Katie Lee Biegel, the renowned celebrity chef, has ventured into the realm of film production with her latest project, *Top of the World*, a documentary dedicated to the iconic Windows on the World restaurant formerly located on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Although the restaurant was well-loved and operational for 25 years until it was tragically destroyed during the September 11 attacks, Biegel’s documentary aims to transcend a mere historical recounting. Instead, it seeks to illuminate the restaurant’s indelible cultural footprint and the stories of the diverse staff who comprised its heart and soul.
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In an interview with *PEOPLE*, Biegel articulated her motivation behind the film, explaining, “We didn’t set out to make a 9/11 documentary. We set out to tell the story of Windows on the World and the people who made it what it was.” Her vision is evidently set on celebrating the shared experiences and camaraderie that defined the restaurant and its employees, noting the unique diversity of a team that represented various nations and spoke multiple languages, yet operated as a cohesive unit.
The inspiration to delve into the narrative of Windows on the World came from a book that Biegel and her husband, television producer Ryan Biegel, discovered titled *The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World* by Tom Roston. This work had been gifted to Biegel by fellow chef Marc Murphy, a former chef at Windows while she was filming *The Kitchen*. Once she began reading, Biegel was captivated. “It’s so captivating,” she recounted, “and we kept saying to each other, ‘This should really be a documentary. Why has no one made this?’”
Following discussions that spanned over three years, the couple finally reached out to Roston, leading to the development of the documentary in collaboration with CNN Films and TIME Studios. Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, *Top of the World* offers a comprehensive exploration of the restaurant’s significance within New York City’s dining culture, featuring archival recordings and interviews with former key players, including Major restaurateur Joe Baum, who was pivotal in shaping Windows’ reputation.
Biegel elaborated on Baum’s profound influence in the restaurant industry, highlighting how his innovative practices revolutionised dining experiences. She remarked, “When the waiter goes to your table and says, ‘Hi, I’m Katie. I’ll be your server tonight,’ that’s because of Joe Baum.” He not only set a benchmark for customer service but also pioneered concepts like sustainability and the farm-to-table movement, establishing Windows on the World as a quintessential dining experience.
As the narrative unfolds, the documentary prioritises the voices of former staff, offering a glimpse into the working environment at Windows on the World, which Biegel describes as a symbol of the American dream. She relayed, “People really wanted to work there because Windows paid more, they gave benefits, and people tried to get their families jobs there.” The documentary highlights these immigrant narratives, emphasizing the essential role that immigrant workers play in the restaurant industry – a theme that resonates strongly in today’s socio-economic climate.
One particularly poignant story featured in the film is that of Sekou Siby, who worked as a cook at Windows on the World. On the morning of the 9/11 attacks, Siby switched shifts with a colleague who ultimately lost his life. Biegel has commended Siby for his commitment to supporting restaurant workers since that tragic day, describing his work as “meaningful” and emotionally impactful. At the film’s premiere, Biegel witnessed his vulnerability and strength as he shared his experiences, underscoring the documentary’s purpose of honouring the legacies of those affected.
Biegel expressed her admiration for the individuals featured in the film, acknowledging their resilience and the journey they’ve undertaken since the restaurant’s closure. She viewed the project as an opportunity to pay tribute to their struggles and triumphs. “What they’ve been through and the way that they have triumphed in their lives. I feel truly honoured to have been a part of this,” Biegel remarked.
In reflecting on the screening experience, Biegel noted her deep satisfaction when hearing from former Windows employees who attended the premiere, and felt that their positive feedback validated the documentary. She hopes that their stories are told with respect and authenticity, reinforcing the significance of documenting such pivotal moments that shaped not only individual lives but the fabric of the hospitality industry in New York.
*Top of the World* is now available for streaming on CNN’s platforms, allowing audiences to engage with the rich history and profound stories of a restaurant that not only served meals but also fostered community and resilience in the face of adversity.