An actual Cuisine & Screen

It's been quite a while since I did a post featuring both Cuisine AND Screen. For those of you who have been waiting for this - you know who you are - this post is for you.

Cuisine
I have found my absolute new favorite restaurant in the Triangle. I know, I know, I say that a lot. But this time, I really mean it. In fact, this has set the bar so high that I don't know if I'll be able to find a restaurant to top it. Ko-an in Cary is mind-blowing. The Asian inspired menu is playful, plates are works of art and flavor combinations stimulate the palate. Start with sipping the Thai Cooler, which features notes of Strawberry, Cirtus, Habanero and Cilantro - outstanding.

Big Buns fan here, and Ko-an's Steamed Buns feature a rich, sweet Yuzu Lobster Salad - no mayo here folks! Just hearty chunks of lobster tossed in a yummy citrusy sauce, topped with a not-too-spicy Sambal Aioli, Scallions and Sesame seeds. The buns were soft and plump but buttery and cripsy, like a warm lobster roll would be. Only two come in an order, so either order double or REALLY like who you're sharing these with.

I lost my mind for the Thai Red Curry, which features a plump, crab-heavy Crab Cake atop Steamed Sticky Rice, with Carrots, Green Beans and Mango. The curry definitely had a kick, which was mellowed out by the creaminess of the coconut. There was so much crab in this crab cake, I almost couldn't believe it. I loved the sweetness of the carrots and the acid from the mango, too. I cleaned my bowl and asked the server if everyone does that, because the dish is so good. He chuckled and said "no". But I wasn't about to let any of it go to waste!

My husband ordered the Indonesian Duck, which he absolutely loved. A Fried Duck Leg rests on a bed of Steamed Rice, with a Yellow Coconut Curry Sauce, Green Sambal and Cucumber. I preferred my sauce to his, but he couldn't get enough of the moist meat and rich flavors. I thought it was particularly pretty how they "frenched" the leg (exposing the bone underneath the meat).

We were far too full for dessert, but they looked almost too pretty to eat. I cannot wait to return - this is unmissible folks. Run, do not walk.

Screen
Whether you're a fan of Nicolas Cage or not, and by "fan" I mean you've seen several of his cult classic movies and regard him as a decent, not great actor, "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" will undoubtedly bring you some laughs. From the moment I saw the trailer, I figured this would be a very self-aware film, as Cage plays an exaggerated(?) version of himself. The film's Cage is a narcissistic, burnt out actor, looking for a comeback role (though he never went anywhere), to save him from financial ruin.

Enter Pedro Pascal, who plays Javi, a fan who has written a screenplay for Cage, and flies him out to his compound in Spain. The two have incredible chemistry. Throw in Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz for a few laughs - though not too many, Cage gets all the laughs here - and a chance run-in with the Cartel, and you've got a successful movie. 

Honestly, I figured this film would be good, not great, but I laughed out loud multiple times and it takes a really funny moment to make me do that. I was in good company - the audience at the theater was howling. Keep your expectations low and go in with an open mind. You'll leave pleasantly surprised.