You can be forgiven for thinking that the delicious aroma of handmade pasta bubbling away to delectable perfection is wafting down from the screen in director Gab Taraboulsy's engrossing documentary portrait of master chef and "culinary storyteller" Evan Funke. The Felix Trattoria in Venice, CA, has elevated the art of Italy's signature contribution to world cuisine through Funke's use of the old-world techniques learned at the feet of "maestra" Alessandra Spisni in Bologna. Taraboulsy uncovers Funke's secrets, both professional and personal - the film relays the tattooed chef's pariah-like status after his initial foray into the restaurant world, Bucato, crashed and burned amidst rumors of fraud - in the fraught lead-up to the Felix Trattoria's 2017 opening. Along the way, Taraboulsy shines a light on the chef's philosophy and doesn't skimp on gorgeous images (sure to warm the hearts of foodies everywhere) of delicate orecchiette and pappardelle lovingly made from scratch.

Director Gabriel Taraboulsy, Producer Alexander Emanuele and Chef Evan Funke