Breakfast at Ina's

Breakfast at Ina's is a 2015 documentary that charmingly captures the heart and soul of one of Chicago's most iconic eateries – Ina's Kitchen, and its charismatic owner, Ina Pinkney AKA "The Breakfast Queen." Directed by Mercedes Kane, this film offers an intimate peek into Ina's world, her story, and the final days of her beloved restaurant.

Ina Pinkney is no ordinary restaurateur. A polio survivor with an indomitable spirit, her journey to become Chicago's undisputed "Breakfast Queen" is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Passionate about food and hospitality, Ina built a thriving restaurant business from scratch, turning Ina's Kitchen into a Chicago institution renowned for its warm, friendly vibe and mouth-watering breakfast dishes. She was a larger-than-life figure in her restaurant, not merely a distant proprietor but a hands-on force who ensured every customer felt special.

Breakfast at Ina's follows Pinkney in the last month of her restaurant's operation, providing the viewers with an insider's view of life in a bustling independent restaurant. Far from just a culinary journey, the movie serves up generous portions of Ina's personal story, capturing her ardent spirit and tenacity. Moments of reflection on her career are punctuated by the day-to-day workflow of the restaurant, underscoring the captivating duality of Pinkney’s life as a businesswoman and culinary artisan.

The movie does a commendable job in showcasing the intricacies of running a restaurant in a big city. The high-energy kitchen scenes reveal the careful dance of teamwork needed to turn out perfectly poached eggs and stacks of fluffy pancakes. It also highlights the restaurant's role as a social hub and community center. Ina's was not just a place for nourishment but also a space where memories were made, friendships were nurtured, and communities came together.

While the warmth of the kitchen and the sizzle of bacon are certainly prominently featured, the film delves much deeper into Ina's story outside the culinary world. We get to know her as a businesswoman, a champion for the disabled, and as a loving wife. Her strengths and struggles, her wins and losses are all laid bare, offering a layered, rich portrait of a woman who endured and triumphed over many challenges. We delve into her fight against polio and how she ultimately used food to stitch together the disparate threads of her life.

The closing days of Ina's Kitchen form the emotional crux of the movie. There are tearful goodbyes, final meals, and heartfelt tributes, all beautifully captured to hint at the bitter-sweet nature of endings. While the doors of Ina's Kitchen may have closed, the impact the corner restaurant and its owner had on the city and its denizens is palpable.

Ina's enthusiasm for food is infectious, her recipes loved by many. Beyond the menu, she served up something more profound: a sense of belonging. It wasn't just about serving breakfast - it was about building connections and creating a place where people felt at home.

As the lights dim on Ina’s culinary career, the film does not dwell much on nostalgia, but instead hinges on hope and endurance. It reminds us all that while things may come to an end, their legacies can continue to inspire and motivate, just like Ina’s vivacious spirit and unique culinary journey.

Breakfast at Ina's is more than a tribute to a beloved local restaurant. It’s a testament to a woman who faced adversity with courage and lived her life with zest and passion. A woman whose resilience, hard work, and unwavering belief in the power of food helped her carve her remarkable path. This genuinely stirring documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in food, business, or simply an extraordinary personal journey.

This film is an homage to a remarkable woman and her iconic eatery which was not just about breakfast but about creating an experience that would linger long after the plates were cleaned off. Whether or not you've experienced Ina's cooking first hand, you're sure to leave with a taste of the warmth, community, and joy that made Ina’s Kitchen a home away from home for so many.