Hamlet

I missed the first performance when I was in Israel so I purchased a ticket for the encore production. I am certainly glad I didn’t let this one get away.

Every singer was superb in his/her role. The stage settings were minimal and it worked so well. Marlis Petersen who played the part of Ophelia literally had 3 days notice to play the part. It is almost impossible to imagine how she did it. Her voice is magnificent. She has the very difficult mad/death scene at the end. It was emotional. Her voice was spectacular and I sat on the edge of my seat enjoying every note.

Everyone is familiar with the story of Hamlet. It was the first time I have heard it translated to music. Every character was spectacular. Even the two grave diggers were wonderful to listen to.

44 countries now participate in showing these Metropolitan Opera performances by live satellite. The shows are sold out well in advance. In my opinion it is better than being at the Met. I love being able to see the faces up close and view all the action as if it is being performed for me alone.

The interviews are amazing. You can’t get that at the Met or at the COC for that matter. During intermission you are introduced to many of the performers and the conductor. You often see the set changes taking place. I love it when the camera zooms in a particular instrument and you see the musician playing.

A prelude of the next opera is presented. A famous opera diva performs an emotional aria and then comes off stage and is willing to be interviewed. Amazing and wonderful!

There is still once chance left this season to see Armida on May 1. The encore presentation is May 22.

You can book next seasons operas starting on August 27 (with a Scene card). If you don’t have a card you can book on Sept. 10.

There will be 11 productions next season and five new operas being presented. It is now my favorite entertainment. You have the benefit of the best opera stars and the close up presentation is spectacular.

I can’t praise it enough. I can’t wait for the next season.

Mercurio

What a completely fantastic afternoon. Four friends had just attended the premier of another friend’s film. The film was emotional, creative and very well done. We decided to go out for a lunch following the presentation. Where better to have good conversation and sensational food.

The jazz music is always so inviting at Mercurio. The family run business has been an institution on Bloor for many years. Brother Joe or sister Teresa is usually there to give you that special welcome. I find it amazing that the charming mother is still very active in the business. Apparently she still does some of the baking for Espresso by Mercurio situated across the road. What an inspiration!

The food is so authentic Italian. The place has such a warm atmosphere. I always have the feeling of being in Italy. This is definitely a favorite spot. Just try and get a table after 6:00 p.m. without a reservation. Forget it. It used to be that you ordered your food at the counter and you would be called when it was prepared. I am delighted that it is now full service and great service at that.

A Panzerotti was the choice of one friend. It was an enormous portion of a round pizza covered with a lot of fresh tomato sauce. A side salad made it a very complete meal. I don’t know how she managed to finished it all but apparently it was so good she couldn’t leave any. This was one of the specials for the day.

Insalate Caprese was the choice of another friend. A huge mound of Buffalo Mozzarella cheese was mounded on a large portion of roasted tomatoes with pesto. Small pieces of foccacio were on the side of the plate. ($14.00)

My sister opted for the Omelet di Pollo.($!4.00) Smoked chicken, roasted red peppers, basil and white cheddar made for an exotic dish. All omelets are topped with sour cream and caviar and are served with a choice of in house frites, roasted vegetables or green salad. My choice was Fettucini Al Funghi.($16.00) It was sensational and brought back memories of the tasty pasta I enjoyed in Montepulciano, Italy. The pasta was perfectly al dente. The variety of forest mushrooms was infused with truffle oil and reggiano cheese. I loved every bite. I was still licking my lips the next day when I thought about this dish.

The Pizzas are amazing. Years ago my grandson was a student at UTS across the road. Every Wednesday we would lunch together. This was our favorite place. They still remember that Pizza Margarita ($11.00) was his favorite choice. I noticed it is still on the menu.

Pizza Genovese is another favorite with chicken, breaded eggplant, pesto, tomato and mozzarella.($16.00)

Sharing a pizza and a salad can make for a wonderful lunch. Insalata Arugola is composed of arugola leaves, roasted pepper, asiago and tomatoes.($!2.00) Insalata Beet has been my choice on many occasions.($12.00) Roasted beets, pine nuts, spinach and gorgonzola make up this tasty exotic salad.

This restaurant is the trendy place on Bloor St. L’Espresso Bar Mercurio is the sister restaurant across the road. There is a reason they are both so busy. Good food and great service ought to be their motto.

The Secret in Their Eyes

I have to see any film that won as the best foreign film for the year. It was a surprising choice. Half way through the film I realized that I was familiar with the characters and the story. I had seen it previously at a screening over a year ago. I certainly didn’t mind seeing it again.

This Argentinean film is a thriller and leads to many surprising actions. I thought that Ricardo Darin was superb as the former police investigator, Benjamin Esposito. He is handsome in a rugged way and he always looks so sad. His eyes are heavy. He is plagued by an unsolved murder of over 20 years. The young woman was brutally raped and murdered and the case was closed. Esposito wants to write a novel based on this story.

He goes to visit his former boss Irene who is now working in the same courthouse he used to frequent.

We are not sure of the former relationship between Irene and Benjamin. There are hints of a past relationship. There is obviously respect between them and much affection.

The movie moves between the past when the murder occurred and the present time. Irene and Benjamin solve the murder.

There are some fast paced scenes when the murderer is chased and he is exposed (literally) as the murderer. Apparently that scene alone took a year to plan and several months to execute. It was amazing.

Politics creeps into the story when the murderer is let off for giving information on political prisoners.

You never are sure which way the story will go. Is it a story of past romance? Is it a police story about solving a murder? Is it a political story about corrupt cases that allow a murderer to go free?

The last half hour of the film takes you on an unexpected emotional journey. . I enjoyed listening to people discussing the film as they left the theatre. Most were somewhat negative as to the quality of the picture.

The story will keep you interested. You will certainly want to discuss your interpretation. I always enjoy listening to the Spanish (English sub-titles) This is a good picture but I’m not sure it was the best foreign film of the year.

Langolino

It was like returning back home. There is something so soothing about the atmosphere at Langolino. The outside looks like a quaint inn. At night the little light bulbs give it a magic charm. Inside it is cozy, casual and warm in atmosphere. I am getting tired of the glitzy high tech restaurants. This restaurant makes me feel so comfortable.

I am also inspired with Wendy, the chef. With no formal training I can honestly state that she is a first class chef. She is creative. The food is tasty. I am impressed that she likes to use local produce and Ontario raised meat. The presentation of the food is always so inviting. The web site states that the food is a ‘delightful sensual taste experience.’ That is absolutely correct. The service is always perfect. Often Wendy’s son is attending. On this evening a very charming server was outstanding. He couldn’t do enough to please us.

My friend Nadia lives in the west end of the city. I live centrally. We try to find central locations for our frequent visits. We always have a great time and often relate stories of our ridiculous antics when we taught together. Nadia had heard me rave about this restaurant and it was her choice to try it. I, of course, was delighted.

We started with an appetizer special. The Smoked Salmon was served on Potato Rosti and tasty mixed greens.($12.00) It was so beautifully plated w e hated to disturb the dish. Once we started we couldn’t stop eating this most generous portion. It was so tasty and pleasing to the palate. That dish would have made for a meal on its own.

I was tempted to start with the Shrimp Mignonette.($14.00) Jumbo shrimp are prepared in garlic, butter herbs and a touch of tomato. This is a signature dish.

Soups and salads are also choices as a starter course.

Nadia chose the Linguine Pescatore for her entrée. It was a generous sized portion and beautifully arranged. Nadia agreed that we had made the right choice for dinner this evening.

I was so plt was crispy on top and moist and flavorful inside. There was a healthy portion of julienne vegetables and some little potatoes. It was all sitting on a bed of red pepper puree. Oh my goodness! Delicious.

I noticed that there is a reasonable fixe prix at $25.00. choose between the House Soup or Mussels.

The main course offers Baked Salmon or a Pasta dish. Desserts include ice cream or a slice of one of the selected cakes. What a bargain!

Sunday Brunch is very popular. Classic egg dishes are listed as well as yogurt and pancakes.

Now that the weather is nicer many will want to enjoy the patio. It is special because it faces Clinton Street and only looks onto the busy College St.

What value! We had a spectacular meal and felt so comfortable in the surroundings.

A Shine of Rainbows

was so overwhelmed with this exquisitely filmed emotional picture that I had to wear my sunglasses home at 6:00 p.m. The cinematography is worth the price of admission. The Irish countryside and the vista left me aghast. The acting is superb. This is a tender loving story that will really tug at your heart strings.

11 year old John Bell is unbelievable as Tomas, a young orphan boy.

We first meet him in the orphanage where he is taunted by the other boys. He stutters and is quiet and withdrawn.

The exquisite Maire ( Danish film star Connie Nielsen) comes to the orphanage to adopt Tomas. She is beautiful and so loving and tender. Apparently she had to learn the Irish accent in a very short time. I could listen to her all day. She sounded beautiful and she looked exquisite. Her smile would comfort any child. She takes him home to an island off the coast of Ireland.

They live in a small cottage. It is obvious that they do not have many material things but the love that Maire gives to Tomas is unconditional. She teaches him to be self sufficient and she also inspires him to love the nature all around.

Maire’s husband, Alec, is not convinced that Tomas is the right choice. He wanted someone more masculine. Alec ignores him and cannot relate.

It is heartbreaking to see the interaction with Tomas and Alec. It is so beautiful to see the interaction between Maire and Tomas.

Alec and Maire are a happy loving couple. Gradually we see Tomas getting to love his new home and making friends with the neighbor children. If only Alec could warm up to him.

The cinematography is breathtaking. The children in the area go to the sea shore and investigate old wrecked forts. They observe the insects and the bats. Tomas befriends a seal that is marooned on shore. He is tender and loving to the seal and talks to it as a friend. They investigate old structures in the area and believe mythical stories about the area.

At first I almost felt embarrassed that I was watching a ‘kid’s story.” Not at all. It is an exquisite story well told about a young boy acclimatizing himself to his new surroundings. I shuddered every time the social worker came for a visit. I questioned whether Tomas would be able to stay because Alec had not signed the papers.

Maire becomes very ill and everything changes. It was heartbreaking and I wondered how the story would conclude.

Apparently the filmmaker has won awards in the past. He is Canadian.

The filming is impressive. The acting is impressive. The story is captivating. Just bring a lot of kleenex and your sunglasses.

This film has been playing for a few weeks so I suggest you plan to see it in the near future or you may miss the opportunity of watching this very special story.

Filippo's

Elaine is my ‘foodie’ friend. I can’t tell you how much time we discuss in deciding which restaurant to dine and then discussing every morsel that we enjoy. We love talking about our menus for dinner parties and sharing recipes. Elaine is a great and innovative cook. In short we both love good food.

I hadn’t seen Elaine for a long time. She had been away and then I went to Israel. We had missed our dining experiences and had so much to talk about. We decided to meet on St. Clair Ave and let fate decide which restaurant we would enjoy. When we drove past Filippo’s a light went on. Elaine has dined here before and I had heard about the fine food.

We both like small family run restaurants. When we were greeted by the smiling face of Filippo we knew this was going to be a positive experience. He greeted everyone and continued to check if we were satisfied. It was never noisy and it was fun to watch the glorious plates of delicious looking food being presented to the tables.

We were very naughty and completely demolished the delicious broschetta. It arrived immediately and we enjoyed the fresh tomatoes on this crusty tasty bread.

We shared Filippo’s Insalata di Casa ($8.95) Romaine lettuce, artichoke hearts, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes are delightfully mixed with a three cheese dressing. I wonder how many calories we consumed. Didn’t matter. When something tastes this good you just go with the flow.

For a small restaurant I was impressed that 5 salads are offered. A Zuppa del Giorno is freshly prepared daily.($6.95) The Minestrone is always on the menu($6.95) Vegetarians will be happy to note it is a vegetable base with fresh garden vegetables. Carpaccio di Manza offers thin sliced cured beef, parmaggiano cheese and served with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.($12.95)

Pasta and pizza are the main listings on the menu. Pesce and Carne selections are listed daily on a blackboard.

We opted to share a pizza. It was decision time to choose one of the fifteen choices. Fresca Pizza was the right choice for us. The crust was thin and crusty. Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pesto, roasted red peppers, shrimp and eggplant were so tasty. They were even kind enough to divide the pizza and give us our own plates. There are so many different ingredients listed on the pizza choices. All the family can dine here and be satisfied with different choices.

The Risotto del Giorno changes daily. I’m told it is prepared without cream and is delicious. My favorite pasta choice was a consideration and will be my choice on my next visit. Pasta Gamberoni is a linguini dish with black tiger shrimp prepared in a mildly spiced tomato and white wine sauce.($24.95) Gnocchi Ripieni offers fresh spinach and ricotta cheese-filled gnocchi in a light tomato cream sauce.($17.95) Cappellini Pomodor is angel hair pasta prepared with plum tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic and fresh basil. ($14.95)

This is a small restaurant. The menu offers many choices. We were delighted with our choices. It is such a friendly place. Thank you Stephanie for the pleasant efficient service.

It was all a winning combination and it was so good to see my good friend again.

Caplansky's Deli

Welcome to the old world of the neighborhood deli. I felt as if I was walking back in time. The aroma hits you as soon as you enter the establishment.

We were charmed with our server who is from Australia and traveling around the world. It was fun just chatting with him. He was so friendly and willing to please.

Alex was heading out for a gig at a club in the neighborhood. My daughter-in-law, Kathy and Alex met me for an early dinner. Kathy is the expert on French fries. She can tell Hand Cut Fries and only eats these freshly cut and cooked fries. Apparently they are outstanding at this restaurant. Alex and Kathy were fighting over the last few fries. By the time I decided I would really try one there was nothing left.

Alex started with a bowl of Matzoh Ball Soup. Our family likes to think we are connoisseurs of the fluffy matzoh ball. Alex declared this a winner. The soup was full of flavor and the matzoh ball passed the flaky test.($5.00) Alex ordered the Sandwich Combo. That included his soup and a Smoked Meat Sandwich ($11.00) The sandwich was so full of lean meat. All the condiments were already on the table so we had nothing to do but dig in to the feast.

Kathy also ordered the Sandwich Combo but with fries. Alex and Kathy were happy patrons.

I do not eat meat so wondered if I would starve here. Fortunately the Leo was available. Leo stands for Lox, Eggs and Onions. I usually have a problem with scrambled eggs in a restaurant. They are often overcooked. These were almost as good as mine. The portion was large and the eggs were fluffy and delicious. Lots of cooked onions were immersed in the eggs and I liked the fact that the lox is added at the end. Two potato Latkes with applesauce, a bagel and pieces of fresh fruit completed this tasty dish.($12.00) It is not an extensive menu but I imagine most people come here for the smoked meat.

The Caplansky Salad is available for less hungry patrons.($10.00) Seasonal chopped vegetables, spring mix, chick peas, croutons and sprouts are tossed in a mustard vinaigrette.($10.00) Liver and Onions is offered with schmaltzy onions.($12.00)

Chicken In a Pot is a specialty of chef Danny Griesdorf.($12.00) All the regular specialties of Chopped Liver, Kishka and Knishes are available as side dishes.

The dessert menu is extensive. We opted for the Sour Cherry Pie. We should have ordered two more pieces. We all loved it so much.

There are specialties on the menu for children at very cheap prices.

A good deli is hard to find. This one brought back memories of days gone by and made me reminisce about the famous Stage Door and Carnegie’s in New York.

Caplansky’s is centrally located. I imagine the patio is busy on a warm day.

This was a treat that will soon be repeated. It is an economical meal that will fill your stomach and your soul with a cultural experience.

I love being with my family and we had the bonus of this delightful restaurant.

The Square

I try to see as many Australian films as possible. Many years ago I had the privilege of going to Australia. Every day I either saw a film or rented a video of an Australian company.

If you like intrigue, blackmail, murder and suspense you will love this film. I confess that halfway through the film I wanted it to end because I was nervous that something was going to happen to the lead character and I liked him. That is I like his handsome middle age look.

Raymond Yale was not a good person. He was cheating on his wife and having an affair with Carla his most attractive young neighbor.

Ray ran a contracting company and as the film progressed we learned that he did not have scruples at work either.

He was not above awarding contracts to friends. He took short cuts with the work.

Carla, his young lover, also had a complicated life. Her ‘rough and tough’ husband hid a bag full of money in the ceiling. I was fearful throughout because that husband was a scary character. She found out about the money and was determined to run away with Ray using the money.

Ray hires an arsonist to destroy the house so the husband will think his money had burnt in the fire. Ray tries to change his mind at the last minute but it is too late and everything really goes all wrong. The arsonist tries to blackmail him and the story gets very complicated..

Ray thinks nothing of killing a few people who got in his way. One body is buried in the middle of the night in a terrible rain storm. Ray throws the body in a large pit and uses his bull dozer to cover up the hole.

There is suspense throughout. I loved the comparison of watching Ray with his wife and friends. At work he could be rude, loud and brutal.

I was upset with myself for hoping he would get away with his girlfriend because I found him physically attractive. As a character he was a terrible person.

The acting was superb and you will sit on the edge of your seat throughout the performance.

City Island

An absolutely delightful surprise. I had company for dinner the evening before. I had company for brunch the following day. One load of dishes was churning away and I needed a brief relief from the kitchen. Now that I have moved I can happily walk to my favorite cinema in a few minutes. I didn’t even know what this film was about.

I thoroughly enjoyed the wacky concept and thought that it was well executed. In many ways it felt like an English farce where timing is so important. The audience obviously also enjoyed it because you could hear the laughter throughout.

Vince Rizzo is a prison guard in the Bronx. He lives in a quaint area called City Island where everyone knows each other and most of the inhabitants have lived there forever.

Vince lives with his wife and two children. His wife bickers with him constantly. She does have reason to be frustrated. He goes out to play poker (so she thinks).He’s secretly always wanted to be an actor. He attends acting classes and there he meets a young woman who helps him realize his dreams. It is not a sexual encounter and in fact she ends up helping him to become closer to his wife.

The daughter is away at college. (so the family thinks) We discover that she has been kicked out of college and has lost her scholarship. To earn money to return to college she takes a job as a stripper.

The son is an outspoken brash kid who secretly watches porn on his computer and has a fetish for grossly oversized women.

Every family member has a secret and they all fight amongst themselves.

I kept wondering why I wasn’t sad or frustrated watching this dysfunctional family. The acting is so good and the timing is excellent. The lines come fast and I found myself relaxing and just enjoying the comedy and not taking the action literally.

Vince brings home an ex convict who had no family to support him. He is one gorgeous dude. Of course this upsets the family in every way. Secrets are found out for every family member. The discord reaches a great crescendo.

It is all hilarious and entertaining. I found myself bouncing back home eager to finish cleaning up the kitchen.

Chloe

I was at a dinner party last evening and one of the guests (and a friend whose opinion I value) cautioned me against this film. He thought it was pornographic and totally distasteful. Sorry old friend but you whetted my curiosity and I had to see it.

Atom Egoyan is a director of arty and very creative films. They are never the norm. I try to see everything that he directs. Usually his beautiful wife, Arsinee appears in his films. Instead he has chosen a star cast with Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson and the gorgeous Amanda Seyfried.

The film takes place in Toronto and I loved seeing so many recognizable spots. The cinematography is excellent and I thought that the music was so appropriate for the film. All the actors performed well.

Julianne Moore plays the part of Catherine Stewart, a gynecologist. I wonder if even her profession is symbolic. Dr Stewart fears her husband is cheating. She had planned a surprise party for his birthday but he fails to attend when he misses his plane. We are led to believe that he was cheating with a young student and certain clues would confirm that suspicion. As the film progresses we wonder if it was in her imagination or maybe he just was being friendly with his students. In this way you are always probing the action.

Dr Stewart hires Chloe (Seyfried) to tempt her husband and to report back to her. Chloe faithfully gives a lurid detailed description of her acts with the husband.

To add a little intrigue we meet the son Michael. He is a musician who has a poor relationship with his parents. He brings young girls into the house and doesn’t seem to respect his parents.

The plot becomes complicated when Chloe starts bothering Dr Stewart and begins a relationship with her. One scene is rather explicit but I thought it was beautifully filmed.

I wasn’t surprised when Michael, the son, also had ‘a go’ with Chloe.

I kept telling myself that Atom Egoyan only directs films that are off the beaten path. This one is no exception but I enjoyed it.

There are some scenes that go a little ‘over the top’ but I accept it because this director is so creative. He is also one of our most recognized Canadian directors. He has even been a judge for the Cannes Film Festival. He has directed opera and is a very talented artist.

Having stated all of the above I certainly can understand why someone would find the film distasteful.

A Prophet

I had had company for dinner last evening and was preparing a brunch for tomorrow. I had no time to spare but needed a ‘movie fix’ so heeded for my local cinema to see a film I knew nothing about.

This is a difficult film to watch. It is a prison intrigue. I have often wondered what it is like in a prison. The brutality and toughness are clearly portrayed. The racism also becomes a major factor.

The acting is fantastic but I’m not sure that is enough because I found it exhausting to watch all the brutality. Men in prison are helpless in so many ways. It is almost impossible to tell on the ‘tough guys’. Your life is in danger.

I couldn’t believe the control that ‘the boss’ had within prison walls. He seemed to be able to organize anything and had a lot of control of his stooges The tough leader is a Corsican mob boss. He makes deals and controls lives inside and outside the prison. He takes on a Muslim convict and makes him his servant. We see the conditions improving for the prisoner. He gets electronic equipment in his cell. He is protected from other tough guys in the jail. Day time passes are arranged for him and he does the dirty work for his boss on the outside.

It is mean tough work. You have to ask if the price was worth it for the young man to be the servant of the boss. He serves his 6 year term in the French prison.

I had to wonder if that prison was typical of prisons everywhere. I have to believe that the brutality and control does exist in some form. I’m sure that racism is prevalent. I felt for the helplessness of the prisoners and the horrible things they face and are forced to do.

If you can face all that brutality you will appreciate the film.

Universal Grill

I loved being in Israel for a month. I am also thrilled to be back in Toronto and able to enjoy our wonderful restaurants. A friend just moved into my apartment building and we agreed to meet for dinner. When she suggested Universal Grill I was thrilled.

I remember when this restaurant first opened in this most unexpected location. There are only about 7 tables plus seating space at the bar. In the summer the outdoor patio permits additional seating space.

I was happy when I first heard that two women opened this restaurant and they have thrived beyond any expectation. The place is always crowded. The restaurant was obviously a former diner and there are still aspects of its past history. The green walls and the banquettes make for a warm inviting ambiance. The servers are so friendly and the food is outstanding.

We shared the Crispy Polenta with mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, capers, olives and goat cheese. ($11.00) It had a ‘wow’ factor as the palate burst with the wonderful flavors. The large pie shaped piece of polenta was crispy on top. The vegetables had been simmered together to produce the most tasty flavor. We both agreed that this dish with a salad would make for a wonderful lunch or light dinner.

Tortilla Spring Rolls are offered with sweet and hot mango dipping sauce.($8.00) The Warm Portobello Mushroom Salad is served with spinach, balsamic vinegar and shaved Parmesan cheese.((9.00). The special Soup of the Day was Asparagus with leeks.($5.00)

My friend comes here often and knew the menu well. She immediately decided on the Rajah’s Dry Ribs. The baby back ribs are dry rubbed and served with yam fries.($25.00) Of course she enjoyed it. I opted for one of the special dishes. Linguini was served with mushrooms, spinach, basil and goat cheese. It was the best pesto flavor and the linguini was perfectly coked. I savored every bite. The Hot Chicken Curry is served with plantain, okra, yam and dahl puri roti and basmatic rice.($17.00)

Oven Baked Rigatoni was a possibility. I loved the thought of eggplant, rapini, sweet peppers and roasted garlic served with tomato sauce and asiago cheese.($16.00) I’ll save that for next time.

We were tempted with the selection of desserts but just couldn’t manage another bite and we were also being thoughtful of the people waiting in line to enjoy a fantastic meal.

The servers seemed to know many of the patrons. It was so friendly and boisterous. I found the food to be outstanding and the place was comfortable and cozy.

I can’t wait to return.

Women without Men

I try to see all Iranian films because I learn a great deal. I think that Shirin Neshat is extremely talented and very courageous. She was selected as the best Director at the Venice Film festival.

A few minutes into the film and I realized that I had already seen this film at the Toronto Film Festival. It didn’t matter I was happy to see it again.

We meet four different women who all live unhappy lives in Iran. The time is around 1953 and the Shah is trying to get back in power in Tehran. There are angry factions of those supporting the Shah and others trying to support the military government in power. The historical aspect was fascinating and provided a background for the sad women who are the main characters.

One young girl is being forced to marry someone her brother has chosen. Her brother is autocratic and unfeeling.

One woman is married to a general but he does not fulfill her needs. She is smitten with a former lover. He introduces her to poets, actors and politicians. She leaves her husband and purchases a country estate. She tries to live a more fulfilling life in her country home.

A young prostitute runs away from her employer and ends up at the country house with the general’s wife who treats her well and nurses her but her problems are overwhelming.

Another young woman becomes involved with a political action group that meets secretly and tries to overthrow the current government. It is so upsetting when the militia crack down and arrest many from this group.

One woman states, “The only freedom from pain is to leave this world.”

I was intrigued to see that the general’s wife wore regular clothes and didn’t cover her head. I was expecting trouble when she left him but that didn’t seem to be a problem. She was in contrast to the other women who covered their head when they went into the street.

There are some beautiful camera shots of the terrain. They are in such contrast to the turmoil in the women’s lives. We see a brook and rippling water. The leaves on the shrubs glisten in the sun. It all appears so tranquil but we know that under the surface these women are suffering a mentally horrible life.

This young director has a future ahead of her. I hope she continues to direct more films on this topic.

Artists' Colony Inn

Artists’ Colony Inn 9 Yud Zayin Safed Israel

972-4-6041101 Cell: 872-52-3488196 Fax: 972-153-4-6041101

In the heart of the Artist’s colony of Safed Israel

A trip to Israel must include a visit to Safed. It is one of the oldest, most historical spots in Israel in the Galilee region and is also known as a centre for Kaballah study. There are 22 synagogues in this small area. I have been told that a Friday evening experience is to walk the streets of the old city. All the synagogues are full and the singing and dancing spills into the street. It is perfectly okay to ‘synagogue hop’ and see the town in full spirit.

Jeff and Benay Katz are the genial hosts of Artists’ Colony Inn. They worked on this unique artistic spot for over 1 ½ years. They found the structure in terrible condition. While working on the Inn they even discovered some hidden old stone arches which are now turned into a most creative place to visit.

Jeff and Benay are quite a team. While it is true that she worked with a top architect from Tel Aviv I do know that much of the creative design and choice of materials was Benay’s influence. Jeff works side by side with Benay but he is best known for regaling you with stories about his family and Israeli history. Check out some of the historical pictures on the wall in the reception area. Jeff is a fountain of information and so charming when he tells his stories. Jeff is also available as a tour guide and especially loves to show the Galilee area and the wine making spots.

There are only 4 rooms at the inn so it is essential to book ahead. Each room is different but crafted from the stone walls with magnificent modern touches of lighting and plumbing. Each room has its own little courtyard and the view from everywhere is spiritual to say the least.

The furnishings are luxurious. The linens are of the highest quality. Little dishes of cookies, candies and dried fruits are placed in each room daily. Also the guests are encouraged to help themselves to coffee, tea and pastries anytime during the day or night.

Plush white robes, thick towels and toiletries are left to pamper you. It is a fulfilling experience in every way to visit his unique place.

The enormous Israeli breakfast is prepared for you in the morning. One day omelets may be featured and on another day you will enjoy waffles. But always are the endless dishes of Israeli Salad, cheeses, fruits, yogurt, breads and fish.

It is such a delight to walk the narrow streets of the old city and investigate all the shops. There are art galleries, jewellery shops and gift shops. I liked the candle place. Jeff will also direct you to a cheese manufacturer and a shoe factory.

Benay and I had lunch in a little ‘cave like’ restaurant on the main street. The hummus and pita were the best. Also on the main street is a pizza restaurant that advertises itself as the best pizza in the world. I suggested we have dinner here. The charming men who run the establishment have beards, side locks and are obviously from a religious family. They were so much fun. The crust was so thin and the pizza so flavorful. We ended having a wonderful political discussion with three other visitors in the restaurant.

I found everything so delightful in Safed. Safed is a must visit. If you do plan to go treat yourself to the best in the area. Artists’ Colony Inn has now been voted the number 1 luxurious place to stay. I agree. Check it out at www.artcol.co.il

You will need specific instructions to find the inn. As you enter the property you face a stone wall. When the gate opens you enter a little bit of paradise.

Ghost Writer

I saw this film in Tel Aviv and really didn’t know what I was about to see. The advertisement was in Hebrew. I only went to the film because it was in English. It wasn’t until the end of the film that I saw the name of Roman Polansky. This is his latest film.

There were Hebrew and Arab subtitles but the spoken language was in English.

It was a good story with a lot of suspense and it held my interest throughout.

A young man is hired to be a ghost writer for a former Prime Mister. It doesn’t hurt that the writer is Ewan McGregor and the Prime Minister is Pierce Brosnan.

The original ghost writer dies while attempting to write the autobiography. It is assumed that he was murdered. The character played by McGgegor becomes involved in trying to solve the murder of the former writer.

Polansky is a master at intrigue and suspense.

Suspicion surrounds the Prime Minister and there is the possibility that he will be charged with war crimes.

The music throughout was so appropriate. The movie is fast paced and keeps your attention.

Xoho

Zoey and Howard are the proprietors of this little arty café. I fell in love with this twosome and their establishment. Zoey and Howard are creative in the kitchen and welcome you to their café as if you have been a life long friend. The interior is so tastefully decorated. The tables are hand painted or mosaic. Tasteful art work decorates the wall. The open kitchen is so small I can’t believe what tasty works appear. Zoey does all the baking from this tiny kitchen. She is amazing. The Chocolate Biscotti I ate was superb. It was filled with dried fruits and lots of chocolate chips. It was presented in a little plastic bag tied with a red ribbon. The gooey Chocolate Brownies and the dark chocolate Lindt Chocolate Mousse were so tempting.

Food can be purchased from early morning until 6:00 p.m. After that time pastries and coffee are available. The outdoor porch has two tables and a bench counter with stools. This is the kind of place where the patrons come early and stay late. You are encouraged to dine, chat and ‘shmooze’

The food is really creative and very tasty. Every day the specials are listed on a blackboard.

On my first visit I enjoyed an open faced Smoked Salmon With Lemon Ricotta Cheese Sandwich. The lemon ricotta blended with the smoked salmon. A fantastic onion jam had just been prepared to be placed on the side of the dish. What a flavor! It was so delicious.

I returned one cool morning and chose to dine inside. I was told that a Fresh Tomato, Orange Soup had just been cooked in anticipation of a cool morning. It was so fantastic. The blend of orange and fresh tomato was so great. Cheese toasts were the perfect ingredient to accompany the dish.

Each day Fresh Salads and creative dishes are prepared. Zoey bases her menu on the weather and fresh ingredients.

The Granola or Meusli dish is served on a bed of Vanilla Yogurt. Vegetable Pasta was also on the listed items for this day.

You are welcome for a great cup of coffee and a muffin or a full breakfast or lunch.

I am told that in high season they will begin to serve food after 6:00 p.m.

I wish them the best. They are a darling pair and they make magic appear from a tiny spotless kitchen. Zoey recommended the restaurant that I went to that evening.

XOHO has just been open for 1 month. Zoey and Howard are there 7 days a week. I don’t know how they do it. I plan to go back to Tel Aviv and will make a visit to Mapu St immediately. Mapu is one block south of Gordon Street just off Ben Yehuda.

La Danse

Spiritual! Amazing!

I should have stayed at home and finished unpacking after a month in Israel. I should have taken a walk in the beautiful sunny day. When I saw this movie listed I felt compelled to see this fantastic creative film. To ease my guilt I walked to and from the theatre.

The film is currently playing at the Royal Cinema. It is one of my favorite theatres but there is also a problem. It is an art house and the films are always the best. However they usually play only once a day and often for a short period of time. Don’t delay in seeing this art film because it will not be here for long.

Not only do you see the best dancers in the world up close you see them practicing, learning and performing.

I was able to be at face level with the best in the world. I watched them practice and marveled at their grace, talent and skill. I heard their teachers telling them how to improve and then saw the final performance in all their glory.

I especially loved the scenes of Paris and the camera took me into the theatre and I felt that I was sitting in one of the golden seats. What a theatre. The ceiling is painted with a beautiful mural and the seats are topped with gold.

The bodies were so fluid in motion. Some of the dances were classical but I especially loved the more modern dances.

The camera takes us to the cafeteria and we even see what the dancers are eating. It was quite a contrast to the lavish dinner offered to sponsors of the ballet company. I loved the shots of the costume designs and the sewing of individual costumes. There was even a close up of the floors being cleaned.

This is a fantastic opportunity to literally get behind the scene and see all aspects of this amazing dance company.