The Story
"Today's Special" is based on Aasif Madvi's play "Sakina's Restaurant" that he originally wrote in 1998. Here he plays Samir, who misses out on a promotion at an upscale Manhattan restaurant by sneering star chef Steve (Dean Winters) because his dishes aren't flamboyant enough. Upset, Samir quits on the spot and makes plans to go to France, but is forced to step in and run the Tandoori Palace when his father suffers a heart attack.

The kitchen is a mess and Samir doesn't help by being dismissive and ignorant of Indian cuisine. He has been at odds with his father (Harish Patel) since the death of his older brother in an accidental car crash. Samir's mother (Madhur Jaffrey) is preoccupied with finding a wife for her sole surviving child. Surprisingly she only ventures inside the Tandoori Palace kitchen once.

When the Tandoori Palace's strict and toothless chef quits, Samir hires a crazy taxi driver Akbar (Naseeruddin Shah) who claims to have cooked for Indira Ghandi and gives some new words of wisdom along with his recipes. A romance between Samir and a fellow chef Carrie (Jess Weixler) mixes into this funny comedy that brings warmth to your stomach.

The Cast
Aasif Madvi as Samir
Harish Patel as Samir's father
Madhur Jaffrey as Samir's mother
Dean Winters as Steve
Naseeruddin Shah as Akbar
Jess Weixler as Carrie

The Crew
Director: David Kaplan
Writers: Aasif Mandvi and Jonathan Bines
Producers: Lillian Lasalle and Nimitt Mankad
Screenplay: Aasif Mandvi and Jonathan Bines
Cinematogaphy: David Tumblety
Production Design: Darcy C. Scanlin
Editor: Chris Houghton and Rich Fox

What Worked

The film is a well written, feel-good movie by Aasif Mandvi and Jonathan Bines. It is funny and entertaining with great and wacky characters.

What Didn't

The actresses were good but they weren't as important to the movie as the rest of the cast.

The Soundtrack

The soundtrack has a nice mix of Bollywood classics like "Ina Meena Deeka" and some new Desi indie rock from the band Goldspot.

Slated or Rated
This warm comedy is good for the heart as well as for the tummy. A delicious treat!