Courtesy of Focus Features
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From Jamie’s Desk:
I don’t think I have ever dedicated an entire opening conversation to a film that isn’t my own, but here goes. Tomorrow, The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist comes out in theaters. I love being hyperbolic, but this seriously might be the most important documentary I’ve seen lately. Yes, there have been critical films raising awareness about issues around the world for years – but this film is truly meant for everyone. I hesitate to say it is four-quadrant or for kids, but it should be required viewing. Honestly, one of the best parts of watching the film is knowing nothing when going in, which makes telling you about it a bit hard. But what I will say is that whether you use AI all day every day or have never used it (is there anyone left in that category?), this film is for you.
The genius of it lies in the storytelling tools that directors Daniel Rohrer and Charlie Tyrell use. Specifically involving Daniel and his wife, who are the central through-line of the story. I saw this film at Sundance, having no real idea what I was seeing. I loved Daniel’s film Navalny, which won the Oscar (and full disclosure, we are working on a new project together), but I swear that has nothing to do with my obsession with this doc. Ironically, when I saw this in January, I was a very casual AI user: I used ChatGPT a couple of times a day, but I had never really spent much time on Claude or the others. That feels like a lifetime ago. And in AI terms, it was.
Just to put it in numbers— in January, Claude was #131 on the App Store, and by March, it had hit #1. In addition, web traffic grew 31%. The best part is that much of the success was due to Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei refusing Pentagon demands to loosen AI safeguards around mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. President Trump called it a "radical left AI company." Dario now leads a very short list of CEOs who have decided to push back on Trump. Hopefully, more and more people will realize it is good for the world and for business to put the benefits of all over the wallets of a few.
Bottom line— this movie comes out tomorrow. Please see it and please tell your friends to see it. Disclaimer: I do not have any involvement in the movie; I am just a fan of it and think it is a must watch.
One final note: although this might not seem like a movie you NEED to see in theaters like Avatar or Sinners, it really is the perfect movie for that, especially with other people. It will prove to be one of the most interesting few hours you have had. The conversations that will come out of this movie will be powerful and provocative. Warning— the film does mention the end of the world, so be prepared for some existential anxiety. But it also leaves room to hope for a utopian future.
Let me know what you think. Because this conversation is so critical, I have Tristan Harris, founder of the Center for Humane Technology and one of the experts featured in the doc, and producer Jonathan Wang on Lunch With Jamie on Tuesday, 3/31 at 1 PT/4 ET. Register here. Because of how critical this conversation is, we are opening it up to free subscribers as well — but as always, only members have the chance to ask questions and shape the topics we cover.
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Discussed in this issue: A solid mezcal sour in East Hollywood and the play critics and audiences are LOVING right now.
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Photo Credit: The LA Times
📍Los Angeles: Saffy’s (reviewed by Kelly Sawyer Patricof)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Crew: Aaron Stern, Adam Saper, Alex Tse, Ben Hundreds, Brian McGinn, Chris Rice, David Nathanson, Eli Meyer, James Ponsoldt, Jamie Patricof, Jason Spivak, Joseph Varet, Matt Karatz, Max Shapiro, Rachel Halilej, Eater, Goop, LA Times, Michelin Guide, The Infatuation, Time Out
Good For: Date Night, Small Groups, Large Groups, Good Drinks
Pro Tip: They have a coffee shop next door with amazing pastries, open daily from 8-3. They also serve brunch there 9-2 every day.
What to Order: Turmeric Mussels, Shawarma Plate, Hummus Tahini with Challah, Falafel, Chicken Shishlik, Pork or Lamb Kabob, Red Snapper Tagine, Beef Shishlik, Soft Serve, Banana Cake
Notes: From the culinary genius of Ori and Genevieve Menashe, Saffy's delivers just like you would expect. It's closer to home than their other restaurant, Bavel, and my non east-side friends will actually consider going – so it's not only delicious, but also convenient. It's great for foodies and picky people alike, meat lovers and vegetarians – this place truly has something for everyone.
The cocktails are incredible, the mezcal sour is the winner in my opinion, but they also make great custom ones if you're particular. I have been known to order the hummus for both an appetizer and dessert, although people really do love that banana cake. I am generally not someone who orders the fish, but their red snapper tagine is insanely good, and I'm equally obsessed with the falafel and the lobster skewers. As for ambiance, the outdoor patio is super charming, but I still like to be inside to watch the chefs in action. And don't forget to check out the bakery next door!
Photo Credit: Food Talk Central
📍Los Angeles: Gjelina (reviewed by Chris Bender)
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Crew: Adam Saper, Alex Tse, Ben Hundreds, Brian McGinn, Chris Rice, David Nathanson, Eli Meyer, James Ponsoldt, Jamie Patricof, Jason Spivak, Jerrold Son, Joseph Varet, Kate Burr, Matt Karatz, Max Shapiro, Rachel Halilej, Bon Appétit, Eater, LA Times, Michelin Guide, The Infatuation, Time Out
Good For: Big Group, Casual, Good Drinks, Take Out, Dinner with Friends
Pro Tip: Go for the Sunday brunch and sit on the upper patio, order lemon buckwheat ricotta pancakes and Moroccan baked eggs with lamb merguez.
What to Order: Grilled Oyster Mushrooms, Roasted Cauliflower, Grilled Cabbage, Anchovy Toast, Lamb Sausage Pizza, Pomodoro Pizza (simple, clean tomato & olive oil), Blanco pizza, Guanciale pizza (when available — rich and flavorful), Grilled Steak, Pork Dish, Pistachio Tart, Butterscotch Pot de Crème
Notes: As an East Sider, I don’t get to the West Side enough — but producing The Best Boarding House in Delaware, now in its fourth weekend at the Electric Lodge, has been a great excuse. It’s also steps from one of my Venice favorites, Gjelina. Over the past few weeks, I’ve done pre-matinee brunches, pre-show dinners, and quick rehearsal stops at Gjelina Take Away next door for flat whites or a slice of pizza. The vibe is relaxed and the seasonal ingredients shine. Standouts include roasted cauliflower with dates and pistachios, grilled oyster mushrooms, smoky grilled cabbage, lamb sausage or pomodoro pizza, and easily shareable steak or pork specialties. Save room for pistachio tart or butterscotch pot de crème.
Photo Credit: Eater LA
📍Los Angeles: Lielle (reviewed by Max Shapiro for Mad Food World)
Cuisine: Fine Dining
Crew: Ben Hundreds, Kate Burr, Eater, Michelin Guide, LA Times, The Infatuation
Good For: Date Night, Small Groups, Good Wine List
Pro Tip: Check out the supplemental courses, and while they have a great wine list, you can also bring your own bottle for a corkage fee.
What to Order: Tasting Menu
Notes: Every so often, a restaurant opens that isn’t chasing trends, flexing pedigree, or trying to reinvent fine dining for sport. It’s trying to do something simpler and harder: make a night out genuinely pleasurable. Lielle is one of those restaurants. The cooking is global without being chaotic. It’s rooted in French technique, especially sauce work, with Japanese influences woven throughout. There’s even pasta making in the mix. That kind of overlap can unravel quickly. Here, it doesn’t. This is an upscale restaurant without the stiffness that often comes with that label. It isn’t casual, but it’s far closer to relaxed than many of its peers. Nothing here is asking you to decode a concept or endure a thesis. All of it is in service of enjoyment.
To see the rest of Max’s review, as well as other hot LA dining picks, subscribe to Mad Food World.
Photo Credit: The Infatuation
📍Miami: The Joyce
Cuisine: American
Crew: Adam Saper, Ben Hundreds, Lloyd Sacks, Eater, LA Times, The Infatuation
Good For: Date Night, Small Groups, Good Drinks
Pro Tip: Order a burger, share it with your table. And save room for dessert. They upsell you all the caviar and Wagyu you can imagine, but hey – when in Rome.
What to Order: Crispy Latkes, Creamed Kale (aka Spinach Dip), Sauteed Shrimp Scampi, Chicken Wings, Emerald Avocado Salad, Wagyu Bites with Caviar, Crispy Snapper Sandwich (aka Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme) Steak, the Burger
Notes: For better or worse, this place is Miami. That's one of things I have noticed about a lot of the best spots down there – they all scream “Miami”. From the music to the vibe to the crow, you know where you are – and since you are in the Magic City, that is probably exactly what you are looking for. This is not Boia De or Enriquetta's. Which is not necessarily a bad thing or a good thing, it just is. The music is on some sort of EDM loop, but it all works. The place is tiny, so reservations are hard to come by, but if you can snag one, you won't be disappointed. Rumor has it that the chef has roots from 4 Charles – which makes perfect sense when you taste the food.
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