Hope Springs

Hope Springs

I have been breathlessly waiting for this newest Meryl Streep film. She does not disappoint. Streep plays the role of Kay, an unhappily married woman for over 30 years. Life is a routine. She makes the bacon and eggs in the morning. Her husband, Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones)    dutifully kisses her goodbye on the way to work and that is the extent of their intimacy. They do not have meaningful conversations. He sleeps in the spare room. When she did try to suggest sex by coming into his bedroom in a negligee he ‘sends her packing’. They don’t even exchange gifts on their anniversary.

Good for Kay. She spends her own money to book a ‘working holiday’ in Maine at a clinic to improve her marriage. It was touch and go if Arnold would even attend. He grudgingly goes along and is obviously humiliated and embarrassed at having to talk about the dysfunctional relationship. At first they sit on opposite ends of the couch. He looks grumpy and she has pursed lips. At one point she runs out of the room and goes to a bar. It is sad and funny at the same time. It is a Hollywood film so nobody will be surprised that the sessions help to make for a more meaningful satisfying relationship. The sex counselor is aptly played by Steve Carrel.

Dare I state that more women will relate to this film than men. This is a different type of role for Tommy Lee Jones. He is so believable as the insensitive, unknowing and unfeeling husband. Meryl Streep plays the part to perfection. She tries so hard and gets nothing back in return. It is a story told by many. After 30 years of marriage it is easy to get into bad habits and forget the ‘niceties’ of a bonding relationship.

The sessions with the sex counselor were humorous and touching. The re-incarnation of Arnold was delightful and very satisfying. It probably is a little over the top to believe he could do a 360 degree change but the audience loved it. The title has a double meaning. The name of the town in Maine was Hope Springs. The central theme of the film is for hope in restoring the relationship of Kay and Arnold.

Searching For Sugar Man

Searching For Sugar Man

This film has returned to a mainstream cinema house by popular request. It formerly played at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. It showed at impossible times and I was unable to get there. I only knew the film was about a folk singer and nothing more.

The film was delightful and I loved learning more about the life of Rodriguez. He still lives in his run down house in Detroit. He is a calm man who seems to take life as it comes. He was a 70’s singer of   anti establishment songs and never made a hit in the United States. He wasn’t seen or heard of for over 30 years.

By some strange route one of his songs was smuggled into South Africa. You need to listen to the words. There is always deep meaning. He became a folk hero in South Africa.

Journalists and musicologists are interviewed and talk about his work. He was called a prophet and a wise man way beyond a musician. His sad songs just didn’t move in the US.

His singing is delightful and I found the music wonderful. His story is even more amazing.

A very determined musicologist in South Africa wanted to find out about the life of Rodriguez. He was presumed dead. He was virtually a hero in South Africa. His words became ammunition in the fight against apartheid. A sleuth in South AFrica started research on Rodriguez. Where were the funds going from his sold records in South AFrica? What a great surprise to discover the man was alive and working at odd jobs in Detroit.

The interviews with his daughters were informative and delightful. He gets invited to South Africa to sing at a concert. The crowds treated him like a great hero. He tells the crowd,” Thanks for keeping me alive.” He has since gone back for several  sold out concerts.

The film was delightful from beginning to end. I loved learning more about this wonderful man who was so unknown in the United States but was so revered in South Africa, a country he had never previously visited.

Dig

Dig
I am not a fan of rock and roll. On the other hand I love to learn something new. The Bloor Hot Docs offers the most wonderful opportunity to learn about a variety of topics. The Toronto International Film Festival begins this week. I don’t review films that have not opened. I take notes and will write them up if and when they open. This was my last chance to see a film before the festival. I love to support this amazing documentary house. That is why I headed to see a film about a topic that was quite foreign to me.

I had never heard of The Dandy Warhols or the Brian Jonestown Massacre. Both are famous rock groups. The Dandy Warhols have gone on to become famous. The other group still plays but has never made a lot of money.

What a life! We meet many of the members of the bands. We certainly get to hear a lot of the raucous music. Anton, the leader of the Brian Jonestown Massacre was a character. It probably is safe to say he also had mental problems. He couldn’t get along with people. He saw himself as a messiah of rock and roll. There often was mayhem on the stage. He threw instruments and sometimes stormed off the stage. He didn’t listen to anybodies suggestions. His language was offensive all the time. Anton actually felt that nobody could play music like him.

One of his alums was called. Thank Goodness for Mental illness.  

I was interested in the interview with his mother and father. His father was an alcoholic with psychological problems.

It was interesting that Anton’s group was a big success in Europe and Japan.

The players all took drugs. They lived in dirty messy places. Some of the scenes felt as if I was watching psychedelic music. I can imagine that someone could actually have a migraine triggered by the wavy photo shots and the raucous music. Anton was called a ’brilliant monster.’

The path of the two groups overlaps. It was pointed out that many of the people that worked with Anton went on to success but he has remained in the same place.

It certainly was a different experience. How interesting!

The Boulevard Cafe

The  Boulevard Cafe                  161 Harbord St                           416 961 7676

I am a happy camper this week. The Film Festival is well under way and I have been enjoying many international films. It is a chance to travel the world and learn so much while seated in a seat at the theatre. The movies have been extraordinary.

Following a bizarre German film I met with my son and daughter-in-law for a Peruvian dining experience. Our family views the Boulevard Café as a second home. We love the savory taste of the Peruvian flavors. The food is always fresh and delicious. I actually don’t even have to look at the menu anymore. I know it by heart. Each day the specials are listed on the blackboard. There are always some unusual Peruvian flavored dishes. The food is exceptional.

It is a small restaurant. In the winter the interior is cozy and charming. During the warmer months the large outdoor patio is well used. The large awning protects against rain and extreme heat. It may be mid September but we dined on the patio and so did everyone else.

The crusty bread is exceptional. It is hard to stop indulging in it. A carafe of Sangria was so enjoyable.

My son opted for 2 of the daily specials. The Soup of the Day was a creamy rich Avocado Soup.($8.00) It was filling and ever so tasty. He finished dining with a Calamares al Olivo.($13.95) this was supposed to be an appetizer portion but was extremely generous and perfectly prepared.

The Anticuchos are perfectly flavored brochettes. It is possible to order shrimp, beef or chicken. They are absolutely amazing. My daughter-in-law opted for the Chicken Anticuchos. They are marinated and grilled on a brochette. Potatoes or rice are offered. The potatoes were fried but were well worth every calorie. Large potato pieces were crispy on the outside and tender inside. A lovely green salad is also part of this reasonable dish. The chicken was moist and full of flavor from the marinating and the grill.($23.00) I usually order the Shrimp Anticuchos. You have a choice of 6 or 8. I couldn’t possible eat more than 6. They have that wonderful taste of the grill. Each shrimp was plump, flavorful and totally enjoyed. A small dish of sauce is presented with the Anticuchos. A song could be written about this sauce. It is composed of goat cheese, olive oil, garlic and parsley. There are probably other goodies as well. The flavor bursts on your tongue.dip each shrimp (or chicken piece) in the sauce. I also put it on my salad. Dare I say we went through three dishes of this sauce? It is remarkable.

At lunch time I usually order the Creole Salad or the Peruvian Salad. Both come with a Tarragon dressing that is so delicious you want to run your finger around the bowl.

The portions are generous in size and the bowl is  filled with delicious fresh ingredients. The Grilled Daily Fish (market price) is always very special .On this occasion I noticed that three different types of fish were offered. Marlin was a tempting choice.

Try and save room for the Key Lime Pie. It was tart, creamy and melted on the tongue .It is the best in town. I salivate when I even think about it.

This is a favorite neighborhood restaurant. They do splendid brunches on the weekend. A small private room is available upstairs. I think I must have been one of the first customers when this place first opened up many years ago. I won’t say how long it is because it will certainly age me. I have continued to come back because the quality has remained. Each time I visit I extol the flavors and the fine preparation from this teeny tiny kitchen. Our family calls it a second home. I think the food here is better than my home.

Cardinal Rule

Cardinal Rule                               5 Roncesvalles Ave.                                  647 352 0202

I had dined here once before and was looking forward to a return visit. A dear friend of mine is in St Joseph’s Hospital. I like to visit with her. I was also concerned about her brother and son who have been providing extended loving care. They needed a treat. I suggested a brunch at Cardinal Rule. It is only a few blocks from the hospital.

Marta is the creative chef. Her menu provides many tasty options. The portions are very generous and each plate is nicely presented. Best of all the food is delicious. Kate is a co-owner with Marta. The two provide such a friendly atmosphere in the restaurant. It has been under their operation for less than a year. They claim the former establishment was a ‘Parkdale dive’. The place is dark. It has a diner feeling. The warmth of the staff and the great food make this a total positive experience. This is going to continue to be a successful venture.

All three of us raved about our food. My friend’s brother stated that his French Toast was the best he has ever eaten.($8.00) It was topped with peaches and brie cheese.($2.00)

My other guest opted for the Salmon Eggs Benedict.($13.00) Poached salmon was placed on the English muffin. The poached eggs were placed over the fish.  A very light and flavorful Hollandaise Sauce topped this exquisite dish. Two potato latkes also were included. I love their latkes. They have spinach inside the potatoes and it is all very crispy. What a tasty dish!

I enjoyed my Huevos Cardinales Quesadilla.($10.00) It was an enormous portion. I was happy to send some home with my guests. The fresh tortilla was stuffed with scrambled eggs, beans and cheese. What a combination. A scoop of guacamole on top made this a great brunch feast. It was healthy, flavorful and so filling.

The Wallop Burger was featured in Now Magazine. Just imagine a concoction of a beef patty, potato latke, bacon and cheddar cheese topped with a fried egg.($13.00)

The Breakfast Pie is a favorite. Potato latkes and eggs are layered and baked in a bacon crust and served with a side of greens.($9.00)

The food is imaginative and well prepared. It is a treat to read the suggestions on the lunch and dinner menu. I guess I will have to return and try some more of this gourmet food.

Banjara

Banjara

Once a year I meet with a couple with whom I worked. It is such fun to catch up on our lives and to
relive past experiences. They both love Indian food. I suggested Banjara because I think it is the best
Indian food anywhere (including India.) The restaurant itself is situated back from the street allowing
many cars to park in front. Banjara features food from Northern India. The attached restaurant MarsalaMasala features Southern Indian food. Both are outstanding.
I always marvel at the efficient pleasant service. This place is always busy but I manage to get a table
promptly. The food arrives hot and tasty in no time. It is a reasonable way to have a fine feast and to
share a variety of dishes. We started with the Veggie Pakora.($3.95) There were supposed to be 4. For
some reason a basket with miniature pakoras were delivered to our table. We ate them all with relish.
They are always so flavorful. Veggie Samosas also make for a wonderful appetizer.($3.50) Onion
Bhajia are crispy onion rings prepared with a chick pea batter.($3.95) What a treat.
Indian food is healthy and always flavorful. The mélange of spices is incredible. It is so much work to prepare this exotic food and that is why I go out for Indian food rather than attempting to prepare it at home.
Vegetarians can feast like royalty because there is so much choice. I always have my favorite dish of
Palak Paneer. The creamy spinach and cubes of homemade cheese are flavorful as well as being
healthy. We also enjoyed the Baingan Bharta.($9.99) Whole eggplant is baked in the Tandoor, mashed and sautéed with tomatoes, onions, cream and fresh herbs. We also had the choice of ordering the Aloo Baingan.($9.50) In this preparation, potatoes and eggplant are slowly cooked with aromatic spices.

There are so many varieties of rice to enhance the dishes. We opted for Plain Rice ($3.25) because
we wanted to fully enjoy the aromatic spices in the cooking. This is the second time I have enjoyed
the sizzling hot Tandoori Prawn. Jumbo prawns are marinated in spices, lemon juice and cooked in
the Tandoor.($15.95) On my next visit I intend to order the Tandoor Fish.($12.99) Boneless salmon is
marinated and cooked in the Tandoor.

Most Indian food lovers claim Butter Chicken as their favorite.($11.95) The chicken is simmered in
tomato, onion and cream gravy. So many chicken and meat delights are offered.

I usually settle for the Naan, the traditional Indian bread baked in the Tandoor. ($2.49) It is The music is great. It is a last look at Whitney Houston
great for dipping into the sauces. On this occasion we all enjoyed the famous Garlic Naan($3.95)
Superb!
It is fun to share the dishes. The only problem is trying to make a selection. I love the little doorbell
by the table. Ring it when you are ready and someone comes immediately to take your order. This is
healthy, flavorful food. That is why I keep coming back.

796 Bloor St West

416 963 9360

Hotel Ocho

Hotel Ocho

I first experienced this new hotel at a birthday party. I was so impressed with this old building that has been remodeled in incredible taste. The hotel was a former industrial site. It is on the corner of Phoebe and Spadina, one block north of Queen. The inside is completely gutted and refitted. Wooden beams remain. Large new windows have been replaced. Apparently the 12 guest rooms of the hotel are also well designed. Modern industrial furnishings and artwork make this a notable place to visit. The desk for the hotel is a simple wooden table at the back of the restaurant. I loved it. I could see residents of the hotel coming and going as we dined.
The second floor is quite open and was the location for the birthday party. It was an incredible space.
The restaurant is casual in design but in such good taste. The menu is impressive. I was intrigued by the $35.00 3 course Prix-fixe. The Grilled Garlic Shrimp caught my eye as an appetizer. Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Soup as well as a Spring Mix Salad are offered as a first course. Pan-seared Salmon Fillet would have made for a delicious second course. Chicken Supreme and Linguini in Garlic Chili Oil were tempting choices. There was no question about dessert. The Chocolate Brownie would have won out over the Orange Cheesecake. My friend and I had just been to a wonderful film. We were craving a fine glass of wine and some gourmet food while we continued our discussion of the film. When we looked at the regular menu we noticed Baked Tuna.($22.00) We both quickly decided on this favorite food. At this point the evening became a comedy of errors. Our sweet young server was new on the job. We ordered our wine but it didn’t taste quite right. She did quickly exchange the wine for us.

We started with a Spring Salad.($5.00) Fresh mixed greens were lightly flavored with a lovely tasting
vinaigrette. We did need to ask for salt and pepper. It was a generous portion and we could have shared it. Our main course arrived before we had barely started the salad. For some reason our newly hired server thought we were going to share the main course. I can’t imagine what made her think that. The main course was returned to the table but I have a feeling it was the same dish that had arrived too early. We did in fact share that main course as she scuffled off to the kitchen to order another main course .The tuna was flavorful and nicely prepared. A small mound of rice was on the plate. The stir fried vegetables suffered from an overdose of jalapeno peppers. I can eat hot food but this was beyond comfortable.
The second platter arrived and we noticed two pieces of tuna on the plate. It was getting very bizarre
but we did see the humor in it all. The flavor was wonderful. We shared an Apricot Biscotti that needed a few more minutes of baking. We were appreciative of the
wrapped dark chocolate piece that accompanied the Espresso. Our young server was not familiar with the menu. I think this had to be her first serving experience. For
that reason we chose to enjoy the experience and not complain. My dining companion loves a good
adventure and this was a new experience.
We loved the location. The tuna was excellent. I would return again for lunch to see if the problems
have been ‘ironed out.’

195 Spadina Ave

416 593 0885