tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869044769185697052024-03-18T15:19:05.041-04:00Cuisine and ScreenAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.comBlogger401125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-76009209022178768112024-03-07T09:04:00.000-05:002024-03-07T09:04:35.332-05:002024 Oscar PredictionsGreetings, dear readers! Did you think I could possibly forget to post my 2024 Oscar predictions? I may not be sharing detailed reviews of everything I've seen this season, but believe me - I am watching. Pop your bubbly, dress in your finest loungewear and get ready for Sunday night - the best night of the year!Best Picture"American Fiction""Anatomy of a Fall""Barbie""The Holdovers""Killers of Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-28203221752468869552023-09-15T10:48:00.000-04:002023-09-15T10:48:30.518-04:00Glasshouse KitchenGlasshouse Kitchen is a trendy new addition to the RTP area. Driving up, it's instantly recognizable - it's hard to miss the big glass structure - and inside, it feels like a greenhouse with stunning ferns and greenery adorning the walls. The bar practically stretches the entire length of the restaurant, which was consistently busy throughout our meal. It's easy to see why - the food and Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-82101767596750709192023-07-31T14:30:00.000-04:002023-07-31T14:30:12.374-04:00Barbie / Cocaine BearIt's been a MINUTE since I've been able to take in a movie in one sitting, let alone two in one week! "Barbie" and "Cocaine Bear" are two highly entertaining, laugh-out-loud, should-not-miss summer films.BarbieStarring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnonDirector: Greta GerwigRunning Time: 1 hour, 54 minutesRating: PG-13This movie will give you all the feelings - you'll Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-6793750485641662982023-05-19T07:29:00.001-04:002023-05-19T07:29:34.546-04:00AirStarring: Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Viola Davis, Ben AffleckDirector: Ben AffleckRunning Time: 1 hour, 51 minutesRating: RI hadn't been anticipating a movie like this in quite a while. Being a Tar Heel and a fan of MJ, I'm always interested in watching anything related to the GOAT. I'm also a big fan of Ben Affleck as a director (Argo, The Town, Gone Baby Gone are all excellent films) so Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-26330041315424561572023-05-13T10:35:00.008-04:002023-05-13T10:38:24.275-04:00M Test KitchenIf you live in the Triangle, you've no doubt heard of the M Restaurants - you've got M Sushi (the best sushi I've ever had), M Pocha (Korean street food), M Kokko (Korean fried chicken + ramen), M Tempura (next on my list), and the latest hot spot: M Test Kitchen. Basically, they cook whatever they feel like and if it's well-received, perhaps you'll see it on one of their other restaurant menus. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-42957409892910752192023-03-10T09:10:00.000-05:002023-03-10T09:10:17.261-05:002023 Oscar PredictionsHello from the other side. It's bananas that it's both mid-March, AND that I have been off the blogger grid for the past 4 months! I've had my hands full, but not without a FEW quiet moments here and there to catch up on some of this season's buzzworthy films. The Oscars are right around the corner (this Sunday!) and I'm taking any excuse to have some bubbly, park myself in front of the TV and Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-25593661918635700742022-10-21T09:38:00.001-04:002022-10-21T09:40:50.651-04:00Margaux's RestaurantWalk into Margaux's Restaurant in Raleigh, and you'll immediately feel at home. Or like you're in a modern art museum. This bustling spot is full of smiling servers who genuinely seem excited that you're there. Funky paintings adorn the walls, and sculptures are scattered throughout. A long bar stretches across the restaurant. An eclectic menu that changes often keeps things exciting. They even Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-11830791980523006262022-10-14T09:37:00.001-04:002022-10-14T09:37:33.118-04:00All the ScreensI've finally caught up on some films I've been wanting to see lately, so I thought I'd do a quick recap for anyone who might be interested in checking these out!Hocus Pocus 2 - If you're a diehard fan of the original (like me and literally every single one of my friends), you've probably seen it already. I don't think they needed to bother making a sequel, but am I glad they did? Sure. It's Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-1739796851761456142022-09-30T09:38:00.000-04:002022-09-30T09:38:03.778-04:00Crawford and SonCrawford and Son in Raleigh has been on my list since I moved here a year ago. It was most recently named "Restaurant of the Year" by Raleigh Magazine, so I decided I couldn't wait much longer to check it out. I have to agree with the masses - this is perhaps the finest establishment in Raleigh. From the food, to the atmosphere, to the service, it's a 10/10. They change their menu Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-26190414839906879662022-09-23T10:20:00.005-04:002022-09-23T10:22:50.058-04:00JolieJolie strives for authentic French cuisine in Raleigh's bustling Person Street neighborhood. Nestled between hot spots like Crawford & Son, (ish) Delicatessen and Two Roosters Ice Cream, it's a really happening scene and you can't go wrong, anywhere you choose to hang. I was excited to celebrate my 35th birthday at Jolie, and for the most part, I was quite pleased. Next time, I'll Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-75321151700596972652022-08-26T10:04:00.001-04:002022-08-26T10:04:24.014-04:00CortezCortez is a trendy, happening spot on the even trendier and more happening Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. Their menu changes frequently, so if you have your heart set on something, I suggest going stat before it gets replaced with another seasonal offering. Being pregnant, I found it difficult to navigate a menu flush with oyster and raw seafood options - I will most definitely return when I Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-32309114806494534782022-08-01T11:23:00.000-04:002022-08-01T11:23:16.250-04:00NopeStarring: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea, Steven YeunDirector: Jordan PeeleRunning Time: 2 hours, 10 minutesRating: RI was very apprehensive about seeing Jordan Peele's latest film, "Nope". After loving 2017's "Get Out" but being too terrified of the trailer to actually watch 2019's "Us", I was really on the fence. I don't like being scared. I do love a good film. I reluctantly Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-22775844798230509212022-07-15T10:19:00.019-04:002022-07-15T10:30:00.604-04:00ElvisStarring: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, Kodi Smit-McPheeDirector: Baz LuhrmannRunning Time: 2 hours, 39 minutesRating: PG-13If you know me, you know I'm a bit of an Elvis fanatic. He was my first crush, my first introduction to "movie musicals" and I still turn up his jams from time to time. I had very high hopes when I heard that one of my favorite directors, Baz Luhrmann, had Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-86979875057178429722022-07-08T09:54:00.000-04:002022-07-08T09:54:01.679-04:00a'Verde Cocina Viewers of the show "Top Chef" might recall a fan favorite contestant from a few seasons ago by the name of Katsuji Tanabe. His previous venture into the restaurant scene in downtown Raleigh was sadly shattered by Covid, but he is back - with a vengence. a'Verde Cocina opened in Cary this spring, and I had been terribly eager to try it out. I have nothing but excellent words to say about Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-75501800478827467162022-04-29T09:41:00.004-04:002022-04-29T09:44:36.624-04:00An actual Cuisine & ScreenIt'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.CuisineI 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 Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-77155506547301120582022-04-22T09:56:00.003-04:002022-04-22T09:56:55.090-04:00MandolinI'd been quite eager to try Mandolin in Raleigh after perusing their Instagram for several weeks. Photos of their famous "Mandolin fries" and a thick slice of Caramel Cake were practically calling out to me. I finally got the opportunity to dine there recently, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere has something for everyone: the large dining room was quite boistrous with many diners; a warm,Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-30878489072449992332022-03-31T14:07:00.001-04:002022-04-01T09:44:53.376-04:00Second EmpireThe Chef’s Table at Second Empire in Raleigh should be on every foodie’s bucket list. My hubby and I recently splurged and did the 4 course tasting menu, while seated in the kitchen. It's definitely dinner and a show, and every morsel we tasted was absolutely sensational. While we don't feel the need to do the in-kitchen dining again (and I certainly do NOT recommend for a first date - it's a Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-90428913885633430362022-03-25T09:16:00.000-04:002022-03-25T09:16:29.312-04:002022 Oscar PredictionsThere's no doubt that this year's Oscar ceremony is going to be weird. I'm not a fan of the decision to present a handful of awards during commercial breaks. Makeup & Hairstyling; Original Score; Production Design; and Live Action Short, among several others, are some of my favorite categories. I never minded buckling in for a long night of drawn out speeches, glitz and glamour. Whether you Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-70293309315298935392022-03-11T09:41:00.006-05:002022-03-11T09:46:12.660-05:00M PochaA few weeks ago, my sweetie and I took a much needed date night to M Pocha, one of the 4 M Restaurants in Durham. I've been to M Kokko (Korean Fried Chicken is their specialty) and I'm dying to try M Sushi and M Tempura. But for an impromptu fun night out, I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to get a table at M Pocha, and the price was right. "Pocha" refers to street food in Korea, Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-84393022598562145312022-03-04T09:58:00.000-05:002022-03-04T09:58:31.191-05:00Rey'sNew Orleans is my favorite city in the world. If you're into food, drink, music, art and culture, aka letting the good times roll, I can't recommend it enough. Unfortunately, it's not just a hop, skip and a jump away, so the next time I'm craving a NoLa vibe, I'll be heading to Rey's in Raleigh. It's a little taste of New Orleans, and an absolute gem. Top-notch service, spectacular food and Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-50010996569190769832022-01-28T09:56:00.000-05:002022-01-28T09:56:52.241-05:00Parkside RestaurantFor a minute there, I had gotten my hopes up about dining out more regularly. Before I decided to pump the brakes on that again (for obvious reasons), I managed to squeeze in a few visits to Parkside Restaurant. From the moment I saw the "Restaurant" sign lit up outside, reminiscent of the cafe on Seinfeld, I knew it would become a frequented spot. Lunch and dinner are excellent, but most Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-59821510715994335642022-01-14T09:53:00.000-05:002022-01-14T09:53:28.826-05:00Being the RicardosStarring: Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, JK Simmons, Tony HaleDirector: Aaron SorkinRunning Time: 2 hours, 11 minutesRating: RFans of "I Love Lucy", like myself, will no doubt love the premise of Aaron Sorkin's latest triumph. We love any chance to be reminded of the wacky, over the top, physical comedic genius that is Lucille Ball. I still watch those black and white clips and laugh out loud at Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-753535801863410932022-01-07T09:40:00.001-05:002022-01-07T09:40:33.694-05:00Tick, Tick...Boom!Starring: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens, Robin de JesusDirector: Lin-Manuel MirandaRunning Time: PG-13Rating: 1 hour, 55 minutesFinally. A movie musical I can get behind. I'm obviously seeing all the musicals that are adapted for the big screen, but they often disappoint. Not "Tick, Tick...Boom!" however. Maybe I'm biased because "Rent" altered me when I was 15 years old. Or Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-10665442658893488652021-12-17T12:06:00.000-05:002021-12-17T12:06:49.832-05:00Don't Look UpStarring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Tyler Perry, Cate Blanchett, literally everyone else in HollywoodDirector: Adam McKayRunning Time: 2 hours, 25 minutesRating: RThis film is a metaphor staring you straight in the face. Rather, it's slapping you in the face over and over and over. I can certainly see why it's not a darling of the critics, but I absolutely loved it. I'm Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386904476918569705.post-65297306052403677112021-12-10T11:29:00.001-05:002021-12-10T11:29:55.820-05:00StanburyTake what you think you know about fine dining and turn it on its head. Stanbury in Raleigh is every bit a fine dining experience, except you feel like you're in your neighbor's garage or back deck, complete with taxidermy on the walls and casual Christmas lights strung across the front of the bar. This place is kind of quirky. Plates don't match, but they come out fast and are quite satisfying. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13730062999931170622noreply@blogger.com0