Starring in a film based on his own award-winning play, Aasif Mandvi brings extra charm to an already likable character, and accomplishes something else along the way: The actor manages not to get upstaged by the food, not always an easy trick for actors in good food movies.

Mandvi, who co-wrote the screenplay, plays Samir, a longtime sous chef who can’t seem to get a break, either from his boss or from life itself. Samir makes plans to forget his standstill life and career in New York, and head for Paris to learn from a master. Instead, Samir finds himself back in Queens, because of a variety of circumstances, acting as chef at the Indian restaurant owned by his parents.

Having given up interest in such a role long ago, Samir is surprised to find himself interested in turning the restaurant around and rediscovering his love for Indian food. He rekindles that love with the help of an unexpected mentor, and realizes the best food comes from the heart as much the head and hands of a chef.

“Today’s Special” is a charmer, funny and sweet and the kind of food movie you can smell if you allow yourself (and that’s a good thing). With an ensemble cast that clicks, and a warm-hearted approach that fits well with the film’s easygoing appeal, the film is more than digestible. “Today’s Special” opens Friday at the La Jolla Village Cinemas.

By DAN BENNETT – For the North County Times North County Times