The Five-Year Engagement

Starring: Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris Pratt, Jacki Weaver
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Running Time: 2 hours, 4 minutes
Rating: R

Emily Blunt is a lucky woman. She’s a respectable, Oscar-nominated actress, married to John Krasinski, and most recently shares the screen (and many a smooch) with Jason Segel in their new film, “The Five-Year Engagement.” I was expecting the next “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days,” or perhaps the best rom-com of the 2010s, but instead got an honest portrayal of a couple torn between their own dreams, and their love for each other. Though cute and romantic in parts, it mostly asked the question, ‘how much are you willing to give up for love?’

It’s obvious from the start that Violet and Tom are soulmates. After falling in love at first sight at a New Year’s Eve party, they take that eventual next step and become engaged. The wedding planning comes to a halt when Violet is offered her dream job at the University of Michigan, and Tom chooses to quit his job as a sous chef at a prestigious San Francisco restaurant to be with her. He’s forced to start at the bottom, in this case, a sandwich shop (albeit a local fave) while Violet climbs the ranks at the University. The audience believes that their love is strong enough to withstand whatever life throws their way, but one year turns into two, and two years eventually turn into five, and things look grim for their relationship.

Though the film searched too hard for laughs in places, stand out supporting actors include Chris Pratt of “Parks & Recreation” fame (which apparently I need to start watching) and Jacki Weaver, who is always great (and type-cast) as kind of a creepy, over-bearing mother (see “Animal Kingdom” if you haven’t yet.) Chris Pratt plays Alex, Tom’s fellow sous chef – turned Executive Chef after Tom’s departure from San Francisco. This clown should not be allowed to run a kitchen, but perhaps it’s because his rendezvous with Violet’s sister at their engagement party turns his life upside down.

Tom’s unwillingness to admit his unhappiness is both noble and annoying. I t’s so obvious he misses his career and what he’s worked for his whole life, yet how could he ask Violet to give up her dream job? It really makes you wonder what you’d do in a similar situation; a dream job and a love that strong rarely come around. Violet even stands by Tom’s side when he becomes an avid hunter – avid being an understatement. Her guilt is obvious, too, but she’s unwilling to compromise her future.

Emily Blunt and Jason Segel have great on-screen chemistry – and they should, being that this is their third movie together. Emily is wonderful, and once again Jason melted my heart. (And fans of him in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" - ahem, you know the scene - get a similar view, but not X-rated this time.) Though the film was too long, it was heartfelt and it gave me hope for a love like theirs.

**Readers – I’m going out of the country for a bit, but don’t fret, I’m planning to bring back many reviews from Germany and Spain to share with you! Auf Wiedersehen / Adios!

Cimarron

Clemmons is to Winston-Salem, as Huntersville is to Charlotte. They’ve both gotten much more heavily-populated in recent years, have their fair share of good restaurants, and they’re not as far “out there” as people seem to think. When I read about Forsyth County restaurants participating in “Grapes and Small Plates,” I decided now was the time to try Cimarron, a restaurant I’d heard of for years, on the Winston-Salem and Clemmons border. “Grapes and Small Plates” features a wine paired with small dishes, so you can sample various items on the menu for little cost. This event took place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in April, and to my knowledge, this is its first year. Though Cimarron is pretty isolated and unassuming, it’s well worth the trip for delicious steak and playful dishes.

The atmosphere is relaxed, and regulars fill the bar area. Everything from filets to burgers fill the menu – there’s something for everyone. I strayed a bit from the “Grapes” portion of the event, because a Riesling was featured. As you avid readers know by now, I am not a white wine fan. Instead, I opted for a Michael David Petite Petit. Dinner rolls were served with both whipped butter AND a deliciously salty herbed oil.  

Cimarron’s small plate entrée option was seafood themed: Shrimp and Grits, Lobster Macaroni & Cheese and Horseradish Encrusted Salmon were presented in perfect little individual-sized portions.

Clockwise from the "cauldron": Mac & Cheese, Shrimp & Grits, Salmon.

A fried grit cake was topped with baby shrimp, mushrooms and a spicy gravy which produced a smoky bacon flavor. I was most excited to try the Lobster Mac & Cheese – two of my favorite foods should have made for a killer combination. Unfortunately, it was essentially mac & cheese with lobster flavor; I didn’t find one bite of lobster meat. The crunchy topping was fine, but I felt played. I was so looking forward to some lobs. Not being a huge salmon person, I was hesitant about this dish. Thankfully, I didn’t get the usual, potent fishy flavor, but I was left searching for the kick from the horseradish. Instead, I picked up on a salty flavor, almost parmesan cheese-like, and the fish was topped with caramelized onions and served over mashed potatoes. It was my favorite of the three plates, though I was expecting the opposite.

On the regular menu, the steaks are absolutely the way to go. A 6-ounce bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon comes with a starter salad, choice of potato and vegetable of the day. For $18, this is a steal. The perfectly cooked medium rare Filet was enhanced from the salty bacon, the Sweet Potato came with a yummy cinnamon butter and Grilled Asparagus was cooked al dente, not limp.

We had fantastic service, with frequent and timely check backs, and the manager came over to ask our feedback about the “Grapes and Small Plates” menu. This is always a nice touch – both professional and courteous. I will most definitely return for another steak, and pleasant company.

Cimarron

Mama Ricotta's

Don’t let Mama Ricotta’s appearance fool you. It’s in a strip mall, unassuming, and looks like a quaint restaurant with the usual Italian fare. For dinner though, it’s hard to find a parking place, and people were waiting outside for tables; obviously they’re doing something right. The dim lighting, bustling atmosphere and innovative menu make for a festive, yet family-friendly environment.

Service can totally make or break a restaurant visit. Our server was on her A-game, describing numerous dinner specials, and taking our order from memory. Garlic yeast rolls were promptly brought to the table alongside a lovely, spicy red-pepper infused olive oil. I’ve never had anything like this, and it was a welcome change from the usual herb or balsamic-laced oil.

I was intrigued by the classics of course, but wanted to order something a little different, as per usual. Wild Mushroom Polenta is a dish I will remember for a long time (and tried unsuccessfully to replicate at home.) Seriously, I dream about this bowl of velvety polenta, which had saltiness from goat cheese, creaminess from mascarpone cheese, and meatiness from wild mushrooms, which were coated in Marsala. This is a great Vegetarian option, and I had to resist licking the bowl. One of the best dishes I’ve enjoyed since moving to Charlotte. (*That being said, it was not ready for its close-up. I've chosen to spare you the photo.)

To counteract the lusciousness of the polenta, the Chopped Salad served as a great palate cleanser. Chopped romaine was topped with some of my favorite salad mix-ins: gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, tomatoes, olives, red onions, chickpeas and pepperoncini. Light balsamic dressing enhanced the veggies, and each bite had a fresh flavor and crunch. You know the restaurant is good when something as simple as a salad hits a home run.

Mama Ricotta’s serves their dishes either individual or family-style, though the individual servings are huge. I can’t wait to go back, and if you haven’t been, you need to go immediately. You’ll probably see me there licking the bowl.

Mama Ricotta's

Drive

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Rated: R

Every girl I know has fallen in love with Ryan Gosling in the last year. I’m no exception. Besides the hilarious tumblr posts that portray him as a sensitive poet, success with “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “The Ides of March” both earned him Golden Globe nominations. Though I’m a little late seeing it, “Drive” shows us another side of Gosling – he can play a badass.

The song playing during the opening credits (“Nightcall” by Kavinsky and Lovefoxxx) sets the bar for a killer soundtrack. In a high stakes opening scene, we’re introduced to a stunt car driver, assisting a robbery. He’s cool under pressure and sports a toothpick in his mouth, though when something goes wrong, I don’t know how he doesn’t swallow it. This awesome intro scene leaves us wanting more, but instead we get a too long (and too slow) exposition.

Gosling’s character is never given a name, but we know he’s a baller behind the wheel, and works as a mechanic for Bryan Cranston. Huge fan of Cranston - loveable on “Malcolm in the Middle,” brilliant on “Breaking Bad,” and shines in this supporting role. He is crippled and vulnerable, and he’s the closest thing to family Gosling has. That is of course, until he meets Irene (Carey Mulligan - love her!) and her little boy. As soon as they’re introduced, Gosling departs his bad boy image and becomes a shy yet flirtatious gentleman as he bonds with this pair. Mulligan is a natural beauty and effortlessly portrays a believable mom. The audience is forced to wonder the true relationship between Gosling and Irene - does she fall for him romantically? Or does she just appreciate having a good father figure/role-model for her son?

The plot seems to go a bit awry for more reason than one when Irene’s husband, Standard, gets out of jail. Though he’s slightly threatened by Gosling’s relationship with his family, Standard asks for his help in getting revenge on some bad dudes. Gosling choosing to help could not have been a worse decision. 

 

Albert Brooks is the heartless antagonist, and the gore starts halfway through the film. It’s not as bad as I was anticipating, though it definitely warrants an “R” rating. Unconventional action scenes feature opera music and slow-motion cuts. This was innovative, but took me out of the scene.

Though the ending leaves some questions, “Drive” takes you on a great ride. It seems Ryan Gosling can do no wrong.

Lantern

I spent four glorious years in Chapel Hill – not nearly long enough. During my time there, my meals consisted of delicious sorority house cooking, and brunches at Elmo’s and Sutton’s Drug Store. Though I’ve always been a foodie, I didn’t exactly have $30 to spend on an entrée at Lantern, but the restaurant’s reputation always intrigued me. Executive Chef Andrea Reusing is the 2011 winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast. The James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the food world. In addition, the restaurant has been featured in numerous publications, including Southern Living and Gourmet Magazine. When an opportunity to dine at Lantern finally presented itself last week, I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

The only reservation time available on a Tuesday was at 5:30pm. When you’re in NYC, dinner isn’t until 9 or 10pm, but down South, I’m totally fine being an early bird. By the time we left, each table was full. Minimalistic décor and Chinese lanterns (how appropo) adorn the quaint restaurant. The back bar is dark, romantic and cozy. There’s even a small stone garden outside, perfect for meditating, or settling into your food coma. In a Wall Street Journal article published last year, Reusing said “Fusion became a stand-in for confusion,” so she makes a point to stay true to Asian flavors, and doesn’t “Americanize” her menu.

 

Our server was very well-versed in dinner specials and prices. I began my Lantern experience with the Cunning Kimono, a crisp and refreshing cocktail consisting of jasmine flower vodka, fresh lemon and honey. It was garnished with a lemon curl, and tasted earthy, in a good way.

 

The Bento Box is essentially “build your own sushi.” The box was delivered to the table with the top on, so it was like opening a present! Great presentation. Sake and tea-cured Arctic Char, house-pickled ginger, red cabbage, miso mayonnaise, sticky rice, fresh wasabi and nori (seaweed) were each in their own section of the box. The pickled ginger tasted like straight vinegar, not the usual sweet and sour flavor I was expecting. The red cabbage and miso mayonnaise were the star ingredients, and it was a fun, hands-on dish.

Crispy Duck Soup was presented in a pot, covered with a lid, so again it felt like Christmas morning to open this gift. I was greeted with a cloud of steam and was pleased with the feast that awaited me. Our server told me I would be extremely satiated after eating this dish…obviously he underestimated my palate. I didn’t find it too satiating at all. Fresh egg noodles and a confit duck leg floated in a clear duck broth, along with oyster and shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and scallions. If the broth had been cream-based, it definitely would have been too rich. Schezwan pepper and chilli oil were presented in little dishes, to use as a condiment for the soup. The Schezwan pepper had a sweet heat that I didn’t care for, while the chilli oil would have been delicious to dip bread in. I used every drop of it. I decided it was too classy an establishment to drink straight from the bowl, but I hated to leave all the broth since that’s where so much of the flavor was.

I had extremely high expectations for Lantern, and for the most part, they were met. It’s been open for 10 years, so it’s not a secret anymore – this place (and Chef Reusing) have quite the reputation now. And we should all be proud to have a James Beard winner so close to home.