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Eat This New York

Name: Eat This New York
Director: Kate Novack, Andrew Rossi
Released: 2004
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2004

Director

Kate Novack, Andrew Rossi

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Eat This New York is a thoughtful exploration of urban diversity, using the geography of Brooklyn to highlight the coexistence of different cultures. The film effectively captures the complex social dynamics of the area, particularly the interactions between distinct ethnic groups. While the story primarily revolves around male entrepreneurs, it avoids clichés by focusing on emotional vulnerability rather than traditional masculine strength. The setting helps illustrate how different identities intersect in urban spaces. Ultimately, the film provides a nuanced perspective on how economic challenges and cultural identity influence personal relationships.

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Category Breakdown

Does Eat This New York have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film highlights the close relationship between Billy Phelps and John McCormick, emphasizing their emotional connection and shared vulnerabilities, which challenges typical business dynamics.

How does Eat This New York portray gender?

Fair

The movie centers around male entrepreneurs but avoids traditional masculine stereotypes by showing men in emotionally vulnerable situations and facing financial instability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Eat This New York?

Excellent

Set in Brooklyn’s Division Street, the film showcases the interaction between Satmar Jewish and Latino communities, capturing both the tension and harmony without resorting to oversimplified views.

How does Eat This New York represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary looks at the harsh realities of urban capitalism and the food industry, focusing on the struggles of everyday life rather than an idealized version of success.

Does Eat This New York include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Uses the geography of Brooklyn to explore the intersection of Satmar Jewish and Latino communities.
Highlights male entrepreneurs’ emotional vulnerability rather than traditional masculine strength.
Avoids oversimplified views when depicting diverse cultural landscapes.

Limited or Absent

The narrative remains centered on male entrepreneurs.
There is no significant portrayal of individuals with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Eat This New York is the story of two best friends' struggle to open a restaurant in the food capital of the world. As Billy Phelps and John McCormick suffer through financial crisis, the loss of their chef, and a crumbling relationship, the filmmakers turn the camera on New York City's legendary restaurateurs who prove that dreams can come true. Billy and John's gamble to open a restaurant together takes shape on Division Street, a unique block in Brooklyn that separates the Satmar Jewish community of Williamsburg from the Latino neighborhood of the South Side. During the course of a year, they convert a former check-cashing shop located under the elevated train tracks of the J/M/Z subway lines into a retro speakeasy. But before the restaurant is fully built they come close to bankruptcy and almost call it quits on their friendship.

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