Fish Tank

This may be a well produced well acted film. However it is not sufficient for me to claim this winner. I could hardly understand their English accent. The people were depressing and that atmosphere never changed. I saw no hope for any of the characters. They were truly trapped within their circumstances and lived as if they were in a fish tank with nowhere to go.

This is a desperate family. The mother was only interested in having a good time and having a man around. She parties in the evening and is a terrible mother to her two daughters. Everyone in the family screams abuses and swears at one another. The mother was physically and verbally abusive. Her concern was only for herself.

The elder daughter is a pretty young girl. She curses the other girls in the neighborhood and is nasty to everyone. She is happy only when she is dancing in her sparsely furnished room. She also relates to the old nag of a horse that is tethered in a nearby field. She attempts several times to free this horse. The owners of the horse live in shacks and I feared for her life when she attempted to free their horse.

She fights constantly with her younger sister who has a meaner mouth than anyone in the family.

Mom brings home an attractive man. He has more patience with the girls than the mother. He takes them on outings and appears to care. The elder daughter mistakes his kindness and flirts with him. They end up having a sexual relationship and the elder daughter falls for him.

At this point the film takes a few twists and turns. I wanted to shout out,”Oh no.”

It was tragic to see the mother and the daughters devastated when the man leaves the household.

The elder daughter attempts to make a new start. I suppose you could use your imagination and hope that she had a brighter future ahead. In my opinion this family had no hope of moving into a more positive mode. The younger daughter had no social skills and certainly wasn’t nurtured in any way.

I was exhausted when I left. I had just witnessed a well acted portrayal of a hopeless family. I was so happy to return to my fine home and be grateful for my existence.

La Veranda Osteria

I don’t know what I did to deserve being a guest of my friend Lorraine. I enjoy her company and we have been trying to get together for a long while. She is one busy lady. I was thrilled when she suggested this restaurant because I had heard about it and have wanted to go for a meal. No matter that it is in Etobicoke. I took a subway and literally crossed the street at the Royal York subway stop.

This is one fine restaurant. There is a feeling of large space but warmly decorated. The manager and in fact all the staff were very welcoming. This is a ‘classy’ spot but you can feel comfortable and relaxed. The place was filled for lunch.

The Express Lunch is the best value I have ever encountered. An appetizer and main course are $10.95. It is worth going by bus, train, plane or camel to have this wonderful experience. I can’t believe the value. Even better, every bite was a treat for the palate. Delicious! Gourmet!

The basket of bread was filled with rolls and a variety of good quality bread.

Lorraine began with the Antipasto alla Veranda. The plate was a composition of marinated vegetables. It was beautifully displayed. It was sufficient for a complete lunch. Mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant and red pepper were just a few of the vegetables that graced the plate. I opted for the Red Pepper Soup. It was creamy (without using cream) and so delicious. The large white bowl was such a contrast to the red color of this pureed delicious soup.

We might have chosen Caesar Salad, Greek Salad or Mixed Baby Greens as a first course option.

Lorraine opted for the Chicken Piccata served with veggies, potatoes or penne in tomato sauce. The chicken was prepared in a lemon and white wine sauce. Veal Piccata is also an option. Penne Primavera is served with eggplant, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, and asparagus, served with olive oil and garlic.

I chose the Fresh Filet of Salmon. The fish was so delicious and was nestled in a white wine lemon sauce. I wanted to lick the plate. The roasted potatoes were scrumptious. Cauliflower and carrots were also perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious.

You have so many options. Pizza with a choice of 2 toppings is a possibility. Grilled Chicken Breast is served with potatoes, veggies and a homemade tomato sauce.

How can anyone eat so well for so little? The answer to the first part is that the food is so excellent.

The room is bright and airy. The service is outstanding. The food was remarkable.

Lunch a La Carte is also available. I understand this is a busy place in the evening. Make a reservation. I don’t care how you get there. This restaurant is a must.

I count my blessings daily. Thank you Lorraine for being my host and thank you so much for introducing me to La Veranda Osteria. The sun even came out and it felt as if we were on a veranda enjoying our spectacular lunch.

I had a big smile on my face as I red the red rocket back home. It was also comical that Lorraine and I realized that it will be May before we can get together again. We are both traveling and will have a lot to chat about when we finally do meet.

Vibo

I love fresh grilled tuna. I would do almost anything for a taste of this wonderful fish. It must be perfectly cooked. Underdone and it is raw. Overdone and the texture changes and the fish is dry. It is an expensive fish so nobody wants to improperly cook this gourmet delicacy. My portion was superb.

Nadia and I go back many years. She was the Family Studies teacher and I was the librarian. Those were our best years of teaching. I know we were good educators but we also had so much fun. Laughter and enjoyment were the order of the day. We continue to meet for dinners and always have a laugh or two thinking back to our antics. Nadia lives in Etobicoke. It was my turn to go to her territory. She suggested coming by subway. What fun! This restaurant is close to the Royal York subway stop and worth the trip.

This is a high end restaurant. As soon as you enter the establishment you know that fine dining is in store. We were so warmly greeted. It was like entering a museum. Many wine artifacts are on display in glass shelves. The wine storage is at the front of the restaurant. What a lovely greeting to see all these bottles beckoning. Luca is a partner in this restaurant with his brother. He took time to chat with us and give us some of the history. He made us feel so welcome and special. His charming smile will certainly get me a return visit.

The place was fully booked but we were offered a banquette suitable for 4 people. It was never too noisy but I was certainly aware that people were having a good time. The pleasant piano music was a delightful extra but never intruded on our conversation.

We did come to dine so I happily will comment on the outstanding food.

Nadia and I shared a Salad of Torn Greens.($8.00) They were kind enough to divide the portion and plate this salad for both of us. There was so much food we doubted that this was a half order. Fresh radicchio, endive, fennel and greens were crisp and tasty. The herbs and aged balsamic vinegar made it a perfect start for the evening.

I was tempted to have two appetizers for a meal. I was interested in the Eggplant Parmigiana with roasted tomato fillets and shaved regiano cheese.($11.00) A Tossed Tiger Shrimp with garlic, vermouth and white wine was another possibility ($10.00) Too many wonderful offerings. The Duo Of Marinated Wild Scottish Salmon and Smoked Atlantic Salmon was also beckoning.($14.00) A return visit is in order to enjoy more of this wonderful gourmet food.

When I heard that Tuna ($30.00) was the special fish of the evening I didn’t have to think any longer. It was thick, moist and perfectly prepared. The crisp green beans, spinach and potatoes were also enjoyed. This was filling but I was not going to leave anything on my plate. It was all so delicious.

Nadia also was raving about her choice of Veal Piccata cooked in a white wine lemon sauce.($21.00) The presentation was artful and apparently the taste was exquisite. A Duo of Large Prawns and Seared Sea Scallop was a possibility.($30.00) It is offered in a white wine sauce. The pasta dishes are also numerous. Hand Rolled Gnocchi di Patate is served with a Gorgonzola sauce.($18.00) Linguine ‘alla Marinara” is prepared with mixed seafood.($19.00) Wild Mushroom Risotto is cooked with mascarpone and parmagiano romano ($!8.00)

Thanks Agnese for your charming efficient serving. We will be back.

Langolino

I met the most interesting couple last evening. Megan Davies is the chef of this delightful restaurant. Her adorable and talented son, Karim is the server. The two work so well together and provide a warm atmosphere to enjoy the fantastic food. I have dined here mainly in the summer and have loved the outdoor patio. I found a whole new experience last evening. The little light bulbs were glowing in front and made the space seem ‘’fairy like’. .I love the fact that the restaurant is a few steps north of College on Clinton yet maintains the vibrant atmosphere in this busy neighborhood. The inside of the building gives you the feeling you are in an authentic Italian bistro. The bright red walls and the paintings bring a glow. I like the way the tables are spaced. You can enjoy a private atmosphere. The coat closet is a large wooden wardrobe It is a piece of art.

My friends Bea and Lou have recently returned from a cruise in South America. I wanted to hear all about it and they wanted to see me before I head to Israel next week. (For a month). I thought they would like this restaurant and I was so right.

Bea and I started with the Warm Mushroom Salad.($!3.00) It was exotic, delicious and so enjoyed. The variety of warmed mushrooms was served on a bed of greens with roasted peppers, tomato and feta cheese. It looked too good to eat but after one bite there was no stopping us. Lou chose the Langolino Salad. Mixed organic greens are mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes and onion and served with a house vinaigrette.($8.00) The bread was of excellent quality and by the time we had finished our appetizers we were already content and somewhat satiated. There were many options for appetizers and I will come back soon to try different dishes.

Lou enjoyed his main course of Linguine al’oio. The pasta was served with a fine quality olive oil, garlic and a taste of pesto.($13.00) Bea enjoyed her selection of Rigatoni Alla Vodka served in a tomato cream and vodka sauce.($13.00) The pasta was presented in a large white bowl. The portions were generous and the food was superb. We also enjoyed chatting with Karim. He told us stories about the development of the restaurant. Congratulations to his mother Megan. She was never formerly trained in cuisine. She is amazing. She is talented. She is a culinary expert.

My choice of Grilled Atlantic Salmon Fillet was the perfect choice. I was craving a piece of fish. The portion was sufficient for 2 persons but I ate every morsel. The salmon was tasty and moist. The vegetables were numerous and each one was perfectly prepared. It was excellent.

Lou and Bea shared a Crème Brulee and immediately stated that it was better than the dessert they had enjoyed on their recent cruise.

I congratulate Megan and Karim. They handle the business on their own. They work every day and are hoping to open for lunch in the near future. They are currently open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

This was an exceptional evening. Loved every bite.

Cravings 2

It was my son’s birthday and he had the choice of restaurant. He knew that my grandson Alex and I had enjoyed this spot for lunch a few weeks ago. It is close to their house and they had to catch an early morning plane. I was thrilled to return here because the food was so delicious. In fact I was thinking about it all day and could even taste the food.

I really like the ambiance. It is high tech modern in excellent taste. This upscale Asian restaurant has superb food at the most reasonable price. The presentation of the food on different shaped white plates made for an appetizing presentation

We shared an appetizer Vegetable Gyoza($7.00) These home made spinach dumplings were fresh, tasty and so delicious. The touch of spice was so soothing on the palate.

Alex and Ray ordered a Yom Tom soup to begin their feast.($6.00) They declared it to be exceptional. The Thai style lemongrass spicy soup was served with shrimps, tomatoes, beans, button mushrooms and cilantro.

The birthday boy was very adventuresome and ordered BBQ Eel with Japanese BBQ Sauce.($15.00) He was more than content. Kathy chose the Thai Red Curry with Chicken.($11.00) It is spicy, tasty and very appetizing. I was so happy with my choice last time I repeated the order of Shrimp Tempura Udon.($11.00) This is the best deal in the house. A large bowl of flavorful soup was filled with noodles, broccoli, mushrooms and other vegetables. A side plate of crispy tasty tempura was presented. The dipping sauce was so delicious. The shrimp were large and wonderful. I had to share the tempura because there was so much offered. Alex enjoyed his Khung-Po. It was a szechuan spicy stir-fry with cashew nuts plus chicken.($11.00)

The menu is very extensive. It is possible to have a few appetizers for a lighter meal. Heartier diners can feast on rice or noodle based dishes.

Salmon Teriyaki is offered at $19.00. Tofu Steak Teriyaki will be my next choice.($12.00)

We had to further celebrate the birthday with dessert. The Mango Cheesecake was so good. I am almost embarrassed to state that we also shared an order of Fried Bananas. The pieces were deep fried and served with a mound of ice cream. Chocolate swirls adorned the plate.

The family celebration was declared to be a winner on all counts. What a lovely way for Kathy and Ray to begin a holiday. We agreed that we would all return in the near future for more of this tempting tasty food.

Happy Birthday Ray!

.

Agostino

I have enjoyed an incredible week of dining out with superb food. The trend continues. Alex has been so busy practicing and promoting his new CD Convergence. His parents are in Antigua and I thought he might be craving a decent meal.

The problem is that many restaurants are not open for a Saturday lunch. It is understandable because Saturday evening is a tiring evening and the staff needs to prepare.

Alex and I remembered this establishment just a few years ago under different management. This was his first weekly gig and I had several dinners here.

The restaurant is now under the careful attention of Chef Pottruff. He did a great job. It was fun to be back in this restaurant and to recall listening to Alex play. Today I had the benefit of his company and we really enjoyed our lunch.

I thought this was a clever menu. It features Appetizers, Panini and Pasta for a Saturday lunch. I often think that too many restaurants offer too many choices and I question how a chef can prepare so many dishes. I also question the freshness of the produce. No such worries here.

Alex began with a Minestrone Soup.($6.00) It is a traditional Tuscany soup. The bowl was full of a steamy thick soup with a variety of vegetables. Alex really enjoyed this first course.

I was tempted with the Barbabietole e Caprino.($9.00) Roasted beets, goat cheese and frisee lettuce are lightly tossed with white balsamic vinegar.

Calamari Fritti offers lightly battered deep fried calamari.($10.00)

Several salads are available as well as two choices of soup.

Alex really enjoyed his Pescatore Panini.($12.50) I thought about having that myself. All sandwiches are served on artisanal ciabatta bread and are accompanied by soup or salad. Alex’s choice was a winning combination of house smoked salmon, red onion, camembert cheese, cucumber, tomato and dill. Yummy!

The Calabese is a thick panini with grilled zucchini, eggplant, roasted peppers and smoked mozzarella.($12.00) The Rapallo offers mixed greens, artichokes, tomatoes, roasted peppers and goat cheese.($12.00)

I was in a pasta mood and was very happy with my choice of Fusilli Agostino I was able to enjoy the dish with whole wheat pasta.($14.50) The spiral shaped pasta was infused with leeks, rapini and shrimp. It was totally flavorful and very light. A subtle blend of a little olive oil and cheese tossed with the pasta made for a delightful lunch time dish. The shrimp were large and moist.

Linguini al Sapori is a vegetarian delight of linguini lightly coated with extra virgin olive oil, basil cipoletta, capers and garlic with pomodoro concise.($!3.00)

This is a delightful restaurant. Our charming server was very helpful and totally efficient. The food was most enjoyable and it was totally a pleasurable experience.

Once again Alex and I enjoyed a fine meal in a very pleasant atmosphere.

There are always daily specials and different choices for the dinner menu. I found the prices to be very reasonable the restaurant is located centrally just a few blocks north of Eglinton.

Trane Studio

It was a great night for all. The Olympic Games were officially opened. For me the big event was my grandson Alex launching his new CD, Convergence. Sax player, Brent Mah, flew in from Calgary for the event. My favorite drummer Max Roach was on hand, Bass player Dan Fortin was great as always. Needless to say (for me) Alex Goodman on his new guitar was the star of the evening. The music was great and it was wonderful to hear many of the selections on the new CD. Now I can even play them at home and enjoy it over and over. I was so happy to be surrounded by many of my friends and family. Even my 96 year old aunt came out for the occasion.

Trane Studio is a hot jazz spot. In fact when we left after 2 sets the Jazz Radio Safari was just arriving.

The ambiance is great. Paintings hang on the brick wall. The wooden floor speaks of days in the past with a renovated modern feel. The place was hopping and there was a lively spirit in the room.

We were immediately greeted by the charming Taiowa (a beautiful Hopi name) He was so warm and had quite a job seating all the patrons on this busy evening. There seemed to be only 1 server, Veronica. I don’t know how she did it. She looked after everyone and always had an engaging smile. We were all well served and marveled at her skill.

Another winner of the evening was the fantastic food. Trane Studio specializes in a Caribbean flavor. We were all so satisfied with our amazing food.

The Jerk Salmon ($24.95) was so great. I want to return today and have more. A very large portion was so beautifully flavored. It was spicy and tasty and so delicious. There were vegetables on the plate and a mound of tasty potatoes.

My two guests opted for the Jerk Chicken ($14.95) and their response was equally positive.

It is a great menu offering appetizer portions as well as entrée size. The menu does change frequently.

Jerk Shrimp Spring Rolls with a salad are great for a lighter tasting.($10.95) Chicken or Vegetable Quesadillas are also offered with a salad. ($11.95) Heartier meals are also available. Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb is prepared with port wine and a cranberry reduction.($26.95)

Trane Seasoned BBQ Wings are a popular choice.($11.95)

The music was fantastic. The food was great. We were well served. It truly was a special evening.

Valentine's Day

What better week than this to see this romantic comedy. The only thing missing was the dashing young lover at my side.

What a cast! Half of Hollywood stars are part of this cast. Why would they all agree to bit parts in this comedy? I hope it is because they just had a fun in making this silly film. The film is a series of vignettes with a large cast. All the little plots deal with the theme of love. The young student who loves his teacher is so believable. The gorgeous woman who thinks her boyfriend is perfect is devastated when she discovers he is married. It was quite a hilarious scene when she pretends to be the waitress when the boyfriend is dining with his wife.

Ashton Kutcher is a central character who runs a florist shop. What could be more symbolic to love than flowers?

Shirley MacLaine has a bit role in the film. I thought she was great. We think she and her long time husband have been faithful and in love all the many years. She does confess to a tiny indiscretion years before but true love finds its way at the end.

You need a map to keep the characters straight. Best to relax and just watch the scenarios as they unfold. It was fun to see all these famous people in one film.

They are too numerous to name. It is best to watch the film and try to guess who all the stars are in the film.

For Valentine Week this film was delightful. I don’t see it going very far for a long run. The topic of love is so universal and it is entertaining to a point.

Dear John

I love my new apartment and the location is perfect. A short walk and I am at my exercise class. It is also a step or two to the 2 best movie houses in town. I have spent a busy week ordering new lamp shades, fixing picture frames and purchasing a new rug. I needed a movie fix. I knew this film would be a B film but that would be okay.

Nobody prepared me for the male actor, Channing Tatum. Where has he been all my life? This is a hunk and I didn’t care what he said or did. Tatum plays the part of John. He is on leave from his job with a special services unit of the American army and has come home for 2 weeks to visit his father.

His father is magnificently portrayed by Richard Jenkins. Dad is a recluse who is only interested in his fantastic coin collection.

John loves to surf and spend time on the beach. One day he helps out the beautiful Savannah. Her purse has fallen from a bridge into the water below. The handsome John dives into the water, rescues the purse and begins the love affair with Savannah. She is so adorable and you can’t blame him.

Savannah is a special kind of gal. She thinks of other people and does noble acts. The two fall madly in love and promise to keep in touch with letters when she returns to school and he returns to his overseas duties. He is in specials services and we can’t help but admire the tough job faced by John and his team of soldiers.

Following 911 John feels his duty is to the special services and he signs up again against the wishes of Savannah. He is injured but fortunately recovers. One day he receives a dreaded ‘Dear John ‘letter. Savannah has fallen in love with someone else. Of course John is devastated.

We learn more about both the characters and find out how their lives have gone forward. There are a few twists and turns.

Throughout we feel the passion and love between John and Savannah. There is a lot of emotion so keep the kleenex handy. I enjoyed the film and found several of the issues presented to be well handled.

This is Oscar season so make sure you see the nominated pictures first. If you have seen everything on the list this makes for an entertaining viewing.

The Host

It was the best of everything. My dear friends, Annette and Estelle were coming to see the new apartment. They very generously offered to take me for a Winterlicious belated birthday dinner. What could be better than to take a short walk in a delightful snowy evening to this outstanding Indian restaurant? I had just dined there a few weeks ago and it was so delicious I wanted to go back for more.

This special menu was part of the Winterlicious program. It was beyond any expectation we had. Every bite was picture perfect and delectable. Winterlicious ends on Feb 11. I urge you to rush there for this gourmet experience. The regular menu is, of course, always available and absolutely wonderful

The Starter suggestions pleased us a lot. We each ordered a different one and shared the dishes. The Samosas are triangular pastry stuffed with spiced potatoes. The Pakoras are deep fried in a spicy gram flour batter and are totally vegetarian. The Cheese Nan is Indian Nan bread stuffed with cheese and a little spice. We devoured them all and loved every morsel.

Do not be concerned that Indian food is always hot. You can order to your taste. Indian food is a mélange of wonderful spices. That does not necessarily mean hot in flavor.

The Malabar Fish Curry offered chunks of fish cooked in a southern style in gravy of yogurt and coconut.

We also shared my favorite dish of Saag. Fresh spinach puree is served with a choice of paneer or potatoes. This is a classic northern Indian dish.

Our third main course choice was the Aloo Gobhi. Potatoes and cauliflower florets are perfectly melded in a thick masala.

We couldn’t believe our great fortune when we were told we also had the option of side dishes. We once again shared an order of Nan, Dal Maknnni (lentils) and Rice.

We were not going to leave anything because it was just too delicious.

All of the above food was presented by charming servers who made sure we were content. The manager graciously circulated and talked to all the patrons. The beautiful young lady, sari clad, met us at the door but continued to make sure we were being looked after.

We even managed to finish with a dessert. We all ordered the Pista Kulfi, a pistachio flavored ice cream because it seemed to be the less rich of the other choices. The ice cream was rich and creamy and very flavorful.

The Rasmalai is a spongy homemade cheesecake in thick, sweeten flavored milk. Gulab Jamun is s plate of cheese balls flavored in sugar syrup.

What an evening! The total package was more than pleasing. I thanked my good friends for their friendship and generosity and I am still thinking about that exotic meal a day later.

I killed my mother

Bravo for this award winning Canadian film. It has been nominated for many awards and has been shown in countless international film festivals In fact it was the Canadian film recommended for the best foreign film for this Oscar season. Xavier Dolan was only 19 when he wrote, directed and acted in this arty film.

I was glad I was with my friend Marianne because I needed to discuss the nuances and meaning of this film. We talked about it for hours after.

Hubert (played by Dolan) lives with his mother. The father deserted the scene many years ago and is totally irresponsible as far as his son is concerned. Hubert has such a love hate relationship with his mother. Most of the time the two are yelling and screaming and verbally abusive to one another. It is painful at times.

At one point in the film it is stated that he loves his mother but he only realizes it when he has departed from her. This is a central part of the film.

There are tender moments when Huber makes dinner, cleans the apartment and is a loving son. Most of the time he is cantankerous and belligerent to her.

The mother discovers that Hubert is a homosexual from the mother of Hubert’s friend. We see such a contrast with the buddy and his mother who is accepting of the homosexuality. The two have a fresh happy relationship.

Is Hubert so uncivil to his mother because he can’t tell her he is a homosexual? Is he angry because the father is not in the picture? Hubert certainly is a soul in turmoil. He does find some comfort from a sympathetic teacher who understands him. I certainly wondered how that plot was going to go.

Hubert is sent to a boarding school because his mother simply can’t handle him. This is a total disaster.

At one point the principal of the school calls the mother and suggests that she should find a man as a role model for her son. The mother breaks into a rant and rave. This is truly the highlight of the whole film as far as I am concerned. It was brilliant.

Hubert is a lost soul. He really does love his mother but becomes so annoyed at times that he wishes she was dead. At one point he even fantasizes seeing her in a coffin. Deep down he truly loves her and when things get really bad she is there for him.

The cinematography is superb. At the end Hubert and his mother are sitting on some rocks in an isolated location. It is picture perfect. In another scene Hubert and his mother are having dinner. The camera zooms in on his mother’s face and we see every bite and every crumb on her face. There is one love scene with Hubert and his lover. It is surreal and beautifully filmed.

The actors all perform so well. I found myself laughing and then feeling sad as the events unraveled.

I am mesmerized that a 19 year old could have such insight and such talent. The Cannes Film Festival recognized this young talent. I want to see it again.

Simon Boccanegra

Absolutely magnificent! Awesome. Fantastic!

How would you like to have Placido Domingo singing right in your face? He is magnificent and I loved every note and every dramatic gesture. I am so grateful that the Met Opera sends these wonderful operas through ought 30 countries via satellite. It is amazing to watch these Saturday matinees knowing that the performance is going on live in New York. If you missed this magnificent production you can possibly catch the encore broadcast on March 20.( if there are tickets) I purchase all my tickets for the full year on August 8. Most performances are sold out. Go to www.cineplex.com/events and see about future operas. It is the buy of the century.

The beautiful talented opera singer, Renee Fleming introduced the film. When she sings I am enthralled. When she speaks I hang on every word. She is so beautiful and so knowledgeable about opera.

The set changes were spectacular and the audience gets to see the back stage arrangements. 100’s of stage workers perform miracles in between scenes. The sets for Simon Boccanego were wonderful. The senate chambers features wonderful murals on the ceiling and the costumes were splendid with the senators in magnificent robes. This opera is not to be missed.

It was dramatic. Every note was perfect. I had tears in my eyes as the melodrama unfolded.

This was a first for Placido Domingo. He sang baritone instead of his usual tenor. The man is such a great actor and singer. The death scene was worthy of an Oscar. The dark sober colors of the sets and the costumes set the tone for this heavy drama. It felt as if I was looking at a painting by a master artist.

James Levine is not a well person but when he directs he has a smile on his face and love in his heart. It shows. Renee Fleminng introduced the audience to the main stars during intermission.

This was a masterful production not to be missed.

Cravings

I was craving to see my grandson, Alex; He has been busy arranging his eastern jazz tour beginning this weekend. He also is excited about launching his new CD on Feb 12 at Trane on Bathurst at Dupont. Alex agreed to come with me to Mastermind to help me select some birthday presents. We were on north Yonge St and hadn’t any idea where to go for lunch. We asked at Mastermind for suggestions. We were advised to try Cravings right across the road. We had never heard of it.

We were immediately impressed with the décor. It is modern with clean lines and good taste. It looks fresh and inviting. We had no idea what to expect and were delighted to see it was an Asian restaurant with a lovely menu.

Alex opted for a daily Prix Fixe menu. I am embarrassed to say it was only $12.00. Alex enjoyed it all and we agreed this is the best value in town. He began with a bowl of Hot and Sour Soup. The second course was a plate of Califonia Rolls. Again delicious. Alex’s main course selection was a Curried Chicken in a Red Curry Sauce. Every course was nicely presented and thoroughly enjoyed. He had many options in each course.

I opted for the Udon Soup with Shrimp Tempura. A very large pottery bowl was filled with delicious soup, noodles and vegetables.($11.00) I loved every bit. I couldn’t even finish it but Alex is always willing to help me out. In addition I received a plate of Tempura. There were two shrimp and several vegetables in a crispy delicious tempura batter. I loved every bite and couldn’t believe our good luck. Throughout the lunch we were laughing at our past lunch experiences. We always seem to ‘fall into’ a new wonderful lunch experience. It is great fun to discover a new place that you really enjoy.

It is possible to enjoy a meal with several tapas selections. Shrimp Tempura (3) are deep fried and served with a dipping sauce.($7.00) Vegetable Tempura (6) offers a variety of squash, zucchini, sweet potato and taro.($6.00) Garlic Tiger Shrimp are served with an almond crust.($9.00) Ufo is a spicy tuna on fried sweet potatoes.($10.00) For a more substantial feed Shrimp Teriyaki ($18.00) or Salmon Teriyaki ($19.00) might be the right choice. Thai Green Curry can be ordered with vegetables ($10.00), chicken or beef ($11.00) or shrimp ($13.00) Thai Red Curry is also available with vegetables, chicken, beef or vegetables. All the curry dishes are less than $13.00.

The classic Pad Thai is a Thai style stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and shrimp in tamarind fish sauce topped with ground peanuts.($12.00) Shanghai Fried Noodles is based on wheat noodles with chicken and shrimp and stir fried with Chinese soya sauce.($12.00)

I loved watching the delicious looking plates being delivered to the various tables.

This is a great deal. We loved our food. The menu is extensive. The prices are beyond belief. If you have a craving for Asian food you might want to try Cravings.

Creation

This was a controversial opening film for The Toronto Film Festival 2009. It is interesting to note that the central theme is also about controversy

Charles Darwin struggled with his research that leads to the book Origin Of Species. I found the research very fascinating. He totally was involved with his theories and research often to the exclusion of his family.

He had a beautiful loving wife and four children. For some reason the adorable Annie seemed to be his favorite child and he did spend time discussing theories with her and telling her stories.

The problem was that in those days the church and the people were not receptive to theories on evolution. Poor Annie had to kneel in rock salt when the minister heard her speak of some of her father’s beliefs.

The wife was religious and very classical in her beliefs and life style. Charles theories were upsetting to her. Throughout the film we also see him suffer with a physical ailment. I kept thinking he was going to die.

The cinematography was superb especially with the outdoor scenes. The shots of the animals, insects and birds were quite spectacular.

At he beginning of the film Darwin tells his daughter Annie about a tribe of people in New Guinea. They did not wash or wear clothes and their hair was extremely long. History tells us that a British ship bought three young children from this tribe in exchange for calico and buttons. They were taken to England for three years. They were given fine clothes and taught to be proper young English citizens. The purpose was to have them illustrate to their people a ‘better way’ when they returned home. It was quite humorous to see this story illustrated. The children immediately stripped off their clothes and ran to greet their fellow clansmen. Quite a lesson in that story.

It is painful to see the struggle that Charles Darwin faced within his own soul and certainly with his family, friends and community.

HE was encouraged by the scientists to continue his research and publish his findings. At one point a colleague states,” You have killed god. It is time to write your book.” IT was clearly stated that science was at war with religion. I could just imagine the uproar all of this must have been in those days.

This is an informative film. It also is a family struggle and was painful to watch at times.

Bar Mercurio

I am so enjoying meeting with friends at my new apartment. After the ‘viewing’ is such fun to walk to a neighborhood restaurant a block or two away. Last evening was brutally cold and Nadia and I were glad we had chosen a restaurant a short hop and skip from the apartment.

I have dined here for years and also enjoy the sister restaurant L’Espresso across the street.

At lunch time you place your order at the counter and are called when the food has been prepared. In the evening white cloths and candlelight transform this very authentic Italian restaurant. It is a family run business and you see evidence of the love and care given by the family to every little item. I love the soft jazz that always plays in the background.

This restaurant is always busy. You must have a reservation. My friend Nadia and I opted for 6:00 p.m. as she lives in Etobicoke and didn’t want a late ride home. Would you believe we had the last table available at such an early hour? The front bar was completely occupied with patrons. Most of the guests seemed to be well into their meal. It just kept getting busier as the evening went on. The servers are so well trained and manage to look after everyone’s needs and wants.

The bread was of excellent quality and taste and the white bean dip could have been my meal. Delicious!

We both ordered the Linguine Fruti De Mare.($26.00). Nadia had the full compliment of seafood. There was a lot of seafood and variety. The linguine was perfectly al dente and the sauce was obviously home made and delicious.

My only complaint of the evening was that I ordered the same dish with only shrimp. I didn’t want the other seafood. I was told I could have 1 shrimp and would have to pay for any more. Considering the amount of seafood in the original dish this seemed a little ‘cheesy’ to me. I do admit the shrimp were large and fantastic.

Many patrons around us were enjoying the Pizzas. They have a thin crust and are excellent.

Years ago my grandson was attending UTS across the road. Every Wednesday I would meet him for lunch and we would go to Bar Mercurio. It got so that they knew he was coming and would have his Pizza Marguerita ready for him. The pizzas are superb.

The salads are crisp and fresh. Often the salads are topped with a generous slice of fresh parmagiano cheese.

There was a special menu for the day. Red Snapper was the suggested fish. The regular menu offers a variety of choices. The pasta is always excellent and there are many choices. The patrons beside us were enjoying a large Veal Chop.

Nadia and I were celebrating my new apartment and the fact that the deal for my condo was settled on this day. We ordered a Lemon Tart for dessert.($8.00) It is a good thing we shared because I could have eaten the whole thing on my own.

The noise level does increase as the evening proceeds. The food is always good and the friendly service is appreciated.

Nadia and I had a great evening but then we always do. She and I met at my second teaching assignment at Gladstone School. I laugh when I think of the outrageous things we did while still being excellent teachers. We still have great times together.

Duke of York

Yolanda and I are used to meeting monthly at different restaurants. We always have a good time and a dozen laughs. She wanted to see the new apartment. We agreed that she would come here and then we would walk to a restaurant in the neighborhood. It doesn’t get much better than this.

It was a cold blistery day and we literally crossed the street to visit this long time established pub. It is so authentic. I almost felt like singing out or playing a game of darts. The place was very busy but not noisy. In the summer the patio is very popular. There are several rooms. I like this because it makes for a warmer ambiance. Much of the food is typical pub offerings. The plates were nicely presented and the service was warm and friendly.

Yolanda opted for a Guinness to get in the mood and an order of Wing It.($9.99) You can choose mild, medium or hot in spicy flavor. They are basted in a honey garlic rub. Carrot and celery sticks were on the side with a blue cheese sauce. Yolanda said it was a sinful delicious treat and she enjoyed it very much.

I found the Vegetarian Sandwich fantastic.($10.99) A delicious cup of squash soup was on the side. The sandwich was thickly filled with an eggplant, zucchini and goat cheese mixture. It was huge and I ate it all. Delicious!

This pub is also noted for their excellent Duke Burger.($9.99) An 8 oz. fire grilled burger is cooked to your liking and is served with a secret sauce. The Banquet Burger offers bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato to top the 8 oz burger.(410.99) I think I am going to try the Homemade Veggie Burger ($10.99) for my ext visit. It consists of a blend of red beans, corn onion, herbs and spices with cheddar cheese.

Being a pub there are some classic entrees. The Steam Whistle Fish and Chips offers golden brown haddock and a plateful of ‘chippies’. A half order or full order is possible.($8.99 or $12.99) The combination of Bangers and Mash promises to be plump and juicy and served with beans.($14.95)

Chicken Pot Pie is a traditional favorite. Tender pieces of chicken, pearl onions, mushrooms and carrots are simmered in gravy and served under a flaky crust. The dish comes with mash and buttered peas.($12.99)

Sometimes you just want a starter or lighter fare. Crispy Calmari is offered with a secret spicy mayo and fresh lemon.($9.99)

A plate of Hummus with Grilled Pita was being enjoyed at the next table.($8.99)

Several salads are listed on the menu.

There is sufficient choice to meet your taste. I loved the friendly atmosphere and was delighted with the food. The best part was the short walk home on a blustery day.

The Yes Men Fix the World

I moved to my new apartment with the idea of walking to all the movies. Wouldn’t you know that this week all the new films are a subway ride away? I call that irony.

I’m surprised that the two film makers, Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno did not land themselves in jail for their courageous and daring film. They are both very funny activists who set out to declare the evils of the big corporations and government. The attempt is very much like a Michael Moore film except that these men are never verbally abusive. They smile and state their case with such conviction you can’t help but love them. Their biggest hoax was in announcing that Dow Chemical was going to make reparation to the millions who suffered from the explosion in India. In doing this they brought to the attention once again the lack of resources provided to the area after the terrible disaster. The Dow stock tumbled immediately.

Whenever they are caught in a fraudulent diatribe they laugh and explain why they are doing it.

There is a lot of humor but of course underneath the laughs are serious issues.

Katrina devastated the New Orleans area. There is still so much work to be done and the government has not kept its promise to rebuild. Andy and Mike intervened in a conference. They pretended to be HUD officials and presented a blown up suit that would allow anyone inside to survive a disaster.

It was hilarious to watch the faces of the people in the audience. They didn’t know what to believe.

Andy and Mike printed a paper called The New York Times. They dated it in the future. Every article was positive and aimed at showing what could happen and should happen to fix the ills of the world. They handed the papers out on the street. Once again the average citizen didn’t know how to react.

Common people are interviewed throughout to give opinions on the antics of these two men. Many felt they were justified in bringing to the surface these critical issues. Many stated that even if it was a hoax it ended up being a positive action.

I learned a lot in this film. It was presented in an entertaining but thoughtful manner. The facts were not thrown at you but presented in a way that made you want to hear more.

I admire these men and congratulate them for being so creative and intelligent.

The White Ribbon

This is a powerful film that leaves you thinking long after the credits end. I found myself discussing the details in the ladies washroom with several people I didn’t even know. We couldn’t stop talking about it.

It won the award at the Golden Globe for best foreign film.

The time is 1917. We meet several of the people living in a small community in Germany. On the surface they seem like caring substantial people. The children are polite and obedient. The minister is very strict with his children. When they do something wrong they are beaten. It was almost amusing to see them kiss their father’s hand as they left the room.

The doctor appeared to be an important honored man of the community.

Underneath everything we begin to see the lies, the abuse and the insidious behavior of children that seemed so angelic at first. It is ironical that when younger the children wore white ribbons as a sign of innocence and purity.

It is painful to witness but I was totally captivated. It wasn’t until the end when I left the cinema that I saw a sign promoting the film and stating that this film was a predictor of what was to come in the future in Germany. At that point the film really percolated and I was ‘blown away’ by the implications that this was the forerunner of the Nazi regime and the holocaust. I am not giving anything away because posters announce the prediction and a statement is made earlier in the film alluding to the fact that this pointed in the direction of the atrocities that were to come.

I can’t believe I actually went to a film the day before I moved. I needed to get away from all the mess. This film made me think about people’s actions and motives. Often we see a superficial incident and are not aware of what is really happening deep down. It also gave me a glimpse as to how personal behavior could lead to insidious acts.

In my opinion this is must film.

The Host

I moved 2 days ago. It was a horrendous 12 hour experience. Even after the movers left at 8:30 p.m. I continued to work until 12:30a.m. What a task! Boxes and boxes and boxes. I didn’t want to ever see another painting, clothing hamper or filled box. My dear son and daughter-law- invested 3 days in helping me to hang pictures and re-arrange furniture. I couldn’t have done it without them. After a long day of hard labor I suggested Indian food just down the street.

I remember enjoying this restaurant when it was a French restaurant called Rendezvous. I always loved this special Yorkville location with several rooms fanning out from a long regal hall. My family loves Indian food but this was very special. The taste, the preparation and the service were superior. We were all exhausted and needed the good service and superb food to make us feel better. Alex even joined us after a long day of practicing his guitar.

Whenever we go as a family for Indian food we ask for 1 dish per person and then share it all. On this occasion they brought a superb appetizer. It was a deep fried mixture of varied vegetables. The sauce with it was superb. We also ordered a naan and steamed rice to go with our other choices. One dessert was enjoyed and at the end we were a tired but satiated family. Following this dining delight I was so anxious to get back to my lovely place decorated by my own children,

Kathy’s favorite is always Murgh Makhini This restaurant has won an award for this excellent butter chicken dish.($13.99) Tender pieces of chicken tikka are cooked in a creamy tomato sauce.

Alex’s choice was Lamb Roganjosh.($14.99) This is a delicacy from Kashmir. Lamb pieces are cooked with yogurt and onions with a rich flavor of saffron. Not a morsel was left at the end of the meal and w e loved every bite.

In my opinion the best dish of the house is the Prawn Peri Peri.($18.99)

The prawns are giant and cooked to perfection in a tomato and red masala curry. It was exotic and almost made me forget all the work ahead in the apartment. I always have to have an order of Saag. Pureed spinach is served with paneer. This is a classic dish from the north. It is creamy, flavorful and very healthy.($11.99)

Host is an elegant restaurant. There are choices in every category. The place was filled but not at all noisy. The service was exceptional. I loved the way we were greeted by the beautiful smile of the lovely lady in a sari. She seemed so delighted to know that we had all visited India. I may not go back to India soon as it is so far. I definitely plan to return to the Host very soon. It is now only 1 block from my new home.

We were still talking about that great meal the following day. Indian food is so full of a mélange of spices. The sauces are exotic. IT is a myth that all the dishes are hot. You always have a choice. Many are very mild but full of flavor with the blending of spices. This is Indian food at its best.

I am one happy camper. I have a family that has been outstanding in support and assistance. I have a neighborhood restaurant in trendy Yorkville that is so accessible and so delicious.

The Last Station

I love a good historical novel or film. I felt transported in this film to Russia and the final years of Leo Tolstoy. How could any film fail with Christopher Plummer playing a lead role?

I would go anywhere to see Helen Mirren perform. She is the finest actor of the day. I have loved every part she has ever played. In this film she plays the part of Tolstoy’s wife. She seems to spend most of her time begging her husband to love her. At one moment he is gentle and kind and at other times he is screaming at her. She is a countess and they live in a substantial house. Yet, Tolstoy wears peasant clothing and lets his beard grow to an unkempt length.

Tolstoy’s belief was that wealth corrupts everyone.

Tolstoy is a bearded aged icon. His followers are totally devoted. I loved the scene when he is sitting out on the estate grounds and the children come to visit him. He hands them a flower and kisses each child. It was so beautifully filmed.

His wife had property and was worried that after his death all the funds would go to the Tolstoy followers. Paul Giamatti very aptly plays the role of the publisher who takes great pains to have Tolstoy sign over his will.

A young secretary (James McAvoy) is hired to work with Tolstoy. He is a loyal follower and believer of Tolstoy’s philosophy. He meets a young lady on the commune and they fall in love.

We witness the conflict between Tolstoy and his wife over his will. There is even more acrimony between the wife and publisher. Even the young lovers have to make difficult decisions.

I loved the cinematography. Much was in a faded brown look to give the appearance of the olden times. The scenes of the carriages and horses were so appealing.

The film felt like a stage play in many ways. It didn’t matter.

I certainly learned a great deal about those times. The Last Station refers to the train leaving the station after Tolstoy dies. Throngs of adoring followers greeted the train. It was very moving. While the credits are rolling you see actual pictures from that time. The audience is also given more information about the real characters. The film certainly had star power.