renowned restaurant The Mandarin in 1961 in San Francisco and went on to change the course of cuisine in America.

The film is equal parts delectable showcase of gastronomy and a touching portrait of Chiang's journey from a childhood in Beijing before the Cultural Revolution to accidental restaurateur on the west coast of the United States.

"Soul Of A Banquet" features interviews with Alice Waters, Ruth Reichl and Chiang herself.