Remaking A Classic With Chef Jamie Malone
In February, as Minneapolis braced for its coldest polar vortex in decades, the RIOT creative team ventured from sunny Los Angeles to capture a glimpse into the life of one of Minneapolis’ most celebrated chefs and entrepreneurs—Jamie Malone. Armed with Uniqlo thermals, the team embarked on an exciting journey to document the essence of Jamie’s culinary artistry, her home, and the emotional impact she creates through food. This project, created for Sotheby’s International Realty’s Reside magazine, is the first in a series of docufilms showcasing local innovators.
The Heart of Jamie Malone’s Home: A Place of Beauty and Functionality
In the Remaking a Classic docufilm, we are introduced to Jamie Malone’s personal sanctuary—a home that exudes beauty and function in every corner. With a deep respect for both the aesthetic and the practical, Jamie curates each item in her space to reflect her love for beauty, while ensuring everything is purposeful. “I treat the space I live in with a lot of care because being surrounded by beauty and things that make you feel good is really important,” Jamie says in the film.
Jamie Malone works from her cozy home office, managing both her culinary business and creative endeavors. The image captures the essence of balancing work with comfort.
Her home is not just a living space, but a sanctuary that encapsulates Jamie’s philosophy of blending contrasts—masculine and feminine, old and new, expected and unexpected. This unique approachStrategy is a structured and goal-oriented plan designed to achieve specific objectives by leveraging resources and actions in an organized and intentional manner. It serves as a roadmap for success across various disciplines, from business to marketing. resonates in both her personal life and her culinary creations.
Jamie Malone’s Philosophy: Contradictions and Culinary Craft
What sets Jamie apart is her ability to create balance and harmony through contrasts. In the docufilm, she shares how she builds contradictions, a style that reflects her deep Parisian influence. “I work a lot on building contradictions, which I think is very Parisian,” she explains. “Contrasting masculine, feminine, old, new, expected, unexpected.”
Chef Jamie Malone poses with a portrait of her dogs, a personal touch that reflects her deep connection to her home and the things she loves.
This philosophy extends beyond her home decor to her work as a chef. At Grand Cafe, her culinary haven in South Minneapolis, the food is more than just taste—it’s an experience designed to evoke emotion. “We’re not looking for your attention on the plate. We’re not over garnishing, but if you are here to pay attention to the food, you’ll be rewarded,” Jamie emphasizes.
Chef Jamie Malone presents a stunning platter of oysters, elegantly served on ice, demonstrating her passion for both aestheticsDesign is the process of creating purposeful and visually appealing solutions to solve problems, convey messages, or enhance experiences. It involves a combination of creativity, technical skill, and strategic thinking. and culinary excellence.
Her approach to cooking mirrors her approach to life—it’s not just about the end result but the experience, the emotions, and the connections made along the way. “If it makes you smile, if it makes you happy and feel good, then gotta get it,” she says, reflecting her love for objects and experiences that enhance her life and the lives of others.
Grand Cafe: A Second Home and Culinary Masterpiece
Grand Cafe, Jamie’s restaurant, holds a special place in her heart. More than just a business, it’s a second home and a reflection of Jamie’s passion for food and hospitality. “The Grand Cafe, to me, is my family. It’s my second home, and it’s my baby,” she says. The ambiance and atmosphere at Grand Cafe are designed to make guests feel something deeper than just a meal—they’re meant to feel an emotional connection with the food and the space.
Chef Jamie Malone serves a beautifully plated dish to guests at Grand Cafe, showcasing the personal and intimate dining experience she creates for every customerA client is an individual, business, or organization that engages the services of a professional, agency, or consultant to achieve specific goals. Clients are the partners and key stakeholders in collaborative creative and strategic processes..
The film highlights the subtle nuances of the Grand Cafe experience, showing that it’s not just about great food, but about how the space and its surroundings affect diners. “It’s not just about how the food tastes when you eat it,” Jamie explains. “Every little nuance should be affecting you.”
A New Series of Docufilms for Reside Magazine
Remaking a Classic marks the beginning of a series of docufilms created for Reside magazine, brought to life by the creative team at RIOT. Each film will take you behind the scenes of America’ most innovative entrepreneurs, offering viewersAn audience is a group of individuals who receive and engage with a specific message, content, or product. In marketing and creative fields, understanding the audience is critical to crafting resonant and impactful strategies and campaigns. an intimate look at the personalities and passions driving change across the country.
Remaking a Classic offers a powerful glimpse into the life and work of Chef Jamie Malone—a true artist whose love for beauty, functionality, and food transcends traditional culinary boundaries. Whether you’re inspired by her philosophy of contradictions or captivated by the emotional experiences she creates at Grand Cafe, this docufilm invites viewers to see the world through Jamie’s eyes and to find joy in the simple, beautiful things that surround us.
Look out for more inspiring docufilms from Reside magazine, and if you’re flying Emirates this month, be sure to watch this story unfold at 30,000 feet.
