The first time I saw Tampopo I was in grad school with a mass of papers before and behind me, deeply in need of its life- (and noodle bowl-) affirming comfort.
The 1985 Japanese film by Juzo Itani is the story of a ramen shop owner’s widow who needs and receives guidance from a ramen-improving gang as she tries to keep her shop from closing. Ramen ronin, widows, noodles—everything you want from a Japanese film.
Its cult status as a touchstone example of food in film (and it remains one of the best, interspersed with vignettes in turns playful, sexy, funny, and dramatic) makes it a delicious centerpiece for a special screening at the Texas Theatre on June 3. The evening will feature a newly restored version of the film and a ramen pop-up by Justin Holt, sous-chef at Lucia. Buy tickets here, and bring your favorite chopsticks.
Here’s a quick look at the evening:
7:30 p.m. – pop-up ramen (bring cash)
8:30 p.m. – Tampopo screening
10:30 p.m. – more pop-up action
