Land

I will go to almost any film at the Royal Cinema. They offer the best in the film industry. The theatre is used as an editing house during the day. The ‘arty’ films presented are only available in the evening or on the weekend. This film was Canadian produced and was shown at the Hot Docs festival.

The film shows the ugly side of the land grab in Nicaragua by American resort owners. I was most interested in the history of this troubled Central American country. We are shown news clips and given a historical background of the revolutions and counter revolutions in recent history.

The film was a bit disjointed and sometimes hard to keep it all straight. I did find the camera work also a little shaky.

We are introduced to some of the Americans who purchased land and had high hopes of starting resorts. The problem is that many of the land titles were under dispute. After the last revolution the land had been seized and distributed to the people of Nicaragua. Later the original owners were claiming their land back.

There were so many problems. The poor people were living in dire conditions. The resort owners were robbing the land and giving little back in return.

One young man was most upset that the baseball field had been destroyed. I was interested to learn that later on he became the mayor of this part of the country. Many of the resort owners failed to complete their projects. The area was left in a mess with unfinished buildings.

The country is so beautiful. It was upsetting to see the land being torn up. Apparently the Americans were not good to the people and didn’t provide extras such as schools and hospitals.

At the Q and A after the film we were told that there are still disputes over the land. I found the topic very interesting.

Unfortunately the film is only playing for one week. Documentaries are often a great education. I did learn so much. I judge these films differently from the Hollywood style of film. If it is playing at the Royal Cinema I know there is value to the film.

Rural Roots Catering

Rural Roots Catering 76 Centennial Road Unit #3 Orangeville Ont

519 940 8831

www.ruralrootscatering.ca Info@ruralrootscatering.ca

I just came back from a wonderful weekend with my Book Club. The first weekend in June is always set aside for ‘the ladies’ to go to the two country homes in the area. 14 of us trekked up north for great companionship, a wonderful speaker, delicious food and great accommodations. We all felt as if we were at a spa.

We are all accomplished in the kitchen and used to do all the preparations ourselves. We achieved sanity in ‘our old age.’ The Saturday lunch and dinner is now catered. What a fabulous idea. Lunch was supposed to be out on the spacious grounds by the pool of our ‘Tuscany home in the area of Mulford Ontario. We assembled by the pool for drinks (Pimms with lemon soda, mint raspberries and cucumber) and fantastic appetizers. We moved inside for the lunch followed by our guest speaker and our last book for this season.

Rural Roots is situated in Orangeville and does a large catering business in the wider area. Chris Shoniker is a young man with a fine sense of food and gourmet artistry. The food was delivered to the lunch venue at one house and for the dinner at our second homestead.

We were mindful of calories and not wanting to overload at lunch time. Salads seemed to be the solution.

The Nicoise Salad was fresh and crisp. There was a plentiful portion for everyone.

We all loved the Greek Salad with the light flavorful red wine vinaigrette. The Lentil Salad was composed of green lentils, green onion, red and green grapes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and toasted almonds tossed in light lemon vinaigrette. We did cheat a bit by indulging on Nancy Y’s best ever chocolate brownies. Yummy!

We all had such a wonderful visit and enjoyed both the speaker and the lunch. We reminded ourselves that in 2 hours we were heading over to the stone house for the dinner. This Book Club weekend is very special in many ways. The women are stimulating company and loads of fun.

We arrived at the stone house to find drinks and appetizers waiting for us. Half the guests stay at one house and are responsible for setting up the lunch. The second group stays at the stone house and does the arranging for the dinner.

The vegetarian guests enjoyed Fresh Atlantic Salmon. It had been lightly smoked on a plank. The carnivores told me they enjoyed their flavorful Beef Bourguignon. Beef sirloin, button mushrooms, shallots, and garlic were combined with fresh thyme and red wine. The last time I looked it was all gone so I guess that was a winning dish. The Grilled And Roasted Vegetable Composition was fantastic. You could taste the barbecue flavor but the vegetables were perfectly cooked.

We were all anticipating the Lemon Meringue Pie and Pots Of Chocolate. Nobody was disappointed.

Lunch was $17.34 per person. Dinner was $28.91.

I couldn’t believe the energy shown by everyone following the gourmet dinner. Sparkling conversation, karaoke and even dancing kept us all up and alert for many hours. I love these women and enjoyed spending such close time with them.

Catering takes the strain from the hostess. People in the wider Orangeville area should be delighted to have such an accomplished caterer in the area. If you are visiting someone in the Orangeville/Collingwood area you could arrange for a catered meal to be delivered. I can’t wait for next year. I hope to spend my time with more tantalizing food and the same wonderful women. In the meantime I better get started on the heavy reading list for next year’s Book Club.

Sex and the City

had a major fight with myself today. My head told me that this film would only irritate. I also felt it was an excessive materialistic film. Obviously my heart won out. Shame on me.

Excessive it was. I hate to think what the price tag was for the costumes and shoes. Halfway through this ridiculous film I began to relax. I think I even laughed in a few places. I realized that the four stars are probably laughing also. They were having fun and the excess was more a joke. It certainly was not reality.

Jessica Parker plays the part of Carrie Bradshaw. She is a well known author and a married woman. She and her husband have decided not to have children. They go through a brief rough spell when Carrie feels her husband is too much of a stay at home. She wants more sparkle in their relationship. Many women will relate when the husband bought her a TV for her birthday. She wanted jewellery.

Charlotte ( Kristin Davis) was married with two children. One child cried all the time Charlotte is overwhelmed with the two children even though she has a nanny. The nanny was a possible threat because she was gorgeous, well built and never wore a bra.

Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) is a lawyer who finally quits her job because of the way her male boss treats her.

That leaves Samantha (Kim Cattrall). She is a single woman obsessed with sex. She is overwhelmed with her hormones.

The four women meet constantly for meals and talk about their lives over drinks and food.

Samantha is invited by a wealthy sheik to visit Abu Dhabi. She insists that her friends must come along. The four women fly first class and stay in an exotic hotel. They each have a private butler and a private car. They go the local markets, take camel rides and dine in an exotic way. At every turn they are sporting new costumes. Some are totally ridiculous but that is supposed to be part of the fun.

They get into trouble because they are not following the customs of the land. The sheik takes away his offer of the exclusive hotel. The ladies have to make a fast exit or pay $22,000.00 per day.

The girls all arrive home to find that what they had at home was more satisfactory.

The costumes are so bizarre and actually are a lot of fun. Some of the jokes were strained and silly.

The four girls attend the wedding of two gay friends. The wedding was hilarious and the best part of the film. A choir of young men was all dressed in white suits and wore silver top hats. The men were middle aged but their parents walked them down the aisle and gave them away. Liza Minelli had a walk on when she appeared at the wedding and sang. There were several small walk on parts for other famous actors.

I also enjoyed the scene that showed how the four girls became friends and what they looked like in the past. Their hair styles and plain clothes were quite a contrast to the ‘fancy ladies’ of the story.

I have heard that women like to go out for cocktails and then to this film for a night out. I guess that could be fun.

Baccanalia

When my grandson Brad asked me to drive back with him to Chicago I didn't need to think twice. 8 hours of driving with him was a pleasant thought and it was such a positive experience. My son and Daughter-in-law were so apologetic that they had a previous engagement for the Monday evening. Brad to the rescue again. He promised me a fine dinner in an enchanting street in downtown Chicago. I took the train from Highland Park and he met me at the downtown station. We walked 5 minutes to see his amazing condo right in the heart of the city. From there we drove to Bacchanalia. A GPS was essential. This is a hidden treasure in the downtown area of Chicago. Many of the shops feature signs in Spanish. South Oakley Street is not very large. There are 4 Italian restaurants almost side by side. My spies confirmed that Bacchanalia was the best. It is in an area that is partly residential and partly industrial. It feels as if the restaurant is on a side street. It certainly isn’t a busy downtown area. Guaranteed no visitor will stumble unexpectedly into this charming restaurant. Paula and Dan Pieri are the proprietors. The restaurant originally was run by the parents. Even to this day the mother plays an integral part. One evening the restaurant was running low on a tomato sauce and the mother was called to the rescue. The food was amazing. We were immediately served with a basket with a variety of breads. A few minutes later a plate of warm foccacia with a light tomato sauce arrived. It was impossible to show restraint. The quantity was gigantic.

It had been suggested to me that the Aioli Sauce was outstanding. I ordered the special pasta of the evening. Lingini with Giant Shrmps and Asparagus with that fantastic sauce. It was ambrosia to the palate. I couldn't stop eating it. Brad ordered the Seafood and Pasta.($21.95) Calamari shrimp and lobster were in a tomato sauce with the al dente linguine. Brad is a hearty eater. He couldn't even finish the plate. Lobster Ravioli is prepared with a vodka sauce. ($14.95) Maniccotti is priced at $11.95 and is a hearty delicious choice. Meat lovers will be happy with the Filet Mignon.($27.95) It is served with an abundance of fresh sautéed mushrooms. The Baby Back Ribs are smothered in BBQ sauce.($17.95) Bacchanalia is open 7 days a week. The service is so friendly and guaranteed you will find many tempting choices.

When in Chicago make your way to this little gem. It was outstanding and memorable. Brad is great company and I enjoyed a wonderful meal.

Check their website:bacchanaliainchicago.com

Ajami

This Palestinian/ Israeli film was a contender for best foreign film at last year’s

Oscars. I knew I had to see it. I loved the idea of collaboration with an Arab and Israeli. We need more of that on so many levels.

The film is not political and it doesn’t preach. It is, however one of the bleakest films I have ever seen. It is totally in black and white and so dreary that at times it was hard to view the image. I found it confusing at times and had trouble keeping the characters straight. I was often unsure who was an Arab and who was Israeli.

Maybe that was part intentional. The problems presented are universal problems. They are just more intense in this area of the world. Drugs are a central theme and various aspects were presented. Friendships between an Arab boy and a Christian girl could be a problem in any country.

Family issues were presented in different ways. The problems presented could be issues in any country but were definitely major issues in this Jaffa area of Israel. Jaffa is one of the oldest areas in Israel and was the beginning of the Tel Aviv area. Arabs, Jews and Christians live side by side in this area. There are always problems and many are represented in this film.

Apparently it took many years to produce this film. It was difficult to find the actors. The directors wanted it to authentic and hired many in the cast from actual jobs that were related to the part portrayed. For example the policeman had been an actual cop.

I did find the movie interesting. I felt emotionally involved with some of the problems presented. Who could not feel empathy for a young illegal immigrant who needs money to pay for his mother’s operation? A policeman is preoccupied in finding his missing brother. My heart broke for the young Christian girl who loved the Arab man. As a viewer you know it could never work. Not only was their cultural background different he also was involved in many dangerous issues. Her father defiantly intervened but it was still heart breaking. I didn’t have sympathy for the drug dealer and his personal problems.

The film is divided into chapters. We meet different characters who lives are somewhat interconnected throughout the film. (Very confusing at times)

The acting was well done. This is a first for directors Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani. They weren’t up to Oscar winning status on this film but perhaps in the future.

Abigail's

Highland Park is on the north shore of Chicago. It is such a beautiful spot. I always marvel at the greenery and the fine homes. The North Shore is also the home of Ravinia. The summer concert season is just beginning. Every night during the summer months crowds flock to the pavilion or just sit on the grass to listen to the outstanding concerts. Top musicians are booked every year. You can get to Ravinia by train from downtown Chicago. The Botanical Gardens are breathtaking and also a must visit in this part of the city. I also was able to visit the newly opened Holocaust Museum in neighboring Skokie. One cannot say that you enjoyed such a visit but I did find the museum to be well organized, educational and very emotions. I thought it was an outstanding visit.

Abigail’s is the best restaurant in the area. Apparently it was named for the daughter who was born just minutes before her twin. I hope they open another place and give the twin a named restaurant as well.

Ravinia is one of the prettier towns within Highland Park. There is a large park area. The shops are so appealing and there is a warm small town atmosphere.

My son, Bob, daughter-in law Amy and I went for lunch. The place was already packed It was obvious that the patrons were regulars at this charming spot.

Bob started with the Soup selection of the day.($5.00) It was a thick Fresh Mushroom Soup with a touch of crème fraiche. Apparently it was outstanding.

One can dine lightly here if you wish. The first part of the menu lists Little Things (appetizers) Rock Shrimp are prepared buffalo style with blue cheese dressing and celery.($10.00) English Pea Ravioli is prepared in a tomato parmesan broth with black truffle.($9.00)

I didn’t need to look any further than the salads. My favorite Seared Sushi Tuna Nicoise was calling out to me.($14.00) The piece of tuna was enormous and perfectly prepared. The greens were flavored perfectly with a mustard tarragon dressing. Little potatoes were nestled in the greens. The capers were gigantic and delicious. Olives and small cherry tomatoes completed this perfect choice.

I am prepared to drive for 8 hours to go back for another portion of that amazing salad. Amy also enjoyed the same salad.

I witnessed several hearty diners enjoying sandwiches from the menu. Beef and Brie Melt is served on a grilled baguette. The sirloin is shaved and served with caramelized onions and a horseradish-mustard sauce. ($10.00)

Bob enjoyed a Walleye Pike for his main course. It was served with fingerling potatoes, asparagus, cremini mushrooms, tomatoes and herb butter.($15.00)

The Burger is covered with Wisconsin sharp cheddar and red onion marmalade and comes with frites.($11.00) I don’t know how anyone could consume so much food but many of the patrons did. Others took the rest home to enjoy a second meal of the same gourmet food.

I loved every bite of food. I enjoyed the place. I love my family. This was a special day.

If you go to Chicago I highly recommend that you travel to the north shore and visit some of the outstanding spots in the area. Make Abigail’s your spot for fine dining.

Bar Mercurio

For over 35 years Bar Mercurio has been the’ king of the block.’ It is a family run establishment that has very high standards. The little patio outside beckons on a sunny day. It feels is as if you are in an authentic small café in Italy. The morning coffee drinkers can be seen outside (and inside) reading a paper and sipping their café. At lunch and dinner the place is always filled. And no wonder. As soon as you enter you can hear the soft sounds of the jazz that continually plays. The giant vases with beautiful flowers always decks the bar area.

I love it when Nona (grandmother) is at the restaurant. She still makes the wonderful ‘melt in your mouth’ Gnocchi. They melt in your mouth and the gorgonzola sauce is a delight to the palate. Her tomato sauce served with pasta is her secret recipe. On Sundays her fabulous home made doughnuts are found at the sister restaurant across the road L’Espresso. Siblings Theresa and Joe keep the place moving. I love watching Theresa at work. I am sure she has eyes on the back of her head. She seems to know everything that is going on but is never flustered.

My dear friend Bea had a special birthday. I invited her and friend Anne for a lunch at Bar Mercurio. Champagne and tidbits on my balcony and then a short walk to this wonderful restaurant. I love the table in the window because it offers privacy from the other tables. It gave us a chance to dine in style in a quiet atmosphere.

Bea opted for the Beet Salad. Orange and red beets were nicely nestled on fresh assorted greens. The goat cheese and seeds made for a flavorful dish. I enjoyed the same choice.

Anne took my suggestion and enjoyed the Fettucine Funghi. I had that dish only a few weeks before and it reminded me of being in Montepulciano Italy. The flavor was wonderful. The pasta was al dente.

Three Omelet dishes are on the menu. I almost chose the Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese.

The Pizzas are always special. That was always my grandson’s favorite when we came here weekly. He was a student at UTS across the road and every Wed. we had a visit and a grand lunch at Bar Mercurio.

The Lemon Tart Brulee was superb. Tart lemon in a shortcake crust with a caramelized topping. Wow! A sugar cookie was placed in a scoop of whipping cream and a few pieces of fruit graced the plate. What a way to end a fine lunch!

The prices are reasonable and the food is always tasty and beautifully presented.