My Sister's Keeper

I’m sure I lost at least 5 pounds from crying. I knew it was a tear jerker but was determined to have a stiff upper lip. I really tried. Who needs all that weeping and to think I had to pay for it.

The acting is an unqualified success. The story is powerful. It is just too much emotion to have to handle in a film.

Cameron Diaz plays the part of Mom in the Fitzgerald Family. Dad is a fireman and very devoted to his family. There are three children. At an early age it was discovered that Kate, the eldest daughter, has leukemia. Mom quits her job as a lawyer to be constantly available to meet the demanding needs of Kate. The brother has his own problems but the parents don’t seem to have enough time or strength to sufficiently help him.

The youngest daughter, Anna, is brilliantly played by Abigail Breslin. I think she is the finest young actress to come along in many years. She is only 13 years old but plays the part of an 11 year old in this film. Anna was actually conceived with the plan and hope that she could be of genetic benefit in helping her ailing sister. Since she was a baby she was forced into medical tests and operations to help her sister.

Anna decides that she has had enough of all this medical treatment. She wants her own life and seeks out a lawyer to help her.

The lawyer is well played by Alec Baldwin. The case comes before the court. The judge is played by one of my favorite actors, Joan Cusack. Just to add to the turmoil we are told of the emotional problem faced by the judge. It just doesn’t stop pulling on the heart strings.

This is a high powered cast and all perform well. The emotional pull just becomes too much.

The mother becomes so focused on Kate and doesn’t see anything else. The family begins to disintegrate. We watch Kate getting more ill. If that isn’t bad enough Kate meets an attractive young man also suffering from cancer. They become quite an item. This aspect of the story was a little unbelievable as we see the young couple all dressed to go to a prom. The boyfriend dies soon after leaving Kate distraught.

I won’t tell the ending in case you decide to invest in the Kleenex Company and go to see the film.

Toyko Sonata

This film was an award winner at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. For the first two thirds of the film I was entranced. The characters felt real and I could relate to the story even though there was a cultural divide.

We meet a middle class Japanese family living a typical good life. The father was an executive and when he came home he expected his dinner to be served to him. The wife was sweet, attentive and did all the chores in an uncomplaining way.

Things begin to break down when the father loses his job to downsizing. He is too proud to tell his family. Each morning he dresses in business attire and heads out with his portfolio and goes to the library or tries to find an appropriate job. He has lunch at a free handout place on the street. He finally resorts to taking a job cleaning washrooms and halls in a plaza. The work is demeaning and my heart broke for him.

At the same time trouble brews with the children. One son goes off to join the army. The other son chooses to spend his lunch money for piano lessons. His father had forbid him to take the lessons. The father becomes more agitated and abusive physically to the younger son.

Up to this point it was an excellent believable story very well executed.

The house is robbed and the thief takes the wife as a hostage. In my opinion the film falls from that point. The thief and the wife go off in a stolen car. She is apparently a hostage. I suppose the actions were a metaphor for her breaking away from the traditional family. It didn’t sit well with me because it wasn’t believable and destroyed the power of the first part of the film. At times it felt as if the later actions were a dream and I questioned if the wife was imagining it all.

The positive ending was just too easy. There was a lot of learning from every member of the family but I wish the later part of the film had been different.

I was glad I was with a friend because we couldn’t stop chatting about it and trying to make sense of all the action.

Capitil Trattoria and Pizzeria

The ‘Little Italy’ section of College St. is a visitor’s delight. There is always action and a buzz on the street. There are countless restaurants and on a hot summer evening the front windows of the restaurants are removed and the tables are filled. People perambulate on the sidewalk and it is a European feeling to walk these few blocks. I have eaten at many of the restaurants in this section but had not been at Capitol before. I certainly had missed out. Elaine and I were heading for an early film at the Royal Cinema across the road. We decided to dine early. It is a good thing we did. The patio was almost completely filled by 5:30 p.m. When we came out of the movie there was a long line outside waiting to get into this restaurant.

I liked the menu. I liked the warm friendly feeling from Sophie, our server. There was so much from which to choose.

Elaine chose the Calamari Alla Grigila. ($10.00) Apparently they were outstanding. They were grilled with those fine black marks and served on a bed of greens. There was also the option of Calamari Fritti for the same price. .

I opted for the Shrimp In a Tomato Sauce.($11.00) This was an appetizer but 4 very large tiger shrimp, perfectly cooked were nested in a bed of the very best fresh tomato sauce. The only problem was that it was so good I was eating extra hard crusted bread to soak up that delicate sauce. Scrumptious!

We shared the Arugula Salad with orange sections and roasted walnuts. The arugula was fresh and crispy and so flavorful. It was lightly tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. We were two happy patrons.

The pizza section is extensive. On my next visit I plan to have the Tuna Pizza.($12.00) Olive oil, mozzarella, tuna roasted peppers and olives garnish this choice. Pesto Pizza features pesto sauce, mozzarella, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. ($12.00) There is something for everyone.

I was very tempted by the Fish of the Day. On this occasion it was Swordfish Tuscany Style and served with a variety of vegetables. ($22.00)

Meat lovers may me tempted by the Agnello All Griglia ($20.00) served with a mint sauce or the Vitello Alla Marsala ($18.00)

Seafood Lovers have several choices of fish. Salmone is grilled and served with a lemon and white wine butter sauce.($19.00)

Elaine and I were so pleased with this restaurant. The prices were more than fair. The service was so friendly and helpful. We loved every bite.

The restaurant was bustling with activity but was not noisy. The large patio is on the side of Clinton Street so you don’t feel you are eating on a busy street.

This was love at first sight. Set the table. I am coming back.

Grace Pasucci, you run a very fine restaurant. I felt as if I was back in fantastic Tuscany.

La Forchetta

I first discovered La Forchetta several years ago when I was taking my grandson Brad out for dinner. We walked along College St in ‘Little Italy’ to decide which restaurant we wanted to have dinner. We certainly made the correct choice. This vibrant part of the city is worth the visit. A variety of restaurants line the street. There are always a lot of people walking on the street, enjoying the restaurants and films at the Royal Cinema. There is a buzz and an energy that I like. I can actually remember the actual table and the menu we enjoyed that evening.

Last winter my ‘foodie’ friend Elaine and I were out for a Sunday dinner. I recalled my first experience and suggested we return. The place was filled and there was a high energy to the restaurant. Even more important the food was outstanding.

Elaine and I decided to have a re-visit to this restaurant to see if it was still as great as we remembered. We invited another friend to join us. We certainly made the right choice. The street was bustling on this hot evening. I enjoyed looking into all the restaurants on the street. Most had the front windows removed and the patrons were sitting outside enjoying the first taste of summer.

This is a first class restaurant. The food is traditional Italian fare but there is also an attempt to feature nouvelle continental fare. The finest of ingredients are used. The menu features a Dozen Classic Pastas from varied regions of Italy. Four Risottos are listed on the menu.

Part of the entertainment is to watch the platters of food delivered to the tables. The presentation is so artistic and creative. The fresh crusty bread was infused with fine quality olive oil and herbs. Fantastic doesn’t begin to state how great that was.

The Sicilian Rolls are a popular dish as an appetizer.($9.00) The rolls are stuffed with smoked mozzarella cheese and oregano infused olive oil. The dipping sauce is a chipotle Roma tomato base. Absolutely Yummy.

Steamed PEI Mussels are prepared with scallions and roasted garlic ($10.95)

My friends opted for Seafood Casserole. The large white bowl was filled with Mussels, calamari, fish, shrimp and scallops in a fragrant sauce. They slurped and ‘oohed and awed’ their way through the whole presentation.

I ordered the Planked Salmon. A delicious pesto sauce topped the perfectly cooked salmon. It was placed on a large bed of lentils, tomatoes and herbs.($23.00)

The menu includes an extensive presentation of seafood, meat and pastas all beautifully presented.

The desserts are well worth mentioning. Tiramisu is the best. When you read the ingredients you will know why it is so perfect. The magical concoction included strong brewed espresso, Marsala dessert wine, special rum, cognac and kahlua topped with semi sweet drizzle.($9.00) The Warm Twice Baked Chocolate Cake features a centre of warm chocolate ganache, topped with vanilla gelato and drizzled with Belgium white chocolate.($9.00)

Maple Crème Brulee is caramelized fresh custard infused with maple syrup ($8.00)

This is a winning combination featuring the finest cuisine in a warm friendly atmosphere.

The Proposal

I have to put this film in perspective. I knew it would not be a worth while viewing. It was a hot day and there was drilling going on in a renovation in my building. The noise was unbearable. I went across the road to Market Square for the 3:40 film. It was sold out. I returned at 6:40 and it was also sold out. These $4.00 film showings on a Tuesday are really popular. At this point it became a challenge so I returned on Wednesday and paid full price. What a waste.

Sandra Bullock is delightful and a good actor. Ryan Reynolds is so adorable and I didn’t even care about his acting although he played his part well. The problem is the story. It is predictable. It is silly. It is still entertaining and I wasn’t totally upset.

Sandra Bullock ( Miss Tate) is a big boss in a publishing company. She terrorizes all the employees. She is haughty and rude. Andrew played by Ryan Reynolds plays the role of her assistant. He does everything for her and acts like her wiping mat. His desire is to become an editor.

She is about to be deported back to Canada. Suddenly a flash goes on in Miss Tate’s head. She announces to Andrew’s shock that they are about to be married.

Andrew takes Miss Tate to Alaska to celebrate the 90th birthday of his grandmother. Grandmother is played by Betty White. There are a few giggles over the antics of grandmother. Betty White is quite delightful in this role.

Miss Tate meets the family and discovers that Andrew is from a very wealthy family. Plans go ahead for the wedding but at the last minute Miss Tate becomes moral and confesses the ploy of marrying Andrew for citizenship.

It is an American summer film so of course you can guess the ending. Some of the scenes are quite funny. The cast does try to do justice to a poor script. On a hot evening when you can’t sleep this might be the remedy.

Cheri

I adore period pieces. The grand mansions and the fine costumes are usually enough to make the film worthwhile. Michelle Pfeiffer is so exquisite. Her pale coloring and auburn hair were so beautiful with the soft green and colored costumes.

Michelle plays the part of Lea. She made all her money as a mistress to the grand men of European aristocracy.

One day she was lunching with a fellow courtesan, Charlotte. Charlotte is played by one of my favorite actors, Kathy Bates. She is magnificent in her part. She is certainly the comedy relief as she plays her part of a buffoon type madam.

Lea is introduced to Fred, a 19ish son of Charlotte. Both Lea and Fred are instantly smitten in spite of a considerable age difference. They toy with each other but basically have a deep affection for one another. They actually live together in harmony for six years.

Charlotte wants Fred to marry and arranges for him to meet the beautiful young daughter of a friend. Fred is torn between his love for Lea and the need to move forward in life in a good economic situation.

Fred tries to make the marriage work but he constantly thinks about Lea. Lea pretends to be getting along but constantly thinks back to her love of Fred.

They do meet again and you will have to see the film to find out how it ends. (Not as I expected

At times a narrator tells the story while we look on to the action. Director Stephen Frears has made other period films. I was intrigued by the problems faced with a younger man and an older woman. There was also conflict with Fred as he tried to fit in with a conventional life with his bride. There were a lot of emotions expressed throughout the film. I thought it was more than a piece of ‘fluff’.

Arowhon Pines

I love the month of June. Summer is beginning to shine in all its glory. It is also the time that my sister and I venture up to Algonquin Park to our favorite resort Arowhon Pines. The scenery is breathtaking. The tall pine trees and cool fresh lakes leave me breathless. At night the tranquility is only broken by the sound of loons and toads. I love it. On this trip we actually saw several moose enjoying the waters.

The varied cabins have a different number of private rooms with bathroom. A shared lounge with a fireplace is a great meeting place before dinner or in the evening. I love the fact that you are not over programmed. It is up to you to entertain yourself at your whim. Tennis courts and canoeing are so popular. The hikes through the woods are healthy and fun. The games room is also used in the evening for TV or films. We all loved the excursion on the flat boat that held 20 visitors.

Do come with an empty stomach and a great taste for fine food. At breakfast fresh muffins and home made bread are always tasty. The home made granola is worth the trip. Fresh fruit and a spread of meat and cheese greet you in the morning. The main course is ordered and delivered to your table. The Red Pepper and Leek Frittata was delicious. Poached Eggs and Strawberry Pancakes were also popular dishes at our table.

You better work up an appetite by swimming, boating or hiking because the lunch bell announces more great dining. Once again a buffet of Salads, Vegetables, Fruit and Cheese whet the appetite. On the weekend the buffet includes hot dishes such as Curried Lentils, Lasagna or Casseroles. During the week the lunch specials are offered and served at the table. Make sure you leave room for dessert. Words cannot describe the magnitude of the Cakes, Cookies, Pies and Sweet Treats. I couldn’t resist and had more than my fill of these home made scrumptious treats.

I was well aware that dinner hour was going to happen before my stomach was ready. But manage I did. The tables had little vases of wild flowers on the golden colored tablecloths. The room was aglow with atmosphere. The round fireplace in the middle of the dining hall is the most unique I have ever seen. The jazz and classical music certainly set the mood for the fine dinner.

A buffet provides more than enough for appetizer selection. It is hard to choose. Soup and a main course are to follow. One evening I enjoyed the Halibut dish. Others selected the Roast Beef special. The next evening Sea Bass was the fish dish. The Lamb Chops were beautifully plated and enjoyed by several at the table. I was thrilled with the Vegetarian Special consisting of root vegetables, tomato sauce and polenta. Delicious! Need you ask? Of course we all went back to the large harvest table covered with platters of sweets for our after dinner treats. I couldn’t stop eating the Cookies. The chocolate shortbread and peanut butter cookies were the best. The Raspberry pie was also scrumptious. My nephew was definitely into the Chocolate Cake. I don’t know how they do it all in the kitchen.

Write or phone for rates and more information. In the summer write to

Box 10 001 Algonquin Park Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2G5 phone:705 633 5661 or

fax :705 633 5795 Toll free access: 1 866 6633 5661

Winter information is available at:

297 Balliol St, Toronto, M4S 1C7 phone 416 483 4393 or fax :416 483 4429