Through intimate firsthand accounts from its staff, this film revisits Windows on the World, the iconic restaurant atop the World Trade Center, and explores how it became a symbol of New York City before its story ended on September 11.

From Academy Award-nominated, Emmy-winning filmmakers Julie Cohen and Betsy West

Featuring former staff members—including wine master Kevin Zraly, chef Michael Lomonaco, and survivors whose lives were forever changed by September 11—the documentary captures the community, ambition, and opportunity that defined the restaurant, as well as the devastating loss of 79 employees in the attacks.

Chef Michael Lomonaco is a celebrated New York restaurateur, culinary director, and television personality known for shaping modern American cuisine. After honing his craft under legends like Alain Sailhac and Daniel Boulud at Le Cirque, he revitalized the iconic “21” Club and later led Windows on the World to national acclaim as Executive Chef and Director. In 2006, he founded Porter House Bar and Grill, followed by Center Bar and Hudson Yards Grill - each earning critical praise for their bold, ingredient-driven menus. A cookbook author and former Food Network host, Lomonaco continues to champion American regional cooking, philanthropy through initiatives like the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund, and the enduring belief that every great dish tells a story. For Lomonaco’s latest venture, he joins forces with Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato of Serafina Group to become Culinary Director of Brasserie Cognac on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

Q&A Tastings: Bebemos Tequila and Balsamico Italian Kitchen

This curated collection of films that celebrate food, culture, and creativity through the lens of culinary storytelling. Our relationship with food, where it is sourced and how we gather is part of our culture. Join us for this special event!

The films included in this showcase are:

A Vineyard Cinderella

Malagousiá: From Forgotten Vine to Fairytale Wine. The humble Cinderella of the vineyard was forgotten until a prince made her a queen. The story of the Greek grape variety Malagousiá is a fairytale woven from the taste of its grapes and the rhythm of a waltz.

Director & Producer: Vassilis Loules
Runtime: 10 minutes
Country: Greece

The Art of Sharing

Michelin-starred chef and multidisciplinary artist Minh H. Phan explores the dual crises of food waste and hunger from a refugee’s perspective. She creates an art installation and culinary experience that reveal her findings.

Along the way, we meet the farmers, distributors, and recipients connected by the food supply chain—people whose lives depend on the bridge between food waste and abundance, and food deserts and insecurity. The Art of Sharing is a powerful call to action, urging viewers to rethink food systems and join the movement toward generational health.

Director: Ricardo Serena
Producers: Jen Serena, Nkemdilim Nwosu, Ric Serena
Principal Cast: Award-winning chef Minh H. Phan
Runtime: 20 minutes
Country: United States

The Sideways Phenomenon

Over California’s 200-year wine history, one modern event changed its course forever: the unexpected success of the 2004 Academy Award-winning film Sideways. The film’s main character, Miles, was obsessed with Pinot Noir and disdained Merlot. His preferences sparked a worldwide phenomenon: international Merlot sales plummeted, Pinot Noir mania took hold, and a new generation of everyday California wine consumers emerged.

Director: Vanessa McMahon
Producer: Vanessa McMahon
Runtime: 29 minutes
Country: United States
Tastings by: Fox Point Farms, FigJam, The Vault, Marchelle
Q&A Guests: Nkemdilim Nwosu, Vanessa McMahon, Travis Elder, Joel Jordan, and Kevin Wu

Tastings Chef: Joel Jordan | Haven Farm + Table, Fox Point Farms

A farm-to-table chef with more than a decade of culinary experience, Joel Jordan was formerly of The Yasai and Glass Box. Haven Farm + Table is a Best of North County Gold Award winner.