Food Network: Two Minutes to Open

Food Network: Two Minutes to Open is a short-form documentary series profiling notable restaurants in the final minutes before opening their doors for service. Each spot captures the prep, atmosphere, and personality of a different establishment — from old-world institutions to contemporary tasting rooms.

Anytime I get the opportunity, I always work with friends. These three spots were directed by one of my long-time bffs, Jared Varava, and DP'd by Alex Naufel. Each piece has its own musical flavor, depending on the story of the restaurant. Cole's, arguably the first French-dip sandwich house in LA, has an old-world vibe. Yakitori carefully touches on the simple ethos of the restaurant, and Mélisse plays up the anxiety of perfection veiled in sophistication.