Dinner Rush

Louis, owner of a trendy Manhattan restaurant and operator of a bookmaking enterprise, must deal with various problems and people from both of his occupations in one hectic night. His son, Udo has transformed the restaurant from a simple Italian place with his pursuit of nouvelle cuisine fame, two mob guys are trying to muscle him out of the bookie business (having already killed his partner), a snooty gallery owner is hassling his staff, his sous-chef is piling up gambling debts, and a powerful food critic just walked in the door. Although pic is overstuffed, Giraldi's deft direction, and excellent performances (especially Aiello's) make for a satisfying treat. Successful restauranteur Giraldi filmed in one of his own eateries.