Monsieur Lazhar repeat of review
No wonder this film won an award at TIFF 2011.It is the Canadian entry for the Oscars in the best foreign film category. It was produced by the same talent who made the memorable Incendies last year. This is one of the best films of the year. The Quebec film industry continues to produce some of the best films in the world. Unfortunately we don’t always get to see them in Toronto.
When I arrived at the TIFF Bell Lightbox I was informed it was sold out. I said I would claw my way into the theatre or crawl on all fours. I was not going to miss this presentation of one of the 10 best Canadian films of the year. I was lucky enough to get a seat in the front row.
There is no violence. There is no suspense. There is no yelling and screaming. There is pure emotion well handled. Each actor is outstanding in his role. The children are memorable.
This is a multi layered film and there is much you want to think about when it is all over.
The film opens in a school yard in Montreal. Right from the beginning the cinematography captures the spirit of the children. It is so real and so believable. One parent kisses her child goodbye and leaves for work. A boy pulls the hat from another boy’s head. A young girl looks sweetly at a boy. The officious teacher in charge stands in the school yard with the whistle ready. I was in education for over 30 years and I recognized every child in that schoolyard.
A teacher at this school had just committed suicide. We deal with the emotions faced by the grieving children. One boy feels guilty because of his previous actions. Others mourn her loss for different reasons.
Monsieur Lazhar is hired as a replacement. He is from Algeria and claims he had taught for 19 years. He is such a wonderful character and his portrayal is worthy of an Oscar. He has a sense of humor. He is sensitive to the children’s needs. He empathizes with their feelings of loss. He doesn’t like to see a child being bullied. His teaching methods are a little rusty but he reaches out to each child as a good teacher should.
Monsieur Lazhar brings his own baggage with him. We learn about his family tragedy in Algeria. We feel his pain and admire him for trying so hard to move ahead in his new country. Because of what he had endured in Algeria he has the sensitivity and wisdom to know how to help others.
Monsieur Lazhar has to fight for his rights to remain in Montreal. He pleads the fact that he will be murdered if he returns to his home land.
One of the female staff takes a shine to Monsieur Lazhar. I understood her needs and wants. I could also see that he was not ready for such a situation.
The children are the most amazing actors. Any class is full of a variety of children. The film clearly shows the faces and you get inside their soul. You laugh and you cry at the same time. The scenarios are so real.
One boy is called into the Director’s office for hitting another boy. He has many deep seated emotions related to the death of the teacher and he took out his frustration on the other boy. He stands in the office biting his lip. He holds his arms together and has a nervous look on his face.
This is a film about human understanding. It deals with loss of innocence and coping with tragedy. It gets inside the characters. You see and feel their soul.
It is now short listed for best foreign film award for the OSCARS
Monday, January 30, 2012
Canoe
Canoe 66 Wellington St. West 416 364 4273
54th floor, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower
I am off and running. This was the first day of Winterlicious and I really started at the top in more ways than one. Canoe is on the 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower. It is also the top of the line in gourmet cuisine.
Elegant! Divine service! Delectable Food! Amazing View!
No doubt it is now fully booked for the entire Winterlicious experience. I called for 2 ½ hours to make a booking and then was on hold for another half hour. No matter. It was worth it all. The place was booming but it never was too noisy.
The service was impeccable. It was obvious that there has been extensive training with the staff and it certainly does pay off. As soon as we arrived the charming young ladies at the front desk were receptive. Our server couldn’t do enough to please us. Tyler (one of the servers) happened to overhear me say that I don’t eat meat. He quickly stepped in to tell me the bread had some pancetta and he would replace it immediately. Tyler, I think you will be the manager one day. The service continued to be superb throughout the meal and all our questions were patiently answered.
This is Winterlicious. At lunch three courses are offered for $25.00. There are choices within each section of the menu.
I was dining with my dear friend from my teaching days. We go back a long time and love to giggle and laugh as we recall our silly antics during that time.
We both opted for the Escarole and Red Oak Salad. It was superb. I have never heard of butternut squash vinaigrette. So tasty! It was a superb beginning.
The Beluga Lentil Soup is prepared with smoked ham and curry crème fraiche.
Clover Roads Duck Rilette was the third option.
My friend opted for the Braised Alberta Lamb entrée. It was served with pappardelle noodles, walnuts and Mill St. coffee Porter Sauce.
My Slow Cooked Heritage Salmon was delicious. It was served on a tasty shellfish veloute and root cellar vegetables. The salmon was placed on a tasty piece of cornbread. It was all quickly demolished with tasty sighs. This is gourmet food at its best.
Even though we were very full we intended to enjoy our dessert. The Birch Syrup Cake was topped with a piece of bacon caramel and ginger foam. The Niagara Pear Panna cotta with an orange spiced chilled consommé was tempting as well. The third dessert was a serving of 1608 Quebec Cheese with pretzel bread and butternut squash compote.
Winterlicious cocktails and winterlicious wines are fairly priced for this special week of dining.
We were two ‘over the top’ diners. We value our friendship and enjoy fine dining.
This truly is one of the exquisite restaurants in Toronto. It has an excellent regular menu and is known for the regal service. I can’t wait for a special occasion to return.
54th floor, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower
I am off and running. This was the first day of Winterlicious and I really started at the top in more ways than one. Canoe is on the 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower. It is also the top of the line in gourmet cuisine.
Elegant! Divine service! Delectable Food! Amazing View!
No doubt it is now fully booked for the entire Winterlicious experience. I called for 2 ½ hours to make a booking and then was on hold for another half hour. No matter. It was worth it all. The place was booming but it never was too noisy.
The service was impeccable. It was obvious that there has been extensive training with the staff and it certainly does pay off. As soon as we arrived the charming young ladies at the front desk were receptive. Our server couldn’t do enough to please us. Tyler (one of the servers) happened to overhear me say that I don’t eat meat. He quickly stepped in to tell me the bread had some pancetta and he would replace it immediately. Tyler, I think you will be the manager one day. The service continued to be superb throughout the meal and all our questions were patiently answered.
This is Winterlicious. At lunch three courses are offered for $25.00. There are choices within each section of the menu.
I was dining with my dear friend from my teaching days. We go back a long time and love to giggle and laugh as we recall our silly antics during that time.
We both opted for the Escarole and Red Oak Salad. It was superb. I have never heard of butternut squash vinaigrette. So tasty! It was a superb beginning.
The Beluga Lentil Soup is prepared with smoked ham and curry crème fraiche.
Clover Roads Duck Rilette was the third option.
My friend opted for the Braised Alberta Lamb entrée. It was served with pappardelle noodles, walnuts and Mill St. coffee Porter Sauce.
My Slow Cooked Heritage Salmon was delicious. It was served on a tasty shellfish veloute and root cellar vegetables. The salmon was placed on a tasty piece of cornbread. It was all quickly demolished with tasty sighs. This is gourmet food at its best.
Even though we were very full we intended to enjoy our dessert. The Birch Syrup Cake was topped with a piece of bacon caramel and ginger foam. The Niagara Pear Panna cotta with an orange spiced chilled consommé was tempting as well. The third dessert was a serving of 1608 Quebec Cheese with pretzel bread and butternut squash compote.
Winterlicious cocktails and winterlicious wines are fairly priced for this special week of dining.
We were two ‘over the top’ diners. We value our friendship and enjoy fine dining.
This truly is one of the exquisite restaurants in Toronto. It has an excellent regular menu and is known for the regal service. I can’t wait for a special occasion to return.
Fiermosca
Fiermosca 36A Prince Arthur Ave 416 323 0636
I like to think of myself as positive and most of the time I see the glass as half full. So what happened on this occasion? I was out for dinner with a friend who lives in the same building. I enjoy her company. She loves fine dining. As soon as we entered I had a foreboding feeling.
I have dined at Fiermosca for years. I was a patron when they were the energetic, trendy restaurant on Avenue Rd near Bloor. It was a great people watching place and the food was fantastic. I have dined at this location many times.
The food has always been delectable so I am willing to overlook the ambiance but on this occasion it was just too much. The dark wood is just too drab and old world. The bouquet of artificial flowers must be trashed. The bronze like statue in the doorway turns me off completely. Why is that fancy looking gun hanging on the wall? What statement is this restaurant trying to make? The place inside is a turnoff. But usually the food will recoup my positive mood. The patio at the back is glorious in summer months.
On this occasion the place was more than bustling. The back room was hosting a private party and the front room couldn’t cope with the overflow. I was told that 30 people had been turned away on this evening. If only we were one of them. It would have been better.
We started with a Caesar Salad. It had no taste. The garlic was obviously still on the counter. It never made it to the salad. The salad was crisp but tasteless.
My Linguine with Shrimp was just not acceptable. It was almost cold. There was no sauce. The shrimp were not tasty.
My friend did enjoy the Gnocchi special of the evening.
In fairness to the server I mentioned that the food was not hot enough. He did make it a bit warmer but plain linguine with no flavor is not my idea of dining in style.
I have always had excellent food here before. Obviously others also enjoy this location because it was more than busy.
I could have kept quiet about this experience but I needed to get it out of my system so that I could move on with my culinary dining.
It is now off my chest. Perhaps one day I will return and hopefully find a more aesthetic ambiance.
In the meantime I am fortunate to have other restaurants in the vicinity that are guaranteed excellent.
I like to think of myself as positive and most of the time I see the glass as half full. So what happened on this occasion? I was out for dinner with a friend who lives in the same building. I enjoy her company. She loves fine dining. As soon as we entered I had a foreboding feeling.
I have dined at Fiermosca for years. I was a patron when they were the energetic, trendy restaurant on Avenue Rd near Bloor. It was a great people watching place and the food was fantastic. I have dined at this location many times.
The food has always been delectable so I am willing to overlook the ambiance but on this occasion it was just too much. The dark wood is just too drab and old world. The bouquet of artificial flowers must be trashed. The bronze like statue in the doorway turns me off completely. Why is that fancy looking gun hanging on the wall? What statement is this restaurant trying to make? The place inside is a turnoff. But usually the food will recoup my positive mood. The patio at the back is glorious in summer months.
On this occasion the place was more than bustling. The back room was hosting a private party and the front room couldn’t cope with the overflow. I was told that 30 people had been turned away on this evening. If only we were one of them. It would have been better.
We started with a Caesar Salad. It had no taste. The garlic was obviously still on the counter. It never made it to the salad. The salad was crisp but tasteless.
My Linguine with Shrimp was just not acceptable. It was almost cold. There was no sauce. The shrimp were not tasty.
My friend did enjoy the Gnocchi special of the evening.
In fairness to the server I mentioned that the food was not hot enough. He did make it a bit warmer but plain linguine with no flavor is not my idea of dining in style.
I have always had excellent food here before. Obviously others also enjoy this location because it was more than busy.
I could have kept quiet about this experience but I needed to get it out of my system so that I could move on with my culinary dining.
It is now off my chest. Perhaps one day I will return and hopefully find a more aesthetic ambiance.
In the meantime I am fortunate to have other restaurants in the vicinity that are guaranteed excellent.
In the Land of Blood and Honey
In The Land Of Blood And Honey
Bravo Angelie Jolie. You are more than a pretty face and Bad Pitt’s lover. Jolie, wrote, directed and produced this difficult film about the war in Bosnia between the Serbs and the Muslims. The time is 1992.
Certainly there are things one could criticize. The main character is taken prisoner by the Serbs. She lives in terrible conditions but her eye make up and sculptured eyebrows remain constant. Her Serbian lover keeps her in a room in the army headquarters. All the men know about the relationship. The Serbian fighters would never have allowed their captain to have an enemy lover living in the building. They would probably turn on him. The Muslim girl is a lover of a Serbian captain. Many claim that would have been impossible. Even with these questions of accuracy the film is excellent.
This is a powerful film. I saw both sides of the struggle that tore a country apart. The Serbs were ruthless and vengeful. They claim the Muslims slaughtered hundreds of Serbs and they were acting in return. The Serbs were determined to get rid of all Muslims. They raped women. They slaughtered any Muslim they could find and forced hundreds of people from their homes to live in horrible refugee camps. The country was savaged and bombed completely. It was a no win situation.
The film is cleverly told through a love story. Ajla falls in love with Danijel. The problem is that she is Muslim and he is a captain in the Serbian army. It was so magnificent to see the two dancing together sensuously .on their first date. Moments later the calm is destroyed by a bomb and they barely escape alive.
The Muslims are rounded up. Ajla is separated from her loving sister and taken to a refugee camp. The women witness one of their own brutally raped in front of them. It is a coincidence that Danijel is a captain in the Serbian army and in control of the refugee camp. He doesn’t go along with the brutality and really wishes he wasn’t in the army. His father is one of the top military leaders and he has to protect the family image and go along with the Serbs.
He helps Ajla to escape. He protects her and later gives her a room in the headquarters and protects her. She is a painter and she spends her time painting and making love to her captain. She asks him,” Are we so terrible?”
We question if she is saving her life or truly in love with this man. We witness all the horrors of war and see how a war can tear apart people just because they are different.
At one point Ajla states,” I was brought up to believe that Serbs, Muslims and Croats are all the same.”
We witness UN cars being bombed and learn that the west has refused to enter this battle. The Serbian military commander refuses to negotiate.
I thought it was a brilliant concept to allow us to see the war through the eyes of a Muslim and a Serb. Even though Danijel was a captain he also had a soft side. He seemed to care for Ajla and be sensitive to her needs. He tried to help her. He murdered the soldier who raped her. He tried to help her escape. At other times he is the brutal soldier killing Muslims.
War is filled with inconsistencies. We see this in the picture. Jolie has personalized the bitterness and horror through the eyes of Ajla and Danijel.
At the end of the film we are given some interesting facts abo
Bravo Angelie Jolie. You are more than a pretty face and Bad Pitt’s lover. Jolie, wrote, directed and produced this difficult film about the war in Bosnia between the Serbs and the Muslims. The time is 1992.
Certainly there are things one could criticize. The main character is taken prisoner by the Serbs. She lives in terrible conditions but her eye make up and sculptured eyebrows remain constant. Her Serbian lover keeps her in a room in the army headquarters. All the men know about the relationship. The Serbian fighters would never have allowed their captain to have an enemy lover living in the building. They would probably turn on him. The Muslim girl is a lover of a Serbian captain. Many claim that would have been impossible. Even with these questions of accuracy the film is excellent.
This is a powerful film. I saw both sides of the struggle that tore a country apart. The Serbs were ruthless and vengeful. They claim the Muslims slaughtered hundreds of Serbs and they were acting in return. The Serbs were determined to get rid of all Muslims. They raped women. They slaughtered any Muslim they could find and forced hundreds of people from their homes to live in horrible refugee camps. The country was savaged and bombed completely. It was a no win situation.
The film is cleverly told through a love story. Ajla falls in love with Danijel. The problem is that she is Muslim and he is a captain in the Serbian army. It was so magnificent to see the two dancing together sensuously .on their first date. Moments later the calm is destroyed by a bomb and they barely escape alive.
The Muslims are rounded up. Ajla is separated from her loving sister and taken to a refugee camp. The women witness one of their own brutally raped in front of them. It is a coincidence that Danijel is a captain in the Serbian army and in control of the refugee camp. He doesn’t go along with the brutality and really wishes he wasn’t in the army. His father is one of the top military leaders and he has to protect the family image and go along with the Serbs.
He helps Ajla to escape. He protects her and later gives her a room in the headquarters and protects her. She is a painter and she spends her time painting and making love to her captain. She asks him,” Are we so terrible?”
We question if she is saving her life or truly in love with this man. We witness all the horrors of war and see how a war can tear apart people just because they are different.
At one point Ajla states,” I was brought up to believe that Serbs, Muslims and Croats are all the same.”
We witness UN cars being bombed and learn that the west has refused to enter this battle. The Serbian military commander refuses to negotiate.
I thought it was a brilliant concept to allow us to see the war through the eyes of a Muslim and a Serb. Even though Danijel was a captain he also had a soft side. He seemed to care for Ajla and be sensitive to her needs. He tried to help her. He murdered the soldier who raped her. He tried to help her escape. At other times he is the brutal soldier killing Muslims.
War is filled with inconsistencies. We see this in the picture. Jolie has personalized the bitterness and horror through the eyes of Ajla and Danijel.
At the end of the film we are given some interesting facts abo
One for the Money
One For The Money
What did I expect? The reviews were terrible. I had seen every good film playing. In order to make myself feel more virtuous I walked downtown to see this film. This is a film that you might enjoy if you are curled up by the fireplace and watching on a DVD while eating popcorn and drinking wine.
I was annoyed with myself because the AMC theatres charge more than the other chains. To make matters worse I was told there was an additional fee of $2.00 because the screen was wider. Great! More screen to watch a lousy film.
I did laugh. I was entertained. I adored looking at the beautiful Katherine Heigl who plays the main character, Stephanie Plum. Even more so I loved looking at the would be murderer, Joe Morelly ( Jason O’Maro,) I don’t recall seeing him in another film. His blue eyes and fit body kept me mesmerized throughout.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Sherri Shepherd ( from the View) playing an overly made up ridiculous prostitute. Debbie Reynolds has a small part as the ‘over the top’ grandmother.
Stephanie is out of a job. Her beautiful red car has been repossessed. She is out of money. She takes on a job as a bail enforcement officer. She gets a job working for her sleazy cousin, Vinnie. We learn that Vinnie came on to her on her wedding day. There are some ‘lovely characters’ in this film. Vinnie gave her the challenge to find the ex cop Joe Morelly. He is wanted for murder. Well what a surprise. We learn that Stephanie had a sexual encounter with our handsome Joe. When he didn’t call her again she managed to drive into him.
It becomes a cat and mouse game with Stephanie trying to track down Joe and get him to a police station. The sexual vibes are strong and the antics are funny at times. Joe manages to handcuff Stephanie (in the nude) to her shower rod and then leave her.
The ‘bad guys’ are like comic characters. They look rough and tough and of course are up to no good.
Stephanie becomes quite a detective and even carries a gun. She befriends another handsome dude who works for the police force. He helps her.
In my mind I just wanted to know which man she ends up with.
Apparently Katherine Heigl produced this film. There is nothing redeeming about it. The antics of catching the losers will keep you occupied for a few minutes. It is playful and fun in spots.
This is what I call a last resort film.
What did I expect? The reviews were terrible. I had seen every good film playing. In order to make myself feel more virtuous I walked downtown to see this film. This is a film that you might enjoy if you are curled up by the fireplace and watching on a DVD while eating popcorn and drinking wine.
I was annoyed with myself because the AMC theatres charge more than the other chains. To make matters worse I was told there was an additional fee of $2.00 because the screen was wider. Great! More screen to watch a lousy film.
I did laugh. I was entertained. I adored looking at the beautiful Katherine Heigl who plays the main character, Stephanie Plum. Even more so I loved looking at the would be murderer, Joe Morelly ( Jason O’Maro,) I don’t recall seeing him in another film. His blue eyes and fit body kept me mesmerized throughout.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Sherri Shepherd ( from the View) playing an overly made up ridiculous prostitute. Debbie Reynolds has a small part as the ‘over the top’ grandmother.
Stephanie is out of a job. Her beautiful red car has been repossessed. She is out of money. She takes on a job as a bail enforcement officer. She gets a job working for her sleazy cousin, Vinnie. We learn that Vinnie came on to her on her wedding day. There are some ‘lovely characters’ in this film. Vinnie gave her the challenge to find the ex cop Joe Morelly. He is wanted for murder. Well what a surprise. We learn that Stephanie had a sexual encounter with our handsome Joe. When he didn’t call her again she managed to drive into him.
It becomes a cat and mouse game with Stephanie trying to track down Joe and get him to a police station. The sexual vibes are strong and the antics are funny at times. Joe manages to handcuff Stephanie (in the nude) to her shower rod and then leave her.
The ‘bad guys’ are like comic characters. They look rough and tough and of course are up to no good.
Stephanie becomes quite a detective and even carries a gun. She befriends another handsome dude who works for the police force. He helps her.
In my mind I just wanted to know which man she ends up with.
Apparently Katherine Heigl produced this film. There is nothing redeeming about it. The antics of catching the losers will keep you occupied for a few minutes. It is playful and fun in spots.
This is what I call a last resort film.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Separation
Separation
I try to see all the available films produced in Iran. I have found the films to be very interesting and the cinematography exceptionally well done. This film is no exception. It just won an award for best foreign film at the Golden Globes. Generally I find Iranian films to be very long and slow in pace. This certainly was true for Separation. It is always challenging to look deeply behind the story to learn something about the regime Husband ,Nader, and wife, Simin, are arguing because the wife wants to move abroad to provide a better life for their 11 year old daughter, Termeh.. Nader refuses to leave mainly because of his father who lives with them. The father has Alzheimer’s. Nader also refuses to have his daughter leave with Simin. Simin plans to divorce Nader and moves out of the apartment and goes to live with her parents.
Nader hires a religious woman to look after his father. It doesn’t work out. There is an altercation. The woman charges Nader with assault. He, in turn, wants to charge her for mistreating his father.
It is quite interesting to see the legal system at work. Everybody is yelling at each other. The younger father is being charged with causing a miscarriage to the hired woman. The religious woman’s husband and Nader argue. The facts get scrambled and you wonder what the truth really is.
The children are the only innocent characters. Termeh is wiser than both her parents. She questions them about the truth and tries to help them face reality.
The young child of the hired woman is about 5 years old. She has large brown eyes that pierce you when she stares. The camera does its best work when it penetrates the faces of the characters.
The children were the pawns of their parents. They were also helpless.
I loved the ending which leaves you to decide what happens next. The 11 year old is asked by the judge to choose which parent she will live with. I can’t give anything away because I don’t know the answer. The 11 year old tells the judge she has made a decision and the tears stream down her face. You re left to decide which decision she probably made.
The plot moves slowly. There is a lot of bickering. The quiet grandfather doesn’t say a word but the camera lingers on his sad face and you feel his pain. Each person has a point of view. They all seem angry. Each has a truth but together they cannot come to a resolution of the problems. All the adults have a painful story. As a result of their actions the children also suffer. The acting from all the characters is excellent.
It will be interesting to see if there is a nod for the Oscars.
I try to see all the available films produced in Iran. I have found the films to be very interesting and the cinematography exceptionally well done. This film is no exception. It just won an award for best foreign film at the Golden Globes. Generally I find Iranian films to be very long and slow in pace. This certainly was true for Separation. It is always challenging to look deeply behind the story to learn something about the regime Husband ,Nader, and wife, Simin, are arguing because the wife wants to move abroad to provide a better life for their 11 year old daughter, Termeh.. Nader refuses to leave mainly because of his father who lives with them. The father has Alzheimer’s. Nader also refuses to have his daughter leave with Simin. Simin plans to divorce Nader and moves out of the apartment and goes to live with her parents.
Nader hires a religious woman to look after his father. It doesn’t work out. There is an altercation. The woman charges Nader with assault. He, in turn, wants to charge her for mistreating his father.
It is quite interesting to see the legal system at work. Everybody is yelling at each other. The younger father is being charged with causing a miscarriage to the hired woman. The religious woman’s husband and Nader argue. The facts get scrambled and you wonder what the truth really is.
The children are the only innocent characters. Termeh is wiser than both her parents. She questions them about the truth and tries to help them face reality.
The young child of the hired woman is about 5 years old. She has large brown eyes that pierce you when she stares. The camera does its best work when it penetrates the faces of the characters.
The children were the pawns of their parents. They were also helpless.
I loved the ending which leaves you to decide what happens next. The 11 year old is asked by the judge to choose which parent she will live with. I can’t give anything away because I don’t know the answer. The 11 year old tells the judge she has made a decision and the tears stream down her face. You re left to decide which decision she probably made.
The plot moves slowly. There is a lot of bickering. The quiet grandfather doesn’t say a word but the camera lingers on his sad face and you feel his pain. Each person has a point of view. They all seem angry. Each has a truth but together they cannot come to a resolution of the problems. All the adults have a painful story. As a result of their actions the children also suffer. The acting from all the characters is excellent.
It will be interesting to see if there is a nod for the Oscars.
Via Norte
Via Norte 938 College St 647 348 1116
If you have had the pleasure of dining here you know why I continue to write about this place. If you have not been there I highly recommend it. My birthday celebrations seem to go on forever. This was very special because my family was taking me out. They didn’t ask but notified me that we were going to my favorite place. I was so delighted.
I have dined here so many times. It has always been in the evening. I always wondered what it would be like to have a lunch at Via Norte. It was so interesting. There were so many men dining here from the Portuguese community. Many seemed to know one another and there was a friendly atmosphere. We stayed a long time but the other patrons were still there after we left obviously enjoying their wine and the great Portuguese food.
My friends all know my favorite food is Tuna and Via Norte does it the best. Very few restaurants serve this fish because it is expensive and difficult to prepare properly. Chef and owner Josee Alves is a master.
Even at lunch I was amazed at the portions. Two large pieces were perfectly cooked. The pieces were thick and well seasoned. I always marvel at the amount of freshly prepared vegetables. I also am amazed that I always finish every bit on the plate. There is no way I am bringing any home. Three of us enjoyed the Pan Fried Tuna on this occasion.($22.00) My daughter-in-law opted for the Linguine With Tiger Shrimp.($19.00) It was an enormous portion filled with giant shrimp band thoroughly enjoyed. I was also enjoying it through osmosis because the aroma from the olio and aglio seasoning was tantalizing. Rapini and sun blush of tomatoes enhanced the flavor as well.
The Portuguese Bread is always so yummy. Bottles of the finest virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar add to the flavor of the bread. It is impossible to stop eating the home cured black olives.
The Portuguese Sardines are a house specialty. Several of my friends have enjoyed this dish in the past. Caldeirada de Peixe for 2 is offered at $40.00 It is cooked slowly in a copper pot. White wine, tomatoes and onions and herbs are cooked with a mixture of fish.
The selection of seafood is plentiful. Of course meat specialties are also offered. Bitoque is a US 10 oz. prime steak cooked Portuguese style with garlic and pepper and topped with an egg. ($18.00)
I like the food because it is so well flavored. The portions are more than ample. The charming Rodrigo makes sure you are satisfied with the food and the service. He was very busy on this occasion looking after all the tables but made sure we were content.
We shouldn’t have done it but we shared a portion of Flan and licked the plate clean.
I have already reserved to go back for an evening of Winterlicious. Winterlicious is offered from Jan 27 – February 9. Three courses at dinner are offered for $35.00. I can’t believe tuna is on the menu for the main curse. It is the only restaurant in the city offering tuna. There are three options for each of the three courses. What a great opportunity!
I look forward to seeing Josee Alves, the chef and owner. I am always so happy to praise his food. I look forward to the gentle Rodrigo looking after the three friends who will be dining at Via Norte with me during Winterlicious.
If you have had the pleasure of dining here you know why I continue to write about this place. If you have not been there I highly recommend it. My birthday celebrations seem to go on forever. This was very special because my family was taking me out. They didn’t ask but notified me that we were going to my favorite place. I was so delighted.
I have dined here so many times. It has always been in the evening. I always wondered what it would be like to have a lunch at Via Norte. It was so interesting. There were so many men dining here from the Portuguese community. Many seemed to know one another and there was a friendly atmosphere. We stayed a long time but the other patrons were still there after we left obviously enjoying their wine and the great Portuguese food.
My friends all know my favorite food is Tuna and Via Norte does it the best. Very few restaurants serve this fish because it is expensive and difficult to prepare properly. Chef and owner Josee Alves is a master.
Even at lunch I was amazed at the portions. Two large pieces were perfectly cooked. The pieces were thick and well seasoned. I always marvel at the amount of freshly prepared vegetables. I also am amazed that I always finish every bit on the plate. There is no way I am bringing any home. Three of us enjoyed the Pan Fried Tuna on this occasion.($22.00) My daughter-in-law opted for the Linguine With Tiger Shrimp.($19.00) It was an enormous portion filled with giant shrimp band thoroughly enjoyed. I was also enjoying it through osmosis because the aroma from the olio and aglio seasoning was tantalizing. Rapini and sun blush of tomatoes enhanced the flavor as well.
The Portuguese Bread is always so yummy. Bottles of the finest virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar add to the flavor of the bread. It is impossible to stop eating the home cured black olives.
The Portuguese Sardines are a house specialty. Several of my friends have enjoyed this dish in the past. Caldeirada de Peixe for 2 is offered at $40.00 It is cooked slowly in a copper pot. White wine, tomatoes and onions and herbs are cooked with a mixture of fish.
The selection of seafood is plentiful. Of course meat specialties are also offered. Bitoque is a US 10 oz. prime steak cooked Portuguese style with garlic and pepper and topped with an egg. ($18.00)
I like the food because it is so well flavored. The portions are more than ample. The charming Rodrigo makes sure you are satisfied with the food and the service. He was very busy on this occasion looking after all the tables but made sure we were content.
We shouldn’t have done it but we shared a portion of Flan and licked the plate clean.
I have already reserved to go back for an evening of Winterlicious. Winterlicious is offered from Jan 27 – February 9. Three courses at dinner are offered for $35.00. I can’t believe tuna is on the menu for the main curse. It is the only restaurant in the city offering tuna. There are three options for each of the three courses. What a great opportunity!
I look forward to seeing Josee Alves, the chef and owner. I am always so happy to praise his food. I look forward to the gentle Rodrigo looking after the three friends who will be dining at Via Norte with me during Winterlicious.
Cheesewerks
Cheesewerks 56 Bathurst St. 416 243 3327
I love to try new spots for dining. I also like to have fun with the people I am with. My dear friend E and I went to Tuscany together. We didn’t have a moment of tension. Everything was an adventure and we loved it all. My friend really loves diners and small informal dining spots. I always try to find something different when we are going to meet. It is hard to believe that the ‘common’ Cheese Sandwich is making a big hit in the gourmet market. Of course these are not just regular cheese sandwiches.
Cheesewerks has only been open for a few months. They are located on Bathurst Street at Wellington. We couldn’t believe how many people were already familiar with this trendy spot. The place is fairly large. One wall is plain cement. In the middle of the room modern and tasteful long tables and chairs are placed for the diners. No fancy service here. Forget tablecloths and white glove service. When you enter the restaurant you face a large counter. You place your order from one of the many servers behind the counter. I was impressed with the friendly efficient staff. Your name is called when your sandwich is ready. All the sandwiches are prepared on bread from St John’s Bakery. I don’t need to say any more. It is all artisan bread. My sourdough bread was delicious. E had raison walnut bread that went so well with her cheese filling. Ketchup and sauces are extra and well worth the price. For $.0.75 you can order homemade ketchup or jalapeno sauce (Yummy) There are a variety of Soups available and delicious looking Brownies were calling out to me.
No item is more than $10.00. There are many different fillings for the sandwiches. A variety of meats are available in some of the more exotic creations. They are all made to order on the spot. They arrive warm, gooey and so appetizing.
Several types of food goodies are on sale. Samples of their fresh homemade granola were available for tasting. How delicious! Wine and beer are also available.
I ordered a Havarti Cheese Sandwich with Arugula. E felt decadent with her Brie, Caramelized Onions and Peach Jam on that tasty bread.
This is such a friendly spot. The food was ‘decadently delicious.’
They sponsor a variety of specialty evenings that also sound like fun.
On Feb. 8, 2012 meet Nicole Bzikot, cheese maker of Ontario’s premier sheep milk cheese producers, Best Baa Dairy.
February 14 you can honor Valentine’s Day with the I’m Fond’ of U. It’s couple’s night at Cheesewerks. It is an evening of luxurious Artisan Cheese Fondue that will certainly set the mood.
All the cheese products are 100% Canadian. This is originality and creativity at its best. Check it out at cheesewerks.com
I love to try new spots for dining. I also like to have fun with the people I am with. My dear friend E and I went to Tuscany together. We didn’t have a moment of tension. Everything was an adventure and we loved it all. My friend really loves diners and small informal dining spots. I always try to find something different when we are going to meet. It is hard to believe that the ‘common’ Cheese Sandwich is making a big hit in the gourmet market. Of course these are not just regular cheese sandwiches.
Cheesewerks has only been open for a few months. They are located on Bathurst Street at Wellington. We couldn’t believe how many people were already familiar with this trendy spot. The place is fairly large. One wall is plain cement. In the middle of the room modern and tasteful long tables and chairs are placed for the diners. No fancy service here. Forget tablecloths and white glove service. When you enter the restaurant you face a large counter. You place your order from one of the many servers behind the counter. I was impressed with the friendly efficient staff. Your name is called when your sandwich is ready. All the sandwiches are prepared on bread from St John’s Bakery. I don’t need to say any more. It is all artisan bread. My sourdough bread was delicious. E had raison walnut bread that went so well with her cheese filling. Ketchup and sauces are extra and well worth the price. For $.0.75 you can order homemade ketchup or jalapeno sauce (Yummy) There are a variety of Soups available and delicious looking Brownies were calling out to me.
No item is more than $10.00. There are many different fillings for the sandwiches. A variety of meats are available in some of the more exotic creations. They are all made to order on the spot. They arrive warm, gooey and so appetizing.
Several types of food goodies are on sale. Samples of their fresh homemade granola were available for tasting. How delicious! Wine and beer are also available.
I ordered a Havarti Cheese Sandwich with Arugula. E felt decadent with her Brie, Caramelized Onions and Peach Jam on that tasty bread.
This is such a friendly spot. The food was ‘decadently delicious.’
They sponsor a variety of specialty evenings that also sound like fun.
On Feb. 8, 2012 meet Nicole Bzikot, cheese maker of Ontario’s premier sheep milk cheese producers, Best Baa Dairy.
February 14 you can honor Valentine’s Day with the I’m Fond’ of U. It’s couple’s night at Cheesewerks. It is an evening of luxurious Artisan Cheese Fondue that will certainly set the mood.
All the cheese products are 100% Canadian. This is originality and creativity at its best. Check it out at cheesewerks.com
Barootes
Barootes 220 King St West. 416 979 7717
I used to be a regular at the Toronto Symphony. We always dined at Barootes before the performance. I loved that restaurant. It is huge and always crowded. It never gets too noisy. The large space is beautifully divided so that the tables are spacious and comfortable. It has an old world look with lots of wood and the place is as vibrant as ever. My grandson loved the many pictures on the wall.
I had a most memorable afternoon. My grandson was leaving for Banff School of Fine Arts the next day. He treated me to the symphony for my birthday. I was so touched. The least I could do was to invite him to this old time favorite of mine with so many memories. I was so pleased that he was enchanted with the place.
The menu is very extensive and I recall ordering the Pad Thai.($!6.95) It is prepared with shrimp, chicken, sweet peppers,, bean sprouts, and rice noodles. The Thai chili sauce and roasted peanuts add to the flavor. It was such a satisfying meal before attending a symphony. My grandson carried on the tradition and apparently loved every bite. There were numerous shrimp and lots of chicken.
I ordered the Fresh Organic Blackened Salmon with Balsamic Vinegar. ($16.95). It was so delicious I want to go back right now for more. A generous portion of salmon was blackened with delectable herbs and spices. It melted in my mouth. The flavor was explosive on the palate. A few home fries were on the side. A large green salad with lemon vinaigrette completed the dish. It was perfect for a lunch dish. I was full but not so much that I wanted to sleep in that magnificent concert. (Mozart’s Requiem) We both had a Cappuccino to make sure we stayed awake.
In the past I have enjoyed the Vegetarian Stir Fry.($14.95) Crisp vegetables, toasted cashews, and tofu are served on steamed rice.
Adventurous diners may wish to dine on Grilled Australian Kangaroo Loin.($18.95) It is served with a balsamic glaze sweet potato cakes, and vegetables.
Grilled Large Canadian Digby Scallops are prepared with a vinaigrette, house rice and vegetables.($16.95)
The servers were bustling to keep everything moving. Many business people dine here and needed to get back to work. Show goers to the theatres in the area and the Roy Thompson Hall were all rushing to get to a performance. No worries. The food is promptly delivered. The servers are trained for efficient service.
The symphony was spectacular. The lunch was a gourmet delight. All in all I had a very personal positive experience.
I used to be a regular at the Toronto Symphony. We always dined at Barootes before the performance. I loved that restaurant. It is huge and always crowded. It never gets too noisy. The large space is beautifully divided so that the tables are spacious and comfortable. It has an old world look with lots of wood and the place is as vibrant as ever. My grandson loved the many pictures on the wall.
I had a most memorable afternoon. My grandson was leaving for Banff School of Fine Arts the next day. He treated me to the symphony for my birthday. I was so touched. The least I could do was to invite him to this old time favorite of mine with so many memories. I was so pleased that he was enchanted with the place.
The menu is very extensive and I recall ordering the Pad Thai.($!6.95) It is prepared with shrimp, chicken, sweet peppers,, bean sprouts, and rice noodles. The Thai chili sauce and roasted peanuts add to the flavor. It was such a satisfying meal before attending a symphony. My grandson carried on the tradition and apparently loved every bite. There were numerous shrimp and lots of chicken.
I ordered the Fresh Organic Blackened Salmon with Balsamic Vinegar. ($16.95). It was so delicious I want to go back right now for more. A generous portion of salmon was blackened with delectable herbs and spices. It melted in my mouth. The flavor was explosive on the palate. A few home fries were on the side. A large green salad with lemon vinaigrette completed the dish. It was perfect for a lunch dish. I was full but not so much that I wanted to sleep in that magnificent concert. (Mozart’s Requiem) We both had a Cappuccino to make sure we stayed awake.
In the past I have enjoyed the Vegetarian Stir Fry.($14.95) Crisp vegetables, toasted cashews, and tofu are served on steamed rice.
Adventurous diners may wish to dine on Grilled Australian Kangaroo Loin.($18.95) It is served with a balsamic glaze sweet potato cakes, and vegetables.
Grilled Large Canadian Digby Scallops are prepared with a vinaigrette, house rice and vegetables.($16.95)
The servers were bustling to keep everything moving. Many business people dine here and needed to get back to work. Show goers to the theatres in the area and the Roy Thompson Hall were all rushing to get to a performance. No worries. The food is promptly delivered. The servers are trained for efficient service.
The symphony was spectacular. The lunch was a gourmet delight. All in all I had a very personal positive experience.
Pariah
Pariah
This is not a film for everyone. It opens at a strip club with a rapper singing a very raunchy song. We meet Alike. Is she a girl or a boy? She dresses in boy’s clothes and wears a baseball hat. On the way home in the bus she changes back into female attire. Her parents are concerned and worry that their daughter is a lesbian. The mother buys her feminine attire but the daughter is not interested.
The parents have their own problems. The father is a policeman. He cares about his daughter. He obviously is having an affair with someone.
Alike is testing the waters and trying to find her true self. She has a close female friend. They listen to music and have an affinity for each other. Alike is very bright and writes very sensitive poetry.
It is a touching story because I felt the pain of a young girl who is having a gender issue. She doesn’t have the support of her parents and is trying to work out this complex issue. Alike is actually played by a 33 year old Nigerian born actor. She is amazing in the role.
The film was a hit at Sundance. It is a coming out film of a 17 year old. I felt her struggle but believed she was going to find herself and be satisfied with her life as a lesbian.
This is not a film for everyone. It opens at a strip club with a rapper singing a very raunchy song. We meet Alike. Is she a girl or a boy? She dresses in boy’s clothes and wears a baseball hat. On the way home in the bus she changes back into female attire. Her parents are concerned and worry that their daughter is a lesbian. The mother buys her feminine attire but the daughter is not interested.
The parents have their own problems. The father is a policeman. He cares about his daughter. He obviously is having an affair with someone.
Alike is testing the waters and trying to find her true self. She has a close female friend. They listen to music and have an affinity for each other. Alike is very bright and writes very sensitive poetry.
It is a touching story because I felt the pain of a young girl who is having a gender issue. She doesn’t have the support of her parents and is trying to work out this complex issue. Alike is actually played by a 33 year old Nigerian born actor. She is amazing in the role.
The film was a hit at Sundance. It is a coming out film of a 17 year old. I felt her struggle but believed she was going to find herself and be satisfied with her life as a lesbian.
Hanoi 3 seasons
Hanoi 3 Seasons 588 Gerrard St. E. 416 463 9940
This is North Vietnamese cuisine at his best. It is a small family run business. The server is so sweet and friendly. All the staff tries so hard to please. There are many Vietnamese restaurants on Gerrard near Broadview. This is the best food. The restaurant is very simple and spotless. This is the second time I have dined here.
Four women were out to eat following the Met Opera. One of the women lives near Broadview and dines here often. It was the perfect choice.
We started with the Fresh Shrimp Rolls. ($3.00) They were quire large and filled with vegetables and shrimp. The dipping sauce was delicious.
The Hen is a specialty of the house. Sautéed Spicy Baby Clams are served with crispy rice crackers.($7.00) We also ordered Bun Canh Tom Ha Noi. Translated it is a Spicy Shrimp Dish with lemon grass and tamarind.($8.50) The shrimp were so flavorful and plentiful. Each dish is offered with a side of rice or noodles.
The Bun Bo Hue is a Spicy Lemon Grass Beef dish with shrimp paste.($7.50
I have been told that the giant bowls of Rice Noodle Soup are flavorful and delicious. Pho Chay offers mixed vegetables & tofu. Pho Nam included well done brisket. All the Pho Dishes are $7.50.
All the specialty soups are prepared with chicken broth. Vegetable broth is available upon request.
We splurged on an order of Fried Bananas with Coconut Ice Cream. ($5.00)
The food is all prepared fresh. The service is prompt and pleasant. This is a popular place. There were many diners on this evening. On my last visit it was fully booked. They also do a large take out.
We each indulged in a glass of wine. When was the last time you paid $5.00 for a glass of wine? Everything was prepared fresh. We had a wonderful evening. What a delightful conclusion to a day after seeing a great opera. One doesn’t have to break the bank to dine in fine cuisine.
This is North Vietnamese cuisine at his best. It is a small family run business. The server is so sweet and friendly. All the staff tries so hard to please. There are many Vietnamese restaurants on Gerrard near Broadview. This is the best food. The restaurant is very simple and spotless. This is the second time I have dined here.
Four women were out to eat following the Met Opera. One of the women lives near Broadview and dines here often. It was the perfect choice.
We started with the Fresh Shrimp Rolls. ($3.00) They were quire large and filled with vegetables and shrimp. The dipping sauce was delicious.
The Hen is a specialty of the house. Sautéed Spicy Baby Clams are served with crispy rice crackers.($7.00) We also ordered Bun Canh Tom Ha Noi. Translated it is a Spicy Shrimp Dish with lemon grass and tamarind.($8.50) The shrimp were so flavorful and plentiful. Each dish is offered with a side of rice or noodles.
The Bun Bo Hue is a Spicy Lemon Grass Beef dish with shrimp paste.($7.50
I have been told that the giant bowls of Rice Noodle Soup are flavorful and delicious. Pho Chay offers mixed vegetables & tofu. Pho Nam included well done brisket. All the Pho Dishes are $7.50.
All the specialty soups are prepared with chicken broth. Vegetable broth is available upon request.
We splurged on an order of Fried Bananas with Coconut Ice Cream. ($5.00)
The food is all prepared fresh. The service is prompt and pleasant. This is a popular place. There were many diners on this evening. On my last visit it was fully booked. They also do a large take out.
We each indulged in a glass of wine. When was the last time you paid $5.00 for a glass of wine? Everything was prepared fresh. We had a wonderful evening. What a delightful conclusion to a day after seeing a great opera. One doesn’t have to break the bank to dine in fine cuisine.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Vittorio's on Avenue
Vittorio’s on Avenue 137 Avenue Rd 647 977 6476
Chico has more energy than anybody I know. If you don’t believe me visit his new location and watch him bustling around the room charming all the patrons and making sure that everything is right. Chico is also a courageous and forward thinking entrepreneur. He has recently moved the very successful Vittorio’s to this new location. Past restaurants could not survive at this spot. I predict that history will be made as Vittorio’s proves to the neighborhood that it is not location but the service, ambiance and food. On this evening the place was bustling. What a buzz! The restaurant is well appointed. On a cold evening I loved the fire pot with the glowing flames.
My sister was hosting five guests. Three family members were celebrating birthdays. We had a round table in a more private corner of the room.
I should mention that I have dined at every location of Vittorio’s. The original was on Yonge St north of Eglinton. Chico was an understudy to the owner, Vittorio. Chico honed his skills and later became the owner of the Davisville and Yonge location. A later move to Dupont and Avenue Rd brought along all the regular patrons. They obviously will follow Chico anywhere because this place was crowded. The food is amazing. The service is friendly and efficient. Dining at Vittorio’s is an experience.
The daily specialties are listed on a blackboard that gets carried to all the tables. The regular menu offers many delicious Italian specialties. Every meal begins with a loaf of that very special bread. It is smothered in olive oil and rosemary. On one occasion two of us ate a whole loaf of that bread. It is warm and so tasty.
We shared two of the appetizers. The Figs Wrapped in Prosciutto were devoured immediately. I loved the Asparagus Gratinee. The asparagus was grilled to perfection and covered with a melted parmesan cheese.
Not only does Chico remember names, he recalled what I love to eat. How does the man do it? My favorite Linguine with Shrimps was the best ever. The light tomato sauce was fresh tasting and flavorful. I have never seen such giant shrimp. They were grilled and served butter flied in the shell. The flavor burst in my mouth.
One nephew opted for the special Veal Chop. It was enormous and served with vegetables. We were all making positive sounds as we devoured our gourmet food. Another nephew enjoyed the fish special. Black Grouper was rolled and stuffed and served with a variety of vegetables. My sister, our host enjoyed her Seafood Risotto. The Seafood Bowl was also a winner at our table. It was an enormous bowl of seafood in a delicious broth.
The Pasta at Vittorio’s is always al dente and offers a variety of pasta types. Rigatoni con Pollo e Portobello is prepared with chicken breast, Portobello mushrooms, goat cheese in a rose sauce. Spaghettini Vongole is prepared with clams in a white wine garlic peperoncino.
I recall having the tasty Melanzane alla Parmigiana in the past. Baked eggplant with parmigiano cheese and tomato sauce melts in your mouth.
The Carne selections offer large portions for the hearty diner. Braciole is a piece of veal stuffed with smoked mozzarella, prosciutto di parma, shallots, rosemary and thyme sherry in a cabernet reduction .Even the menu makes a statement with the glossy pictures. Vittorio’s is at home in this location.
Chico has more energy than anybody I know. If you don’t believe me visit his new location and watch him bustling around the room charming all the patrons and making sure that everything is right. Chico is also a courageous and forward thinking entrepreneur. He has recently moved the very successful Vittorio’s to this new location. Past restaurants could not survive at this spot. I predict that history will be made as Vittorio’s proves to the neighborhood that it is not location but the service, ambiance and food. On this evening the place was bustling. What a buzz! The restaurant is well appointed. On a cold evening I loved the fire pot with the glowing flames.
My sister was hosting five guests. Three family members were celebrating birthdays. We had a round table in a more private corner of the room.
I should mention that I have dined at every location of Vittorio’s. The original was on Yonge St north of Eglinton. Chico was an understudy to the owner, Vittorio. Chico honed his skills and later became the owner of the Davisville and Yonge location. A later move to Dupont and Avenue Rd brought along all the regular patrons. They obviously will follow Chico anywhere because this place was crowded. The food is amazing. The service is friendly and efficient. Dining at Vittorio’s is an experience.
The daily specialties are listed on a blackboard that gets carried to all the tables. The regular menu offers many delicious Italian specialties. Every meal begins with a loaf of that very special bread. It is smothered in olive oil and rosemary. On one occasion two of us ate a whole loaf of that bread. It is warm and so tasty.
We shared two of the appetizers. The Figs Wrapped in Prosciutto were devoured immediately. I loved the Asparagus Gratinee. The asparagus was grilled to perfection and covered with a melted parmesan cheese.
Not only does Chico remember names, he recalled what I love to eat. How does the man do it? My favorite Linguine with Shrimps was the best ever. The light tomato sauce was fresh tasting and flavorful. I have never seen such giant shrimp. They were grilled and served butter flied in the shell. The flavor burst in my mouth.
One nephew opted for the special Veal Chop. It was enormous and served with vegetables. We were all making positive sounds as we devoured our gourmet food. Another nephew enjoyed the fish special. Black Grouper was rolled and stuffed and served with a variety of vegetables. My sister, our host enjoyed her Seafood Risotto. The Seafood Bowl was also a winner at our table. It was an enormous bowl of seafood in a delicious broth.
The Pasta at Vittorio’s is always al dente and offers a variety of pasta types. Rigatoni con Pollo e Portobello is prepared with chicken breast, Portobello mushrooms, goat cheese in a rose sauce. Spaghettini Vongole is prepared with clams in a white wine garlic peperoncino.
I recall having the tasty Melanzane alla Parmigiana in the past. Baked eggplant with parmigiano cheese and tomato sauce melts in your mouth.
The Carne selections offer large portions for the hearty diner. Braciole is a piece of veal stuffed with smoked mozzarella, prosciutto di parma, shallots, rosemary and thyme sherry in a cabernet reduction .Even the menu makes a statement with the glossy pictures. Vittorio’s is at home in this location.
A Dangerous Method
A Dangerous Method
I tried to like this film. I am always proud of a Canadian director doing well (David Cronenberg). I noticed in the credits that Canadian funds were involved. The history of the development of psychoanalysis is fascinating, I certainly had heard of Jung and Freud but was not well informed about their relationship in developing psychoanalysis and their eventual split.
I knew nothing about Sabina Spielrein. In my opinion she was the key player. Keira Knightly plays the role of Sabina.
I think Michael Fassbender is quickly becoming the man of the hour as an actor. He seems to be everywhere. He plays the part of Dr Jung.
The film opens with the scene of a dark horse drawn carriage heading to an asylum in Switzerland. The screaming and ranting Sabina is being held by two military persons. She is dragged into the asylum. Her family history was of beatings by her father which strangely seemed to sexually turn her on.
Dr Jung is in the new process of ‘Talk therapy’. He sits behind the patient and talks with them. Apparently it works because the beautiful Sabina becomes cured and decides she also wants to be a doctor and work in this field.
Dr Jung and Sabina have an affair. Eventually Dr Jung is aware that his behavior cannot continue.
The contrast with Dr Jung’s family life and spirited relationship with Sabina is fascinating. His wife is beautiful, calm and wealthy. She cares about her husband. Sabina brings tumult into the relationship. It was also a sadist masochist relationship.
Dr Jung meets Freud and the two discuss their theories on sexuality and psychoanalysis. I found their discussions very interesting.
The film has received outstanding reviews. “I can only state how I felt watching the film. (I do admit I was frazzled and disturbed by the man crunching on candy beside me. Yes I did tell him to stop)
I found the acting very stilted. It will be argued that they were portraying the situations and the characters of that day. I argue it still has to be believable. .Keira Knightly had a difficult role with all her tantrums and excessive wailing and body actions. I certainly do not know if that was the way it might have happened. It didn’t feel authentic enough for me and seemed to be over acting.
Was there a reason that every woman and child in the film wore white? They were lovely costumes but I question the validity. Did it have anything to do with purity? I don’t think so.
I was totally fascinated at the end when the audience is informed what happed to all the characters. I was especially interested in Sabina Spielrein.
The timing for the film is before the First World War I found the costumes delightful (except for all white). The furnishings of Dr Freud’s office were fascinating. I wonder where he collected all the artifacts? I remember visiting his office (not as a patient) when in Vienna. His home is now a museum. I don’t recall all the artifacts.
This is another case of a film that partly works. Freud and Yung contributed much to the history of analysis and psychosis. They were probably the first to link sexuality to behavior. There is always something positive you can take away from a film. I guess I just expected more from a film that was being talked about so much.
I tried to like this film. I am always proud of a Canadian director doing well (David Cronenberg). I noticed in the credits that Canadian funds were involved. The history of the development of psychoanalysis is fascinating, I certainly had heard of Jung and Freud but was not well informed about their relationship in developing psychoanalysis and their eventual split.
I knew nothing about Sabina Spielrein. In my opinion she was the key player. Keira Knightly plays the role of Sabina.
I think Michael Fassbender is quickly becoming the man of the hour as an actor. He seems to be everywhere. He plays the part of Dr Jung.
The film opens with the scene of a dark horse drawn carriage heading to an asylum in Switzerland. The screaming and ranting Sabina is being held by two military persons. She is dragged into the asylum. Her family history was of beatings by her father which strangely seemed to sexually turn her on.
Dr Jung is in the new process of ‘Talk therapy’. He sits behind the patient and talks with them. Apparently it works because the beautiful Sabina becomes cured and decides she also wants to be a doctor and work in this field.
Dr Jung and Sabina have an affair. Eventually Dr Jung is aware that his behavior cannot continue.
The contrast with Dr Jung’s family life and spirited relationship with Sabina is fascinating. His wife is beautiful, calm and wealthy. She cares about her husband. Sabina brings tumult into the relationship. It was also a sadist masochist relationship.
Dr Jung meets Freud and the two discuss their theories on sexuality and psychoanalysis. I found their discussions very interesting.
The film has received outstanding reviews. “I can only state how I felt watching the film. (I do admit I was frazzled and disturbed by the man crunching on candy beside me. Yes I did tell him to stop)
I found the acting very stilted. It will be argued that they were portraying the situations and the characters of that day. I argue it still has to be believable. .Keira Knightly had a difficult role with all her tantrums and excessive wailing and body actions. I certainly do not know if that was the way it might have happened. It didn’t feel authentic enough for me and seemed to be over acting.
Was there a reason that every woman and child in the film wore white? They were lovely costumes but I question the validity. Did it have anything to do with purity? I don’t think so.
I was totally fascinated at the end when the audience is informed what happed to all the characters. I was especially interested in Sabina Spielrein.
The timing for the film is before the First World War I found the costumes delightful (except for all white). The furnishings of Dr Freud’s office were fascinating. I wonder where he collected all the artifacts? I remember visiting his office (not as a patient) when in Vienna. His home is now a museum. I don’t recall all the artifacts.
This is another case of a film that partly works. Freud and Yung contributed much to the history of analysis and psychosis. They were probably the first to link sexuality to behavior. There is always something positive you can take away from a film. I guess I just expected more from a film that was being talked about so much.
The Iron Lady
The Iron Lady
I have mixed feelings about this film but think it is well worth viewing. Meryl Streep is amazing as she plays several different stages in the life of Maggie Thatcher. I happened to see her interviewed on television this week. Meryl Streep was talking about how she had to learn to stoop and walk as an older woman. She does a superb job. The makeup also deserves praise for changing the young Maggie Thatcher into an old woman with dementia.
The film has been criticized for poor presentation of the politics of the day. I remember Maggie Thatcher as the Prime Minister but certainly do not recall all the details of her tenure. I don’t think it is really important. What is important is portrayed in the film. She dealt with many critical issues. The Falkland War was perhaps the beginning of her downfall. There were economic woes and through all the troubles she stood firm and resolute.
It was interesting to watch the sole woman handling a room of conservative advisors and members of Parliament. The audience chuckled throughout.
Her relationship to her husband was fascinating. Maggie Thatcher was a tough lady. She could be abrupt with her husband as well. At the same time the devotion and companionship comes through.
Part of the problem with the film is that it goes back and forth in time. As the dementia develops she imagines her dead husband with her and constantly recalls the past. The jumping back and forth can be distracting and frustrating.
Many of the issues of the day are presented in such a quick fashion that I felt the plot was not well developed.
This is not a documentary so I can’t expect all the details to be accurate. I did feel I was given a glimpse of this tough lady who did accomplish a great deal and was the first woman Prime Minister in England. I saw the development of a girl who worked in her father’s grocery store move forward in her career. I would have liked more information on her rise to power. The film seemed to move far too quickly from one period to another.
If a great performance is sufficient reason to see a film you will enjoy The Iron Lady.
I have mixed feelings about this film but think it is well worth viewing. Meryl Streep is amazing as she plays several different stages in the life of Maggie Thatcher. I happened to see her interviewed on television this week. Meryl Streep was talking about how she had to learn to stoop and walk as an older woman. She does a superb job. The makeup also deserves praise for changing the young Maggie Thatcher into an old woman with dementia.
The film has been criticized for poor presentation of the politics of the day. I remember Maggie Thatcher as the Prime Minister but certainly do not recall all the details of her tenure. I don’t think it is really important. What is important is portrayed in the film. She dealt with many critical issues. The Falkland War was perhaps the beginning of her downfall. There were economic woes and through all the troubles she stood firm and resolute.
It was interesting to watch the sole woman handling a room of conservative advisors and members of Parliament. The audience chuckled throughout.
Her relationship to her husband was fascinating. Maggie Thatcher was a tough lady. She could be abrupt with her husband as well. At the same time the devotion and companionship comes through.
Part of the problem with the film is that it goes back and forth in time. As the dementia develops she imagines her dead husband with her and constantly recalls the past. The jumping back and forth can be distracting and frustrating.
Many of the issues of the day are presented in such a quick fashion that I felt the plot was not well developed.
This is not a documentary so I can’t expect all the details to be accurate. I did feel I was given a glimpse of this tough lady who did accomplish a great deal and was the first woman Prime Minister in England. I saw the development of a girl who worked in her father’s grocery store move forward in her career. I would have liked more information on her rise to power. The film seemed to move far too quickly from one period to another.
If a great performance is sufficient reason to see a film you will enjoy The Iron Lady.
Annona
Annona Hyatt Hotel 4 Avenue rd 416 324 1567
Three cousins honored our aunt’s 98th birthday with a festive lunch at Annona. It is a classy place like our aunt. She has red hair and rosy cheeks. She still does her own income tax and is sharp as can be. The service was attentive and she delighted in the elegance and the calm.
All 4 of us were impressed with the variety on the menu. The birthday girl quickly noticed the Chicken Matzah Ball Soup.($11.00) She craves tastes from her past home cooking. The bowl was enormous and was filled with matzah balls, kreplah and pulled chicken. She was delighted. In addition she ordered the Smoked Salmon, Panceetta & Avocado appetizer. Roasted tomato, iceberg lettuce and avocado were all enhanced with some caper dressing.($13.00) She did consider the Crab Cakes served with avocado salsa and aged balsamic reduction.($18.00)
One of the cousins ordered the Caesar Salad ($13.00) prepared with hearts of romaine, hand chopped bits of bacon, shaved parmesan and herbed croutons. This was an enormous salad and we all dug in. In addition she enjoyed the Fish & Chips Almost. The chickpea battered halibut was served with sweet potato frites, raita and grilled lemon.($16.00)
The Tandoori Chicken Breast Salad was enjoyed by one of our party. Baby spinach, chick peas, mango, sweet pepper, grilled eggplant were topped with a citrus vinaigrette.($17.00)
I thought my choice was the tastiest and the best. A Tuna Salad Wrap & Soup is offered for $16.00. The soup was a creamy lentil based soup with cumin and lemon yogurt. It was creamy, flavorful and outstanding. The tuna wrap was enormous and filled with a large amount of tuna, avocado, egg, tomato, olives and arugula.($16.00) I couldn’t finish half of it but it was so tasty.
Everything was beautifully presented. We all enjoyed our lunch and commented on how delightful it was to dine in a quiet charming spot.
Our aunt was surprised with a large piece of delicious torte with a candle. I think she will long remember her outing. The Hyatt Regency is an exquisite hotel. Annona was an excellent choice.
Three cousins honored our aunt’s 98th birthday with a festive lunch at Annona. It is a classy place like our aunt. She has red hair and rosy cheeks. She still does her own income tax and is sharp as can be. The service was attentive and she delighted in the elegance and the calm.
All 4 of us were impressed with the variety on the menu. The birthday girl quickly noticed the Chicken Matzah Ball Soup.($11.00) She craves tastes from her past home cooking. The bowl was enormous and was filled with matzah balls, kreplah and pulled chicken. She was delighted. In addition she ordered the Smoked Salmon, Panceetta & Avocado appetizer. Roasted tomato, iceberg lettuce and avocado were all enhanced with some caper dressing.($13.00) She did consider the Crab Cakes served with avocado salsa and aged balsamic reduction.($18.00)
One of the cousins ordered the Caesar Salad ($13.00) prepared with hearts of romaine, hand chopped bits of bacon, shaved parmesan and herbed croutons. This was an enormous salad and we all dug in. In addition she enjoyed the Fish & Chips Almost. The chickpea battered halibut was served with sweet potato frites, raita and grilled lemon.($16.00)
The Tandoori Chicken Breast Salad was enjoyed by one of our party. Baby spinach, chick peas, mango, sweet pepper, grilled eggplant were topped with a citrus vinaigrette.($17.00)
I thought my choice was the tastiest and the best. A Tuna Salad Wrap & Soup is offered for $16.00. The soup was a creamy lentil based soup with cumin and lemon yogurt. It was creamy, flavorful and outstanding. The tuna wrap was enormous and filled with a large amount of tuna, avocado, egg, tomato, olives and arugula.($16.00) I couldn’t finish half of it but it was so tasty.
Everything was beautifully presented. We all enjoyed our lunch and commented on how delightful it was to dine in a quiet charming spot.
Our aunt was surprised with a large piece of delicious torte with a candle. I think she will long remember her outing. The Hyatt Regency is an exquisite hotel. Annona was an excellent choice.
Ciao
Ciao 133 Yorkville Ave 416 925 2143
It was a most memorable evening. My grandson and his wonderful wife drove all the way from Chicago to take me to dinner for my birthday. They have read all my reviews and carefully researched (with the help of their friends) a place that would be different, inspiring, satisfying and memorable. What a task and it was perfectly executed. To think that in my backyard this exquisite restaurant was waiting. How sophisticated to have drinks and appetizers at home before heading out for a walk to this Yorkville paradise.
There was a wow factor to the ambiance. I have never seen so many butcher block tables. They are amazing in their simplicity and beauty. Every detail to this sophisticated restaurant was duly noted. The tables are well spaced. We admired the several private rooms and spent the evening planning a future special birthday with all the family. The service was outstanding. We seemed to be surrounded by beautiful people all looking after our wishes and needs. It was all very special.
The upstairs has a buzz and was very crowded. We asked if we could be seated in the downstairs area. I preferred the space. No matter where you sit you are guaranteed authentic delicious Italian food and outstanding service.
The Zucchini * Artichoke Appetizer was a prelude of the excellent caliber of food. Deep fried zucchini and artichokes are served with red pepper aioli and lemon lime aioli. ($10.00) It was crispy, flavorful and very original for a starter. We also devoured the tasty Bruschetta.($5.00) The crusty bread and superb olive oil, balsamic vinegar and house cured olives had us satiated before even starting an entrée.
All evening we watched the platters of exquisite food being carried down the staircase to the other guests dining at this level. I wanted to set it to music and make a film. It was all such fun. The Pizzas were very popular on this evening. I could tell the crust was thin and the pizzas looked so delicious. On my next visit I opt for the Quattro Stagiono. ($16.00) Tomato, mozzarella, olives, red peppers, mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini are the toppings.17 pizza suggestions are offered on the menu. We opted for Pasta dishes and I must compliment the chef on preparing pasta equally as good as the finest restaurants in Italy. That al dente factor is so important. The pasta is also presented in beautiful bowls.
My grandson ordered the Linguine with Fresh Clams in a White Wine Sauce. It featured fresh clams, mussels, calamari, and tiger shrimp.($19.00)
His wife enjoyed the Fettucine with Shrimp, pesto and mascarpone cheese in a touch of tomato sauce.($19.00) I was in ecstasy with the Linguine with Shrimp in a Light Tomato sauce.($19.00) The portions were enormous but we couldn’t stop digging into our tasty portions.
Hearty diners may choose from the Secondi Selections. Veal Milanese offers a butter flied breaded veal chop, rapini and roasted potatoes.($33.00) Chianti Braised Short Ribs is a 10 oz. portion of crusted beef short ribs with a creamy gorgonzola polenta and crispy onions.($34.00)
We did manage to share an order of Gelato. Even that was presented in a unique dish with three sections of different flavored gelato. The Lemon Gelato was so fresh flavored. I felt I could squeeze the lemon juice from the gelato. Pistachio and Hazelnut were equally as delicious.
Every bite was spectacular. The total evening was memorable
It was a most memorable evening. My grandson and his wonderful wife drove all the way from Chicago to take me to dinner for my birthday. They have read all my reviews and carefully researched (with the help of their friends) a place that would be different, inspiring, satisfying and memorable. What a task and it was perfectly executed. To think that in my backyard this exquisite restaurant was waiting. How sophisticated to have drinks and appetizers at home before heading out for a walk to this Yorkville paradise.
There was a wow factor to the ambiance. I have never seen so many butcher block tables. They are amazing in their simplicity and beauty. Every detail to this sophisticated restaurant was duly noted. The tables are well spaced. We admired the several private rooms and spent the evening planning a future special birthday with all the family. The service was outstanding. We seemed to be surrounded by beautiful people all looking after our wishes and needs. It was all very special.
The upstairs has a buzz and was very crowded. We asked if we could be seated in the downstairs area. I preferred the space. No matter where you sit you are guaranteed authentic delicious Italian food and outstanding service.
The Zucchini * Artichoke Appetizer was a prelude of the excellent caliber of food. Deep fried zucchini and artichokes are served with red pepper aioli and lemon lime aioli. ($10.00) It was crispy, flavorful and very original for a starter. We also devoured the tasty Bruschetta.($5.00) The crusty bread and superb olive oil, balsamic vinegar and house cured olives had us satiated before even starting an entrée.
All evening we watched the platters of exquisite food being carried down the staircase to the other guests dining at this level. I wanted to set it to music and make a film. It was all such fun. The Pizzas were very popular on this evening. I could tell the crust was thin and the pizzas looked so delicious. On my next visit I opt for the Quattro Stagiono. ($16.00) Tomato, mozzarella, olives, red peppers, mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini are the toppings.17 pizza suggestions are offered on the menu. We opted for Pasta dishes and I must compliment the chef on preparing pasta equally as good as the finest restaurants in Italy. That al dente factor is so important. The pasta is also presented in beautiful bowls.
My grandson ordered the Linguine with Fresh Clams in a White Wine Sauce. It featured fresh clams, mussels, calamari, and tiger shrimp.($19.00)
His wife enjoyed the Fettucine with Shrimp, pesto and mascarpone cheese in a touch of tomato sauce.($19.00) I was in ecstasy with the Linguine with Shrimp in a Light Tomato sauce.($19.00) The portions were enormous but we couldn’t stop digging into our tasty portions.
Hearty diners may choose from the Secondi Selections. Veal Milanese offers a butter flied breaded veal chop, rapini and roasted potatoes.($33.00) Chianti Braised Short Ribs is a 10 oz. portion of crusted beef short ribs with a creamy gorgonzola polenta and crispy onions.($34.00)
We did manage to share an order of Gelato. Even that was presented in a unique dish with three sections of different flavored gelato. The Lemon Gelato was so fresh flavored. I felt I could squeeze the lemon juice from the gelato. Pistachio and Hazelnut were equally as delicious.
Every bite was spectacular. The total evening was memorable
Le Paradis
Le Paradis 166 Bedford Rd 416 921 0995
Le Paradis has been around for a long time. In fact they declare they have been open for 9424 days. It is always superb. It is always reliable and it is authentic French cuisine. There is a long hallway at the front with tables. It is great for people watching. The room at the back is up a few stairs and sometimes can be a little noisy with the low ceiling. There is another room on the first level that is airy and spacious. Reservations are taken for a specific time but not a specific room. The food is so good that you will only be thinking of your taste buds and satisfied soul.
My birthday celebrations began with a flourish. My dear friend and I go back to high school days. We still try to meet weekly for a lunch and keep in touch. Birthdays are sacrosanct. My friend and her husband were my hosts and I was delighted with her choice of venue.
The evening only got better as time went on.
The Beetroot Salad was perfection. Beetroot, fennel, goat cheese and carrots are served with an orange vinaigrette.($8.00) Every morsel was devoured. Even though we shared the salad the generous portion was more than sufficient.
The host opted for the daily special of Boeuf Provencal. The meat was tender and tasty. The dish was perfectly prepared and seasoned. Nobody was leaving anything on their plate.
I have dined here on many occasions since its opening. I always have the perfectly prepared Saumon a l’Alsacienne. The pan roasted salmon is served with braised cabbage and a citrus cream and reisling sauce.($17.00) I believe it is also possible to have cold Poached Salmon on request. It was a celebration and I wanted a change. The Blaff a la Martiniquaise was a dish fit for a king (or queen) It certainly was enjoyed by the birthday girl. Mixed fish, calamari, & shrimp are braised in a spicy tomato, habanero and citrus broth.($17.00) The fish was tender. It was topped with crispy shoestring potatoes. The sauce was a culinary work of art. It had a piquant tang of fresh saucy tomatoes. I would like to bottle up that sauce and have it on hand for topping eggs, fish or even for dipping bread.
I was also tempted by the Ragout de Legumes ($13.00) Mixed vegetables are braised with North African spices and served with chick peas and couscous. I have enjoyed this dish and love the mélange of herbs and spices. The Foie de Veau a la Framboise offers pan seared Provimi calf’s liver steak with raspberry vinegar demi-glace.($16.00) Bavette a l’Echalote is a marinated beef flank with a shallot demi-glace.($15.00)
The place is always full. No wonder. The food is outstanding and offered at an affordable price. It is authentic French cuisine perfectly prepared. Daily specials are listed on the blackboard.
Try and save room for dessert. Le Paradis is famous for the Lemon Tart and Crème Brule. Oo La La!
I hope we continue to be friends for many more years. I just may take her back to Le Paradis for her birthday to have such a fine meal all over again. It may not be original but it is guaranteed.
Le Paradis has been around for a long time. In fact they declare they have been open for 9424 days. It is always superb. It is always reliable and it is authentic French cuisine. There is a long hallway at the front with tables. It is great for people watching. The room at the back is up a few stairs and sometimes can be a little noisy with the low ceiling. There is another room on the first level that is airy and spacious. Reservations are taken for a specific time but not a specific room. The food is so good that you will only be thinking of your taste buds and satisfied soul.
My birthday celebrations began with a flourish. My dear friend and I go back to high school days. We still try to meet weekly for a lunch and keep in touch. Birthdays are sacrosanct. My friend and her husband were my hosts and I was delighted with her choice of venue.
The evening only got better as time went on.
The Beetroot Salad was perfection. Beetroot, fennel, goat cheese and carrots are served with an orange vinaigrette.($8.00) Every morsel was devoured. Even though we shared the salad the generous portion was more than sufficient.
The host opted for the daily special of Boeuf Provencal. The meat was tender and tasty. The dish was perfectly prepared and seasoned. Nobody was leaving anything on their plate.
I have dined here on many occasions since its opening. I always have the perfectly prepared Saumon a l’Alsacienne. The pan roasted salmon is served with braised cabbage and a citrus cream and reisling sauce.($17.00) I believe it is also possible to have cold Poached Salmon on request. It was a celebration and I wanted a change. The Blaff a la Martiniquaise was a dish fit for a king (or queen) It certainly was enjoyed by the birthday girl. Mixed fish, calamari, & shrimp are braised in a spicy tomato, habanero and citrus broth.($17.00) The fish was tender. It was topped with crispy shoestring potatoes. The sauce was a culinary work of art. It had a piquant tang of fresh saucy tomatoes. I would like to bottle up that sauce and have it on hand for topping eggs, fish or even for dipping bread.
I was also tempted by the Ragout de Legumes ($13.00) Mixed vegetables are braised with North African spices and served with chick peas and couscous. I have enjoyed this dish and love the mélange of herbs and spices. The Foie de Veau a la Framboise offers pan seared Provimi calf’s liver steak with raspberry vinegar demi-glace.($16.00) Bavette a l’Echalote is a marinated beef flank with a shallot demi-glace.($15.00)
The place is always full. No wonder. The food is outstanding and offered at an affordable price. It is authentic French cuisine perfectly prepared. Daily specials are listed on the blackboard.
Try and save room for dessert. Le Paradis is famous for the Lemon Tart and Crème Brule. Oo La La!
I hope we continue to be friends for many more years. I just may take her back to Le Paradis for her birthday to have such a fine meal all over again. It may not be original but it is guaranteed.
Le Vendeur
Le Vendeur ( The Salesman)
This was the concluding day for TIFF Bell Lightbox to show the 10 Best Canadian Films of the year. I wish I had seen more of them. I can only hope that you get the opportunity to see Le Vendeur. The director was in attendance. I was delighted to hear that the film has already played in many European countries. It was the first film from Quebec to play at the Sundance Festival. The film is absolutely wonderful in every way.
Le Vendeur is a car salesman. He is the best and has won awards for many years at selling cars. He has a system and likes to instruct the young salesmen on the art of being a good salesman. He is kind. He is a charming man. He adores his daughter and grandson. He takes his grandson to hockey and loves spending time with him.
The story unfolds in a small town in northern Quebec. It is winter and you feel the desolation and the cold. A large factory has closed and many of the town’s people are out of work. The small houses lead you to believe it is a working class community.
Tragedy strikes Le Vendeur and we watch with empathy as he struggles to control his emotions.
The cinematography is superb. The opening and closing shots are very powerful. The acting is outstanding. The director told the audience he likes to write simple stories that are complex underneath. He felt the film was about alienation and the winter storms were supposed to create the mood.
In some ways I disagree with the director. Le Vendeur was isolated in grief but surrounded by love from his fellow workers and people in the town. The director said the local expression was to show something more universal.
The audience was surprised to learn that during the filming there was no snow in the community. It was a warm winter with lots of rain. Snow had to be brought into the community and sifted over the roof tops.
I hope the film returns and many people get the opportunity to see this superb film.
This was the concluding day for TIFF Bell Lightbox to show the 10 Best Canadian Films of the year. I wish I had seen more of them. I can only hope that you get the opportunity to see Le Vendeur. The director was in attendance. I was delighted to hear that the film has already played in many European countries. It was the first film from Quebec to play at the Sundance Festival. The film is absolutely wonderful in every way.
Le Vendeur is a car salesman. He is the best and has won awards for many years at selling cars. He has a system and likes to instruct the young salesmen on the art of being a good salesman. He is kind. He is a charming man. He adores his daughter and grandson. He takes his grandson to hockey and loves spending time with him.
The story unfolds in a small town in northern Quebec. It is winter and you feel the desolation and the cold. A large factory has closed and many of the town’s people are out of work. The small houses lead you to believe it is a working class community.
Tragedy strikes Le Vendeur and we watch with empathy as he struggles to control his emotions.
The cinematography is superb. The opening and closing shots are very powerful. The acting is outstanding. The director told the audience he likes to write simple stories that are complex underneath. He felt the film was about alienation and the winter storms were supposed to create the mood.
In some ways I disagree with the director. Le Vendeur was isolated in grief but surrounded by love from his fellow workers and people in the town. The director said the local expression was to show something more universal.
The audience was surprised to learn that during the filming there was no snow in the community. It was a warm winter with lots of rain. Snow had to be brought into the community and sifted over the roof tops.
I hope the film returns and many people get the opportunity to see this superb film.
Marcello's Pizzeria
Marcello’s Pizzeria 1163 St Clair Ave ( at Dufferin)
416 656 6159
Food cravings seem to go in phases. Thai food, Sushi and others were the hot item for a while. Have you noticed that pizzas never go out of style? It is true that Neopolitan style pizza is a current favorite. New spots keep sprouting up all over. The pizzas are cooked in 90 seconds and I say,” So what?” The crusts are not crispy and if I am out for a dining pleasure I am prepared to wait for a pizza to be properly cooked.
Marcello’s has been a family institution for a long time. Their food is always dependable and delicious. The pizzas are outstanding. The restaurant does not take reservations so plan to arrive early. My grandson Alex is on a mission to discover all the great pizza places in town. I was happy to help him in his research. I love spending time with him. We always get into stimulating discussions about books, politics and music. I adore his company. Marcellos’s has so far been the winner. The crust is perfectly prepared. The options of toppings are numerous. The service is always friendly and the cost is very reasonable. It is a great place to take the family.
Alex ordered the Special Pizza.($12.95) It was topped with fresh arugula (a lot of it) and goat cheese. It looked so good I had to try a piece. Outstanding. There are 20 Pizzas listed on the menu as well as the daily special. Pizza Terra offers toppings of olive oil, mozzarella, parmigiano, sweet pancetta, roasted potatoes, spinach and red onions.($12.95). Pizza Melanzana is prepared with tomato sauce, goat cheese, roasted red peppers and grilled eggplant.($12.95)
He started with a bowl of Stracciatella Fiorrentina Soup.($4.95). That also was fully enjoyed.
I like the friendly atmosphere. It is obvious that many of the patrons are regulars. They chatted with the manager and already seem to know what to order.
I am trying to work off all my seasonal dining. (A daunting task) I settled for a Caesar Salad.($8.95) I asked if it would be sufficient for a lunch portion. I couldn’t even finish it. The salad was fresh and crispy. The dressing was very flavorful but did not overpower the salad. An Espresso coffee for Alex and a Cappuccino for me and we were happy satisfied patrons.
Marcello’s is more than a pizzeria. Most people do order the pizzas and they do a large take out. I have dined here many times in the past. Their fresh grilled fish is excellent. I noticed that Swordfish was on the menu this day.($22.00) I was so tempted. Meat, chicken and other fish specialties are listed on the menu. The Pasta specialties are fantastic. My favorite is Linguini con Gamberi. Black tiger shrimps and leeks are prepared in a sundried tomato paste cream sauce and served with the perfectly cooked al dente linguini.($15.95).I dare you to save room for a tempting dessert. They are on display in the cooler.
Isn’t it nice to know you can dine in gourmet style at an affordable price?
416 656 6159
Food cravings seem to go in phases. Thai food, Sushi and others were the hot item for a while. Have you noticed that pizzas never go out of style? It is true that Neopolitan style pizza is a current favorite. New spots keep sprouting up all over. The pizzas are cooked in 90 seconds and I say,” So what?” The crusts are not crispy and if I am out for a dining pleasure I am prepared to wait for a pizza to be properly cooked.
Marcello’s has been a family institution for a long time. Their food is always dependable and delicious. The pizzas are outstanding. The restaurant does not take reservations so plan to arrive early. My grandson Alex is on a mission to discover all the great pizza places in town. I was happy to help him in his research. I love spending time with him. We always get into stimulating discussions about books, politics and music. I adore his company. Marcellos’s has so far been the winner. The crust is perfectly prepared. The options of toppings are numerous. The service is always friendly and the cost is very reasonable. It is a great place to take the family.
Alex ordered the Special Pizza.($12.95) It was topped with fresh arugula (a lot of it) and goat cheese. It looked so good I had to try a piece. Outstanding. There are 20 Pizzas listed on the menu as well as the daily special. Pizza Terra offers toppings of olive oil, mozzarella, parmigiano, sweet pancetta, roasted potatoes, spinach and red onions.($12.95). Pizza Melanzana is prepared with tomato sauce, goat cheese, roasted red peppers and grilled eggplant.($12.95)
He started with a bowl of Stracciatella Fiorrentina Soup.($4.95). That also was fully enjoyed.
I like the friendly atmosphere. It is obvious that many of the patrons are regulars. They chatted with the manager and already seem to know what to order.
I am trying to work off all my seasonal dining. (A daunting task) I settled for a Caesar Salad.($8.95) I asked if it would be sufficient for a lunch portion. I couldn’t even finish it. The salad was fresh and crispy. The dressing was very flavorful but did not overpower the salad. An Espresso coffee for Alex and a Cappuccino for me and we were happy satisfied patrons.
Marcello’s is more than a pizzeria. Most people do order the pizzas and they do a large take out. I have dined here many times in the past. Their fresh grilled fish is excellent. I noticed that Swordfish was on the menu this day.($22.00) I was so tempted. Meat, chicken and other fish specialties are listed on the menu. The Pasta specialties are fantastic. My favorite is Linguini con Gamberi. Black tiger shrimps and leeks are prepared in a sundried tomato paste cream sauce and served with the perfectly cooked al dente linguini.($15.95).I dare you to save room for a tempting dessert. They are on display in the cooler.
Isn’t it nice to know you can dine in gourmet style at an affordable price?
Over Easy
Over Easy 56 Yonge St 416 922 2345
The Over Easy restaurant on Bloor near Avenue Rd is a trendy breakfast/lunch spot. The downtown location is also well attended. It is the centre of the downtown hub and always busy. I was meeting my niece who was on her way back to Montreal after a family visit in St Catherines. Toronto was just a stop over for a few hours. This worked out perfectly for both of us.
Over Easy offers all day breakfast and lunch from 7 am -3 pm. It is located behind the lobby of the Hotel Victoria just north of Wellington St.
My niece ordered the Healthy Light. ($10.99) A large bowl was filled with fresh fruit, a layer of granola and honey and served with a muffin.
I also was in a healthy frame of mind trying to get over the woes of too much holiday food. I ordered A Complete Healthy Meal.($10.99) An egg white scramble was served with fresh fruit salad, hot oatmeal. Multigrain toast and a slice of tomato.($10.99) It was delicious and I felt so virtuous enjoying my healthy food. Soups and Salads are popular items for lunch. The Big Salad is prepared with mixed greens, feta cheese, black olives, marinated tomato, cucumber and purple onion.($12.99) Salad Nicoise is a classic item with albacore tuna, tomato, boiled new potatoes, black lives, hardboiled egg, asparagus and anchovies served with a balsamic vinaigrette.($13.99)
Smoked Salmon Platter is a specialty offering smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, purple onions and a toasted Montreal bagel.($13.99)
Huevos Rancheros offers 2 poached eggs on a flour tortilla with the chef’s own spiced ranchero sauce and melted cheddar cheese. It is served with avocado, sour cream and home fries.($9.99)
A variety of Omelettes are offered. Spanish Omelette is an open faced frittata with mushrooms, green pepper and onion. It is topped with ranchero sauce and melted cheddar cheese.($9.99) All omelettes are served with toast and a choice of fries, salad or soup. Nobody leaves hungry from Over Easy.
If you are in the mood for a wrap or a sandwich you will have many choices. The classic Sandwiches are served on white, whole wheat or multi grain bread. French fries, salad or soup is also on the side. The California Vegetarian Wrap is filled with avocado, sundried tomatoes, caramelized onions, asparagus, goat’s cheese, tomato and lettuce. ($11.95)
Freshly Squeezed Juices are available as well as an assortment of beverages.
This is hearty food to start the day. The portions are generous and the food is affordable. The variety is amazing.
No wonder both locations are always busy. For breakfast or lunch this is an ideal spot.
The Over Easy restaurant on Bloor near Avenue Rd is a trendy breakfast/lunch spot. The downtown location is also well attended. It is the centre of the downtown hub and always busy. I was meeting my niece who was on her way back to Montreal after a family visit in St Catherines. Toronto was just a stop over for a few hours. This worked out perfectly for both of us.
Over Easy offers all day breakfast and lunch from 7 am -3 pm. It is located behind the lobby of the Hotel Victoria just north of Wellington St.
My niece ordered the Healthy Light. ($10.99) A large bowl was filled with fresh fruit, a layer of granola and honey and served with a muffin.
I also was in a healthy frame of mind trying to get over the woes of too much holiday food. I ordered A Complete Healthy Meal.($10.99) An egg white scramble was served with fresh fruit salad, hot oatmeal. Multigrain toast and a slice of tomato.($10.99) It was delicious and I felt so virtuous enjoying my healthy food. Soups and Salads are popular items for lunch. The Big Salad is prepared with mixed greens, feta cheese, black olives, marinated tomato, cucumber and purple onion.($12.99) Salad Nicoise is a classic item with albacore tuna, tomato, boiled new potatoes, black lives, hardboiled egg, asparagus and anchovies served with a balsamic vinaigrette.($13.99)
Smoked Salmon Platter is a specialty offering smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, purple onions and a toasted Montreal bagel.($13.99)
Huevos Rancheros offers 2 poached eggs on a flour tortilla with the chef’s own spiced ranchero sauce and melted cheddar cheese. It is served with avocado, sour cream and home fries.($9.99)
A variety of Omelettes are offered. Spanish Omelette is an open faced frittata with mushrooms, green pepper and onion. It is topped with ranchero sauce and melted cheddar cheese.($9.99) All omelettes are served with toast and a choice of fries, salad or soup. Nobody leaves hungry from Over Easy.
If you are in the mood for a wrap or a sandwich you will have many choices. The classic Sandwiches are served on white, whole wheat or multi grain bread. French fries, salad or soup is also on the side. The California Vegetarian Wrap is filled with avocado, sundried tomatoes, caramelized onions, asparagus, goat’s cheese, tomato and lettuce. ($11.95)
Freshly Squeezed Juices are available as well as an assortment of beverages.
This is hearty food to start the day. The portions are generous and the food is affordable. The variety is amazing.
No wonder both locations are always busy. For breakfast or lunch this is an ideal spot.
Via Norte
Via Norte 938 College St 647 348 1116
If I had to order a last meal it would be Pan Fried Tuna at Via Norte. ($28.00) I have enjoyed tuna in many cities around the world. It is my favorite food. Chef and owner Jose Alves knows how to perfectly prepare this wonderful fish. The tuna is thick. (very important) The portion is very generous. The tuna melts in your mouth. It is flavored with several different types of pepper. The vegetables are plentiful and absolutely delicious. There is nothing like Portuguese cooked potatoes. Squash, broccoli and kale are also on the side. There is enough for 2 people but I manage always to finish everything on the plate.
The Portuguese bread is crusty and hearty. The very best olive oil and balsamic vinegar are placed on the table. Fish is a big item on the menu. There are always several different kinds of fish offered each evening. Grilled Norwegian Salt Cod is a house specialty ($20.00) I love the Linguini with Sautéed Black Tiger Shrimp.($19.00)
My dining companion was also thrilled with her food. She was such good company and I loved to hear her praise of every bite. She began with a large bowl of Vegetable Soup. ($6.00) She kept saying,” It is so delicious and it is hot, hot hot,” I could see all the vegetables in the bowl. It was creamy and I was tantalized with the aroma.
My friend then enjoyed her favorite food, Grilled Fillet of Portuguese Sardines. She was in ecstasy. The fish was boned and served with a delicious onion confit, sweet peppers, mushrooms and zucchini.($7.00). It was so nice to be dining with a friend who thoroughly enjoyed her food.
Rodrigo was our server. I have enjoyed his friendly service on other occasions. He hails from Spain and it gives me a chance to practice my Spanish. More important he is so caring and efficient.
The menu is extensive. Meat lovers will have many choices .Free Range Quarter Capon Leg is served with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables with a medium spiced piri-piri.($15.00) Bitoque 10 oz Prime Steak is prepared Portuguese style, seasoned with black pepper, garlic, and served with home fries and fried egg.($18.00)
I am so happy to see that Via Norte is participating in Winterlicious 2012. They are one of three restaurants serving Portuguese food that have been selected. I will be there. Winterlicious is from January 27 until February 9.
Three courses will be served for $35.00 I am so thrilled that tuna will be one of the choices. The appetizer is offering a choice of Grilled Portuguese Sardines, Organic Greens, Broiled Goat cheese Salad or Soup of the Day.
The entrée selections include. Pan Seared Tuna, Grilled Calamari, Bitoque Prime steak, Oven Roasted Capon Supreme
I already know I will enjoy the Crème Brule for dessert. Fresh fruit salad or Mango Sorbet is also offered.
You don’t need to wait for Winterlicious. Via Norte offers this wonderful food every day. I just can’t get enough of that perfectly cooked Pan Fried Tuna. I will be back even before Winterlicious. I congratulate Jose Alves for keeping liquor prices reasonable Hope to see you at Via Norte.
If I had to order a last meal it would be Pan Fried Tuna at Via Norte. ($28.00) I have enjoyed tuna in many cities around the world. It is my favorite food. Chef and owner Jose Alves knows how to perfectly prepare this wonderful fish. The tuna is thick. (very important) The portion is very generous. The tuna melts in your mouth. It is flavored with several different types of pepper. The vegetables are plentiful and absolutely delicious. There is nothing like Portuguese cooked potatoes. Squash, broccoli and kale are also on the side. There is enough for 2 people but I manage always to finish everything on the plate.
The Portuguese bread is crusty and hearty. The very best olive oil and balsamic vinegar are placed on the table. Fish is a big item on the menu. There are always several different kinds of fish offered each evening. Grilled Norwegian Salt Cod is a house specialty ($20.00) I love the Linguini with Sautéed Black Tiger Shrimp.($19.00)
My dining companion was also thrilled with her food. She was such good company and I loved to hear her praise of every bite. She began with a large bowl of Vegetable Soup. ($6.00) She kept saying,” It is so delicious and it is hot, hot hot,” I could see all the vegetables in the bowl. It was creamy and I was tantalized with the aroma.
My friend then enjoyed her favorite food, Grilled Fillet of Portuguese Sardines. She was in ecstasy. The fish was boned and served with a delicious onion confit, sweet peppers, mushrooms and zucchini.($7.00). It was so nice to be dining with a friend who thoroughly enjoyed her food.
Rodrigo was our server. I have enjoyed his friendly service on other occasions. He hails from Spain and it gives me a chance to practice my Spanish. More important he is so caring and efficient.
The menu is extensive. Meat lovers will have many choices .Free Range Quarter Capon Leg is served with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables with a medium spiced piri-piri.($15.00) Bitoque 10 oz Prime Steak is prepared Portuguese style, seasoned with black pepper, garlic, and served with home fries and fried egg.($18.00)
I am so happy to see that Via Norte is participating in Winterlicious 2012. They are one of three restaurants serving Portuguese food that have been selected. I will be there. Winterlicious is from January 27 until February 9.
Three courses will be served for $35.00 I am so thrilled that tuna will be one of the choices. The appetizer is offering a choice of Grilled Portuguese Sardines, Organic Greens, Broiled Goat cheese Salad or Soup of the Day.
The entrée selections include. Pan Seared Tuna, Grilled Calamari, Bitoque Prime steak, Oven Roasted Capon Supreme
I already know I will enjoy the Crème Brule for dessert. Fresh fruit salad or Mango Sorbet is also offered.
You don’t need to wait for Winterlicious. Via Norte offers this wonderful food every day. I just can’t get enough of that perfectly cooked Pan Fried Tuna. I will be back even before Winterlicious. I congratulate Jose Alves for keeping liquor prices reasonable Hope to see you at Via Norte.
Monsieur Lazhar
Monsieur Lazhar
No wonder this film won an award at TIFF 2011.It is the Canadian entry for the Oscars in the best foreign film category. It was produced by the same talent who made the memorable Incendies last year. This is one of the best films of the year. The Quebec film industry continues to produce some of the best films in the world. Unfortunately we don’t always get to see them in Toronto.
When I arrived at the TIFF Bell Lightbox I was informed it was sold out. I said I would claw my way into the theatre or crawl on all fours. I was not going to miss this presentation of one of the 10 best Canadian films of the year. I was lucky enough to get a seat in the front row.
There is no violence. There is no suspense. There is no yelling and screaming. There is pure emotion well handled. Each actor is outstanding in his role. The children are memorable.
This is a multi layered film and there is much you want to think about when it is all over.
The film opens in a school yard in Montreal. Right from the beginning the cinematography captures the spirit of the children. It is so real and so believable. One parent kisses her child goodbye and leaves for work. A boy pulls the hat from another boy’s head. A young girl looks sweetly at a boy. The officious teacher in charge stands in the school yard with the whistle ready. I was in education for over 30 years and I recognized every child in that schoolyard.
A teacher at this school had just committed suicide. We deal with the emotions faced by the grieving children. One boy feels guilty because of his previous actions. Others mourn her loss for different reasons.
Monsieur Lazhar is hired as a replacement. He is from Algeria and claims he had taught for 19 years. He is such a wonderful character and his portrayal is worthy of an Oscar. He has a sense of humor. He is sensitive to the children’s needs. He empathizes with their feelings of loss. He doesn’t like to see a child being bullied. His teaching methods are a little rusty but he reaches out to each child as a good teacher should.
Monsieur Lazhar brings his own baggage with him. We learn about his family tragedy in Algeria. We feel his pain and admire him for trying so hard to move ahead in his new country. Because of what he had endured in Algeria he has the sensitivity and wisdom to know how to help others.
Monsieur Lazhar has to fight for his rights to remain in Montreal. He pleads the fact that he will be murdered if he returns to his home land.
One of the female staff takes a shine to Monsieur Lazhar. I understood her needs and wants. I could also see that he was not ready for such a situation.
The children are the most amazing actors. Any class is full of a variety of children. The film clearly shows the faces and you get inside their soul. You laugh and you cry at the same time. The scenarios are so real.
One boy is called into the Director’s office for hitting another boy. He has many deep seated emotions related to the death of the teacher and he took out his frustration on the other boy. He stands in the office biting his lip. He holds his arms together and has a nervous look on his face.
This is a film about human understanding. It deals with loss of innocence and coping with tragedy. It gets inside the characters. You see and feel their soul.
It will return to TIFF Bell Lightbox in a few weeks. It is a must see.
No wonder this film won an award at TIFF 2011.It is the Canadian entry for the Oscars in the best foreign film category. It was produced by the same talent who made the memorable Incendies last year. This is one of the best films of the year. The Quebec film industry continues to produce some of the best films in the world. Unfortunately we don’t always get to see them in Toronto.
When I arrived at the TIFF Bell Lightbox I was informed it was sold out. I said I would claw my way into the theatre or crawl on all fours. I was not going to miss this presentation of one of the 10 best Canadian films of the year. I was lucky enough to get a seat in the front row.
There is no violence. There is no suspense. There is no yelling and screaming. There is pure emotion well handled. Each actor is outstanding in his role. The children are memorable.
This is a multi layered film and there is much you want to think about when it is all over.
The film opens in a school yard in Montreal. Right from the beginning the cinematography captures the spirit of the children. It is so real and so believable. One parent kisses her child goodbye and leaves for work. A boy pulls the hat from another boy’s head. A young girl looks sweetly at a boy. The officious teacher in charge stands in the school yard with the whistle ready. I was in education for over 30 years and I recognized every child in that schoolyard.
A teacher at this school had just committed suicide. We deal with the emotions faced by the grieving children. One boy feels guilty because of his previous actions. Others mourn her loss for different reasons.
Monsieur Lazhar is hired as a replacement. He is from Algeria and claims he had taught for 19 years. He is such a wonderful character and his portrayal is worthy of an Oscar. He has a sense of humor. He is sensitive to the children’s needs. He empathizes with their feelings of loss. He doesn’t like to see a child being bullied. His teaching methods are a little rusty but he reaches out to each child as a good teacher should.
Monsieur Lazhar brings his own baggage with him. We learn about his family tragedy in Algeria. We feel his pain and admire him for trying so hard to move ahead in his new country. Because of what he had endured in Algeria he has the sensitivity and wisdom to know how to help others.
Monsieur Lazhar has to fight for his rights to remain in Montreal. He pleads the fact that he will be murdered if he returns to his home land.
One of the female staff takes a shine to Monsieur Lazhar. I understood her needs and wants. I could also see that he was not ready for such a situation.
The children are the most amazing actors. Any class is full of a variety of children. The film clearly shows the faces and you get inside their soul. You laugh and you cry at the same time. The scenarios are so real.
One boy is called into the Director’s office for hitting another boy. He has many deep seated emotions related to the death of the teacher and he took out his frustration on the other boy. He stands in the office biting his lip. He holds his arms together and has a nervous look on his face.
This is a film about human understanding. It deals with loss of innocence and coping with tragedy. It gets inside the characters. You see and feel their soul.
It will return to TIFF Bell Lightbox in a few weeks. It is a must see.
50/50
50/50
Thank goodness for second opportunities. I missed this film on the first round. Recently I saw it reviewed as one of the best films for 2011. I noticed it was playing one afternoon at the Regent Cinema.
The Regent used to be the Belsize Movie house and then became the Crest Theatre. As a child I spent almost every Saturday afternoon at the Belsize. I have such happy memories from that movie house. During the war we were asked to bring can goods. There were coloring contests and serial short films every Saturday. I remember being bored with the news but always loved the cartoons. (Interesting that the reverse now is true)The Regent has been lushly remodeled and is a charming cinema.
50/50 also gives a second chance to Adam Lerner. He is such a sweet guy. He works for a radio station. His girlfriend Rachael is an artist. You know this is not a lasting relationship. She is more interested in her art shows than her charming young man. His best friend is a riot. He is loud and certainly not refined. He has only one thing on his mind and that is sex.
Adam discovers he has cancer. The film shows you how he copes throughout the process. The office gives him a party to make him feel better. Nobody knows how to react or what to say. His boss hugs him and tells him he will miss him. Several of the women weep. I found myself laughing and crying at the same time.
His friend Rachael won’t even go into the hospital while he is having his treatment. She says to him,” This is so stressful. You have no idea.” (Lovely girl friend) Rachel does leave him and later tries to reunite. Good for Adam. He tells her to get lost.
While having his chemo he meets some new friends. He discovers that a second chance is a good thing in accepting his overbearing mother and his father who has Alzheimer’s.
He even gets a second chance at love.
There are a lot of laughs. It also is a serious film full of a lot of emotion. You want to throw something at his matter of fact doctor. There is no compassion. He hurls out the bad news and is very blunt.
Adam goes through all the emotions of someone facing a 50 /50 chance of survival. It wasn’t exactly an uplifting film for the end of the year. On the other hand it was a movie of a strong young man who faced his trials with strength and came out of it as a better person. I can see why this was chosen as one of the better films of the year. (Certainly not the best).
Thank goodness for second opportunities. I missed this film on the first round. Recently I saw it reviewed as one of the best films for 2011. I noticed it was playing one afternoon at the Regent Cinema.
The Regent used to be the Belsize Movie house and then became the Crest Theatre. As a child I spent almost every Saturday afternoon at the Belsize. I have such happy memories from that movie house. During the war we were asked to bring can goods. There were coloring contests and serial short films every Saturday. I remember being bored with the news but always loved the cartoons. (Interesting that the reverse now is true)The Regent has been lushly remodeled and is a charming cinema.
50/50 also gives a second chance to Adam Lerner. He is such a sweet guy. He works for a radio station. His girlfriend Rachael is an artist. You know this is not a lasting relationship. She is more interested in her art shows than her charming young man. His best friend is a riot. He is loud and certainly not refined. He has only one thing on his mind and that is sex.
Adam discovers he has cancer. The film shows you how he copes throughout the process. The office gives him a party to make him feel better. Nobody knows how to react or what to say. His boss hugs him and tells him he will miss him. Several of the women weep. I found myself laughing and crying at the same time.
His friend Rachael won’t even go into the hospital while he is having his treatment. She says to him,” This is so stressful. You have no idea.” (Lovely girl friend) Rachel does leave him and later tries to reunite. Good for Adam. He tells her to get lost.
While having his chemo he meets some new friends. He discovers that a second chance is a good thing in accepting his overbearing mother and his father who has Alzheimer’s.
He even gets a second chance at love.
There are a lot of laughs. It also is a serious film full of a lot of emotion. You want to throw something at his matter of fact doctor. There is no compassion. He hurls out the bad news and is very blunt.
Adam goes through all the emotions of someone facing a 50 /50 chance of survival. It wasn’t exactly an uplifting film for the end of the year. On the other hand it was a movie of a strong young man who faced his trials with strength and came out of it as a better person. I can see why this was chosen as one of the better films of the year. (Certainly not the best).
The Way
The Way
No way was I going to see this film. It didn’t appeal to me. Several friends raved about it and so I promised I would see it. No new film has opened in the city for the last few weeks so this was my opportunity to see The Way which has now been around for about a month. I was surprised the theatre was full.
Martin Sheen plays the lead role in the film directed by his son Emilio Estevez.
Dr Avery (Sheen) is an eye doctor leading a good life. His 40 year old son, Daniel, was trying to find himself. He had been upset since his mother’s death and headed out on a pilgrimage to walk the Camino de Santiago. On the drive to the airport Daniel tells his father,” You don’t choose a life. You live one.”
This is a well known pilgrimage that winds for 800 kilometers through the Pyrenees from France to Spain. It is an arduous walk and a chance for many to find spiritual satisfaction.
Dr Avery receives a phone call (while golfing) that his son has died during his pilgrimage in a storm.
Dr Avery goes to Europe to bring back his son’s body. He decides to make the pilgrimage that was denied to his son. Daniel, in fact, does go along as his ashes are carried in a fancy box by his father. The ashes are scattered on route.
The film is the journey taken by the father. It is an arduous journey. Along the way he meets several characters with whom he begins to bond. It is touching and also humorous at times.
The cinematography is majestic. It is worth the price to take this cinematic voyage through the mountains and the small picturesque villages. The villages are quaint and the cathedrals are magnificent. In some places they stay in large dormitories all sleeping on bunks in a large room. Can you just imagine the loud snoring and lack of privacy? Along the way they meet interesting town’s people and have many experiences.
I adored the scenes watching them sipping wine and eating outdoors in quaint restaurants on the way.
At one spot Dr Avery treats his three (new) buddies to a night in an expensive Spanish hotel. It was delightful. It was also very soothing to watch the friendships develop.
He begins to find peace in his son’s death. He also discovers himself. The other traveling companions had their own demons to conquer. I can well believe that such a trek could be soulful and enlightening.
It was a voyeur’s dream to take that pilgrimage. It was also a journey of discovery for the characters involved. Along the way Dr Avery keeps thinking he sees his son who shows his approval with a big smile. At the end of the film I realized that the character of Daniel was played by Estevez, the director and Martin Sheen’s real son. I don’t know why I waited so long so view this film. I’m pleased it was still playing and I finally had the opportunity to see this wonderful film.
If I wanted to find fault I would say that the pilgrims didn’t appear tired enough or worn out from all that hiking. It was almost too easy. The weather seemed to be in their favor for the whole trip. One can always find fault. The film was a great arm chair voyage in many ways.
No way was I going to see this film. It didn’t appeal to me. Several friends raved about it and so I promised I would see it. No new film has opened in the city for the last few weeks so this was my opportunity to see The Way which has now been around for about a month. I was surprised the theatre was full.
Martin Sheen plays the lead role in the film directed by his son Emilio Estevez.
Dr Avery (Sheen) is an eye doctor leading a good life. His 40 year old son, Daniel, was trying to find himself. He had been upset since his mother’s death and headed out on a pilgrimage to walk the Camino de Santiago. On the drive to the airport Daniel tells his father,” You don’t choose a life. You live one.”
This is a well known pilgrimage that winds for 800 kilometers through the Pyrenees from France to Spain. It is an arduous walk and a chance for many to find spiritual satisfaction.
Dr Avery receives a phone call (while golfing) that his son has died during his pilgrimage in a storm.
Dr Avery goes to Europe to bring back his son’s body. He decides to make the pilgrimage that was denied to his son. Daniel, in fact, does go along as his ashes are carried in a fancy box by his father. The ashes are scattered on route.
The film is the journey taken by the father. It is an arduous journey. Along the way he meets several characters with whom he begins to bond. It is touching and also humorous at times.
The cinematography is majestic. It is worth the price to take this cinematic voyage through the mountains and the small picturesque villages. The villages are quaint and the cathedrals are magnificent. In some places they stay in large dormitories all sleeping on bunks in a large room. Can you just imagine the loud snoring and lack of privacy? Along the way they meet interesting town’s people and have many experiences.
I adored the scenes watching them sipping wine and eating outdoors in quaint restaurants on the way.
At one spot Dr Avery treats his three (new) buddies to a night in an expensive Spanish hotel. It was delightful. It was also very soothing to watch the friendships develop.
He begins to find peace in his son’s death. He also discovers himself. The other traveling companions had their own demons to conquer. I can well believe that such a trek could be soulful and enlightening.
It was a voyeur’s dream to take that pilgrimage. It was also a journey of discovery for the characters involved. Along the way Dr Avery keeps thinking he sees his son who shows his approval with a big smile. At the end of the film I realized that the character of Daniel was played by Estevez, the director and Martin Sheen’s real son. I don’t know why I waited so long so view this film. I’m pleased it was still playing and I finally had the opportunity to see this wonderful film.
If I wanted to find fault I would say that the pilgrims didn’t appear tired enough or worn out from all that hiking. It was almost too easy. The weather seemed to be in their favor for the whole trip. One can always find fault. The film was a great arm chair voyage in many ways.
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