XMAS stuff

3 25-word Reviews

The Impossible

McGregor and Watts give extraordinary performances alongside wonderful newcomer Holland. Bayona directs with fierce suspense. The compelling story and visual spectacle are a winning combination. 

4/5 Stars.

This Is 40

Rudd and Mann are not funny or charming enough to keep this repetitive, uninsightful script afloat. Apatow’s focus and story meander to an unfulfilling end. 

2.5/5 Stars.

m. henrietta’s veritable vegan epiphany

Awesomely seasoned scrambled organic tofu with sautéed onions served next to passable veggie sausage and thinly sliced avocado. A completely satisfying and richly flavored dish.

Christmas Catch-Up

So I am working my way towards vegan, guys. It’s going to be a process. I thought I could just decide and do an all plant-based diet overnight, but alas that did not work. I have to do some more research on options, substitutes, and vegan-friendly establishments. I am excited for this venture. I had an amazing vegan peanut butter cookie and m. henrietta which just furthered my resolve to make the transition. The most difficult everyday item to give up will be eggs (or possibly that sneaky milk I don’t realize is in just about everything. But I love having a good cheese every once in a while too so that will be a hard commodity to relinquish.

In other news… we had a WHITE CHRISTMAS in Chicago. Trent and I walked around our neighborhood with our pink wine and champagne concoction. The air was crisp, the dusting fluffy, and the streets practically deserted. It was really nice. For Christmas dinner Trent made a veggie sausage and cream cheese stuffing (inside crescent rolls) and I made two of the Beekman Boys' recipes (maple glazed sweet potatoes and glazed carrots with pine nuts and golden raisins) for our sides. We also had an aromatic mulled wine which was infused with brandy, an orange, honey, cloves, and ginger. Delicious.

I got Ed Sheeran’s album “+” for Christmas and gifted Ellie Goulding’s “Halcyon.” They are two of my favorite musicians from 2012. After I give the albums a few listens, I’ll write some thoughts on them and artists’ contribution to the post-retro British invasion. Also, I’ll post my Chicago Stage Standard review of Trap Door’s The Unveiling and Dozens of Cousins later this week when it’s live on their website.

I am going to attempt to escape the post-Christmas blues with movies (Les Miserables, Django Unchained, Rust and Bone, Anna Karenina, etc), vegan delights, new projects (Pride Films & Plays’ enhanced staged reading of "The Bachelors"), and New Year’s shenanigans planning.

What’re ya’ll up to? 

Vegetarian: Week Three

Vegetarian day #17.

Trent: Do we ever get a cheat day?

Nelson: No. Vegetarians don’t get “cheat days.” It’s not a diet.

Well, day before yesterday, I received my copy of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals. I was instantly reminded of how much I love his writing and just moments later horrified and enlightened by some of his insight, logic, and research. If he was a homosexual, he would be perfect. I will not divulge specifics here because Trent is patiently waiting for his turn with Jon (which he could fill by finishing Catching Fire…just a polite reminder/suggestion/plead/leaning-towards-command.)

We are on our 17^th day of being meat-free and going strong. Yesterday, I ate approximately half of a 10 oz. container of hummus with roasted pine nuts on celery for dinner (and a veggie corndog and innumerable bite-sized pieces of candy). 

But this Sunday, Trent and I brunched at our new favorite restaurant called M. Henry which is situated in Andersonville. This. Place. Is. The. Shit. They have vegetarian options galore. I had a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with eggs, soyrizo, mozzarella, topped with red adobo sauce, and served with Mexicali rice, French (fattier) sour cream, masa tortillas, and sweet plantains.

(< that is the  plate. YUM!) 

Words cannot… they just cast cannot.

Then, I indulged in a half serving of their “out of this world breakfast bread pudding” (pictured right >) which is more like flan topped with warm peaches and blackberries. It was very rich and very very good.  I wish I had taken it to go or just had this as my entree because it was very filling. 

However, I have no regrets and hope we go back soon.

On another note:

Last night, I watched The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and found it absolutely delightful. The ensemble performance is just wonderful (especially Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and the high-energy, high-stakes, full-of-heart Dev Patel.) I thought the script was a little over-long and got a bit tedious towards the end, but it did set-up the conclusion very nicely and benefited from the strong cast and no-fuss direction that allowed them to shine. The film has a lovely message of making the most of your life and learning to roll with the punches. I wonder if it will be able to find any Oscar nominations... Dench has received a Golden Globe nod for her work, Smith is nominated for a SAG award, and the entire ensemble has been recognized by SAG. Yet, will any one of them be able to standout enough  to earn a spot? The film was released in the summer and has been available on dvd since September. What's to become of this little gem? Dench and Smith stand the best chance, but Tom Wilkinson might be able to sneak in or maybe for Best Adapted Screenplay or perhaps the film will be up for the top prize... there are ten slots that can be filled. hmmmmm.
4/5 Stars.