Mozelle's

It's recently come to my attention that I hadn't done an official review of one of my favorite restaurants in Winston-Salem. Mozelle's is one of the best places to get lunch with your gals, brunch with your folks, and dinner with a sweetheart before a show downtown. I've never had a bad meal here. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is cozy and the seasonally-inspired menu is on point. Owner Jennifer Smith couldn't be a more charming Southern belle, and she has an extraordinary thing going.

Tomato Pie. My happy place.

Mozelle's is known for their Tomato Pie. You're making a huge mistake if you don't order this your first time dining there. However, you'll probably never get anything else, so it's best if you go with someone so you can at least sample something else from their awesome menu. The Tomato Pie reminds you of an over-the-top pizza. The buttery crust is filled with a Pimento Cheese-type sharp Cheddar and it pops with tomatoes. The creamed succotash that comes alongside it in the summer is sinful (opt for the Brussels and Fennel if you're feeling health-conscious.)

Isn't this Meatloaf just mouth-watering?!

I tend to alternate between the Tomato Pie and my other favorite: the Gourmet Meatloaf. It will absolutely knock you backwards. The meatloaf is a highly explosive flavor bomb, loaded with a combination of the big 3: Pork, Veal and Beef. The dish is enough for two people, but you won't want to share. Two 3-ounce (approximately) meatloaf slices are wrapped with Bacon and topped with a tangy Tomato Marmalade (you don't need ketchup here, folks!) and melted Havarti Cheese rests on top, to add to the decadence. Spicy Collards are a nice tangy bite to cut the richness, while Cheese Grits are another note of glorious richness.

Freekah is a grain not unlike Barley or Quinoa, and when paired with Marcona Almonds, Mixed Greens, Haricot Verts, Broccoli, Feta and a Red Wine Vinaigrette, it's quite satisfying. I love clean food like this, and Mozelle's rotates their fresh salad options. Meat isn't necessary but if you ask me, grilled shrimp makes anything better.

I freek for the Freekah.

Brunch offers unique twists on classic dishes. They do a fantastic Quiche. Take the same buttery crust from the Tomato Pie and fill it with Ham, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Cheese (the best cheese on the planet). You can't go wrong. Mozelle's also has the best sauteed Kale in town. It's vinegary, it's garlicky - it's heaven. Add a little Sherry and you get a slightly sweet base for Poached Eggs and Butternut Squash. Not your average brunch.

If you fill out a postcard up on paying, you'll get a free dessert coupon in the mail for your birthday and anniversary (put a friend's anniversary if you're single like me.) The Coconut Cream Pie is a solid choice - and it's huge. It's packed with creamy coconut flavor and a shortbread pie crust. You also must try the Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding with a lip-smackingly good Caramel sauce. I was very close to licking the plate to get every last drop. It's in a cute cupcake shape and it's studded with Pecans and Golden Raisins. This comes very close to my favorite Bread Pudding in the world (Restaurant R'evolution in New Orleans). I can't say it enough: Mozelle's is a favorite. It's safe to say I'm dangerously obsessed.

Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding!

Rhubarb

If you're like me and peruse copies of Southern Living, Bon Appetit, Garden & Gun magazines and the like, no doubt you've heard of Rhubarb, the hottest new restaurant in Asheville (though they get one every week it seems). Chef John Fleer has been praised for this new downtown staple, and during a recent trip West, I decided I couldn't leave town without stopping by. The open kitchen and well-lit restaurant is inviting, not stuffy at all. Conversations are lively as people are clearly enjoying themselves, and as expected, every morsel I consumed was exquisite.

Lobster Corn Dogs!

I ordered an Ilkley Siberia Rhubarb Saison. When in Rome. I can't think of a better appetite whetter than the Lobster Corn Dogs with Comeback Sauce. This spicy rendition of the classic sauce lives up to its name. It's creamy, tomatoey and dangerous, especially when you dunk hush puppy-shaped Lobster balls in it. They are fried, producing a crunchy and slightly sweet exterior, like Corn Dog batter. It doesn't get much better than this. 

Scallop Perfection.

I was lucky to negotiate a trade with one of my dining partners - a Lobster Corn Dog for a Meyer Lemon-Crusted Scallop. I'm a SS1 (John Batchelor may be the only one to get this reference). The Scallops are plump and delicate, perfectly cooked. Peas and Butter Beans add a nice pop and color, Country Ham adds a necessary saltiness to cut through the creamy Buttermilk sauce, and Dill adds a fresh earthiness. This is my kind of food.

I always love when a vegetarian dish makes me forget that it lacks meat. The Goat Cheese Gnudi is exceptional. It would make me get gnude. Five tender dumplings are bursting with flavor and literally oozing with cheese, but it's not runny, it's creamy. (There's a difference.) Oyster Mushrooms and Braised Cabbage guest star, and I believe I was subbed Butter Beans for what were supposed to be Pumpkin Seeds, but I preferred the beans! Cheers! I cleaned my plate. I could rave about these dumplings all day. Outstanding. 

I'd get gnude for this gnudi.

The Malted Mudslide is a lovely sweet note to end on. Chocolate Cookies with White Chocolate Chips are soft and have a brownie texture. I love a soft cookie. A scoop of soft Vanilla Malt Ice Cream sits atop and is so much sexier than plain ole vanilla. Cocoa Nib Brittle is a slightly nutty crunch, and I could drink a gallon of the Sierra Nevada Stout Caramel. This dessert has everything. Except a photo. Apologies.

Mimosa Fried Chicken Biscuit!

I have to throw an honorable mention breakfast bone to Asheville's Biscuit Head. This place is unbelievable. I would love to try and eat through their entire menu. They have gravy flights (!) and several jams and sauces for you to sample. The Mimosa-Fried Chicken Biscuit is a Sunday buffet in itself. The Biscuit stands alone though - fluffy, buttery, the best I've had in a Southern restaurant in a while. The Mimosa-Fried Chicken tasted slightly sweet, but all the toppings made it difficult to detect a sweet or citrus flavor. Toppings included Sweet Potato Butter, Sriracha Saw and a Poached Egg on top. This was also before I added a little Sriracha Honey, Rhubarb-Strawberry Jam and Coconut Vanilla spread. I tell you, this place is a condiment lovers' dream (me and mine).

Incredibly long story short, I look forward to eating and drinking more of what A'town has to offer. I have a crush on this city and its culture.

The Longest Ride

Starring: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Jack Huston, Alan Alda
Director: George Tillman, Jr.
Running Time: 2 hours, 19 minutes
Rating: PG-13

I'm not ashamed to admit that I was heavily influenced by Nicholas Sparks' love stories of the late 1990s. I think I can speak for nearly every 12 year old girl that read The Notebook, A Walk To Remember, Nights in Rodanthe and the like, and discovered something genuine and true about love (as well as a few sensual pages that I couldn't help but re-read and wonder what it was like to be a grown-up.) "The Longest Ride" is the latest of several film adaptations of a Sparks book, and it rises highly above adaptations in recent years. Is it corny to say that it made me boo hoo? Is it pitiful to admit that it makes me believe in love again? Is it vulgar for me to admit the things I'd like to do to Scott Eastwood (spoiler alert: A LOT)? Though I only spotted myself for a millisecond (my dad and I got to be extras during the rodeo scene filmed at Lawrence Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem!) I caught myself smiling throughout the entire film, even when tears were streaming down my face.

Can I get an "Amen"?
Photo Courtesy Daily Mail

Oh. I just. Have me.
Photo Courtesy E! Online

First off, if you're thinking I'm writing about the film "The Longest Yard," either the Sandler or Reynolds version, you should probably stop reading further. (That's a hilarious cinema joke, by the way.) Professional bull rider Luke Collins meets Wake Forest University student/NYC internship-bound Sophia Danko. They're both gorgeous. Sparks fly. Romance ensues. A tragedy leads them to Ira Levinson (the fabulous Alan Alda...or is it Arkin? I can't keep them straight). This is where we get a little "Notebook-y." But we're hooked, and going wherever this story takes us.

In flashbacks, we learn how young Ira (the dashing Jack Huston) meets Ruth, the love of his life. Their relationship is tainted when he goes off to war and returns unable to give her the family she has always wanted. Ira and Ruth's story is as engaging and tear-jerking as present day Luke and Sophia's, including an especially touching moment when Ira and Ruth try to adopt a malnourished, forgotten boy in her classroom. The four main stars have such chemistry. These performances are incredibly honest and palpable.

While it seems Luke's fate rests on top of a bull, it ultimately rests in his own hands. As his mother points out, "the ride is only 8 seconds, but she could be the rest of your life." It gives me chills just typing that! I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Men and women alike will appreciate the eye candy galore, intense bull riding scenes and a wonderful takeaway. This film and story reminds us that life is the longest ride. It reminds us of what we all go through to endure and enjoy it. And finally, it reminds us that it's best when someone is along with you for the ride.

Quanto Basta

Quanto Basta is the place to see and be seen in Winston-Salem. During my 90 minutes of being at QB, I had spotted 7 friends. People are clearly clamoring to get in here and see what Winston's beloved Chef Tim Grandinetti has whipped up this time (the first time it was Spring House Restaurant). I was also dying to try QB, but I honestly think I should have waited another few weeks for this place to get its sea legs. My expectations might have been a bit too high, as a few things were lackluster, but I'm eagerly looking forward to a return visit because this place has "success" written all over it.

The wooden double doors and flame-lit wall lights are incredibly chic and inviting. The scene inside is stylish and modern, however, there's not nearly enough seating. The side dining room and a few tables against the wall in the main dining room just mean a longer wait to the mobs of people lingering around the open kitchen and the bar. A request to turn down the heat was promptly acknowledged, and the replacement of a dirty fork was also immediate. I had been thirsting for a Filthy Dirty Ketel One Martini with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives (the "Pryor," if you will), however QB didn't have its liquor license yet. I was brought 2 different wine tastings before deciding on the Pinot Noir and later the Beaujolais, aptly described as "Black Cherry Jello" on the menu.

All price points are incredibly reasonable. The Arancini di Riso is outstanding, the best appetizer you could possibly want. Three crunchy Risotto Balls are filled with Mozzarella and Prosciutto and are delicately placed on a pool of tangy, slightly creamy San Marzano Tomato Sauce. I was thankful that the inside temperature wasn't scalding - typically you find yourself waiting 10 minutes to bite into Arancini, or dealing with a burnt tongue the next day. But not here. The crunchy exterior is reminiscent of a hush puppy, and the gooeyness of the cheese reminds you of a fried mozzarella stick. Add a touch of meat, and freaking YUM.

Arancini di Riso! Love these wine glasses!

Just look at that. Are you kidding me? YUM.

Beef Short Ribs Barbaresco

Meat lovers, you'll fall hard for the Beef Short Ribs Barbaresco. This is a huge serving of incredibly tender meat - no bone, and certainly no knife required. It's succulent, it's juicy, it stands alone. It doesn't really need the slightly sweet Tomato Jam - if anything, it distracts from the unctuousness of the meat. Gnocchi Fontina are soft pillows of goodness but could definitely use a little more salt and a more flavored sauce, while Charred Carrots make you feel less guilty for being an indulgent carnivore. (I'll never complain about eating carrots in any form though.)

Eggplant Parmesan

Not strictly for vegetarians, Eggplant Parmesan with Cavatelli Pasta is a satisfying dish that you won't realize is meatless. The same crust on the Arancini surrounds thick cut slices of eggplant. More of that fabulous tomato sauce and you've got a well-rounded dish.

The disappointment.

I truly don't know what is going on with the Tagliatelle. Surely an ingredient was left out of this dish by mistake? (Salt? Cheese? Anything to give it flavor?) The thick ribbons of Tagliatelle themselves are tasty and clearly homemade, but it's as if the "Signature Ragu Bolognese" was plain ground beef or pork. There was no sauce, and unfortunately no flavor. This dish was disappointing and should be re-examined. I'd be curious to see if others have ordered it and were satisfied. The only saving grace is the yummy, warm Focaccia.

Overall, I enjoyed my evening at QB, and I enjoyed most of what I tasted. Will I return? Absolutely! But probably in a few weeks, once things have quieted down and they can focus more on the food than calming the chaotic mob of people that can't wait to get in here.

Penny Path Cafe & Crepe Shop

Penny Path Cafe & Crepe Shop can take credit for some of the revitalization of downtown High Point. What appeared to be a ghost town one Sunday morning quickly transported me to Portland or Brooklyn, a funky city with a hip neighborhood coffee shop and cafe scene. The art, the vibe, the service - this is such a fun and welcoming spot. The chef/owner will talk to you over the counter to make sure you like your food - or perhaps he'll suggest that "Feta would be really tasty in your crepe, want me to add some?" This is my kind of place.

When visiting a creperie, it's imperative that you get both a sweet and savory option. I've had crepes on my mind since I dined at Sweet Paris Creperie in Houston, so I was delighted to hop over to High Point for this mouthwatering brunch. My savory option was a "Create Your Own," with Scrambled Eggs, Roasted Red Peppers, Feta Cheese, Spinach, Diced Tomatoes and a Red Pepper Spread. The griddle nicely charred up the edge of my crepe, which I loved, giving just a little extra crispy bite of saltiness. The Red Pepper Spread is not unlike Marinara sauce, a little reminscient of a pizza, but the lightness of the crepe is the star here. Put whatever you want in it, you'll love it. It's not paper-thin, a bit more toothsome, which is a good thing. Half of one is plenty to fill you up.

So pretty!

It took me 2 seconds to decide on the sweet option: the Sweet Surprise features White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookie Dough - I nearly passed out upon reading the description. It's store bought, but who cares? Throw in some syrupy sliced Almonds, Coconut and Nutella, dust it with a little Powdered Sugar and drizzle it with Chocolate Sauce - I would have eaten 15 of these. Cookie Dough on anything is amazing, but when enveloped in this delicate crepe blanket, I was speechless (probably because I was stuffing my face.) How could your day be bad after having this?

Hello gorgeous!

The owner and his family are incredibly personable and kind. Penny Path has been open for 2 years, and they're planning to expand to the next building for additional seating room and more kitchen space. The owner hopes to invite guest chefs to feature brunch options! I'm very excited to have found this place, although it doesn't appear to be a secret - no more than 5 minutes after I left, I found out a friend had just arrived to enjoy some crepes himself! I think this spot is still a hidden gem to most people, so I'm taking names of those who'd like to return with me promptly.

Chef & the Farmer

Fans of the PBS documentary show "A Chef's Life" have been flocking to Kinston in recent months to visit Chef & the Farmer, a legit farm-to-table restaurant. A little background for you: Deep Run, NC-born Vivian Howard got her training from famed NYC chefs like Wylie Dufresne and Jean-Georges Vongericten, and then returned home to open "Chef & the Farmer" in 2006 with her husband, Ben Knight. PBS sought her out and premiered a 30-minute documentary show in 2013. Howard was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2014 (the Oscars of the food world), for Best Chef Southeast. Life seems pretty sweet in Kinston.

Friends & me with the Chef herself! (Vivian is in the middle, in the blue top).

My friends and I drove 80 miles east of Raleigh to redeem our dinner reservation that we had made over Christmas (you read me right.) After stopping at The Boiler Room (a partnership between Howard/Knight and the guys at Mother Earth Brewing), we walked around the corner and spotted it - Chef & the Farmer. I'm not exaggerating when I say we had the best seat in the house, peering right into the kitchen, so we could see everything being beautifully plated. We perused the drink list, consulted the awesome sommelier, Tyler, and placed our order 45 minutes after being seated. Their graciousness and patience with us was so wonderful. We didn't feel rushed. We felt right at home.

Boiled Peanut Risotto
+ Cornbread

The menu changes weekly (sometimes daily), depending on what's available and fresh. The Boiled Peanut Risotto intrigued me from the moment I read it. Crunchy Peanuts and smooth White Beans swim in a Briny, Gravy-like sauce for a nice texture balance, with a Bacon and Rutabega Relish. Cornbread rounds out the dish and helps wipe up the gravy (we're in the South, y'all). Rutabega and Red Pea Samosas are a fantastic rendition of the Indian pastry. After letting it cool for about 10 minutes, the turnover-like dish sung of classic Indian flavors like Garam Masala and Turmeric. The Cilantro Buttermilk was essential to cool your palate.

I can't take credit for the description of the Wood-Fired Pizza. My friend claimed it to be "better than an orgasm." Naturally, I reached across the table and grabbed a slice, nearly knocking over everything in my way. The slightly sweet, thinly-sliced Sweet Potato (which looked identical to Pepperoni!) and the Talleggio, Fontina and Parmesan Cheese is truly an outrageous combination.

Sweet Potato Pizza

Braised Beef Short Rib Heaven.

I couldn't have been more thrilled with what I decided on for my entree: the Braised Beef Short Rib. It blew my freaking mind. You don't need a fork to cut it; it just melts in your mouth. Calling it tender is an understatement. It burst with a vinegary, umami flavor that I could have died for. The Parmesan Spoonbread reminded me of a corn-less Corn Pudding, and Melted Leeks rounded out the dish. The Collard Chimichurri was more like a collard leaf garnish and was too bitter for me, but it was clearly there to break up the richness of the dish.

You can't come to a place like this and not get dessert. We were informed that the "dessert flight" basically means you get all 4 desserts for the price of 3, regularly-sized. SOLD. I dove into what I presumed would be my favorite: the Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Rosemary Ice Cream. The crust featured notes of Cornmeal, which I was all over. The Rosemary Ice Cream was a nice herbaceous palate cleanser, to break up the sweetness. I didn't expect the Key Lime Curd and Coconut Meringue to be my favorite, but one bite and I switched my vote. I have a new respect for what I usually find to be an overrated dessert. Tangy Key Lime Curd is topped with a fluffy Coconut Meringue and transports you to the beach. Peanuts are a nice crunch, and Graham Crackers work as a vessel for your mouth, though a spoon (or your hands) would work just fine.

             

          Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel & Rosemary Ice Cream

 

    Key Lime Curd with Coconut Meringue and Graham Crackers

If I had to pick a least favorite, the Honey and Pecan Baklava had all the potential in the world to be outstanding, but the flavor of Tangerine overpowered all notes of Honey and Nut, so you'd have to love that citrus flavor to be a fan of this dish. We had one more to dig into: the 10-Layer Chocolate Cake with Caramel and a Toffee Crunch. For a gal who doesn't love chocolate, this had me believing in chocolate again. The Toffee Crunch is like the saltine cracker candy that you make with homemade caramel and chocolate. It was sensational. I don't recall if I shared this with anyone at the table.

       

Honey & Pecan Baklava

10-Layer Chocolate Cake

After putting in a sly request with the sommelier, Vivian came over to our table to say hello. She is incredibly kind and beautiful, and was even sweet enough to pose for a photo, something we had seen her do over the course of the evening. She has an excellent thing going, and I'm thankful I got to experience this for a night.

Melt

Melt is Greensboro's newest addition to the restaurant scene, bringing a much needed face lift to the Golden Gate Shopping Center (with the help of the new Green Bean, too!) Melt is fancier than I imagined, like a corner bistro or cafe, as opposed to a fast casual dining spot. The menu combines some of my favorite words into incredibly inventive dishes - Curry White Bean Hummus, Duck Spring Rolls, Pesto Zucchini Noodles - making it nearly impossible to narrow down a choice. Chances are, you won't go wrong with one of their specialty Paninis, especially since they're all served with a signature dipping sauce. Talk about a step up from your average condiment!

The Duck Club features tender Duck Confit, Crispy Prosciutto, Arugula, Caramelized Onions and Gouda. Dunk a corner in the sweet and tangy Apricot Thyme Jam, and you've got a very tasty bite. An even tastier bite though, is The Granny. How can anyone resist the classic combination of Turkey, Brie and Granny Smith Apples? Add some fresh Spinach and Bacon & Onion Jam and you have a killer sandwich, in fact, one of Triad City Beat's must-try sandwiches in the Triad. A sweet and spicy Maple Dijon sets it over the top. The folks at Melt have mastered the art of pairing a sandwich and a condiment and that makes me a very happy girl.

This Granny ROCKS.

Sides are tempting. Salty Duck Fat Fries are a satisfying option, though they weren't as life-altering as I was hoping they would be. They're delicious, but not more extraordinary than any other good fries. I preferred the Pesto Zucchini Noodles, thin strips of tender zucchini tossed with incredibly fresh and flavorful pesto. Cherry Tomatoes bring a nice pop of color and acid, and nothing can be bad with a little parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Be sure and save room for the French Quarter Beignets. Being that it was the week of Mardi Gras, my dining partner and I couldn't resist the temptation of the doughnut-like dumplings. The Chai Caramel and Raspberry dipping sauces make them extra special, and note that the best way to enjoy them is to pour a little of each sauce into the middle of the Beignet! You will probably need two orders.

I'm very excited for Melt's arrival to the area. Attentive service, a strong menu and solid execution will secure many return visits for me.

2015 Oscar Predictions

It's becoming less and less of a surprise to see who takes Oscar home after watching the Globes, the SAGs, the Critics' Choice and the BAFTAs, but it's still my favorite night of the year! Grab some tasty hors d'oeuvres, open a nice bottle of Malbec, print off some Oscar Bingo playing cards and you can pretend like you're watching with Pam and me!

In case you missed them, click on the films to read my reviews! Happy Oscars!

Best Picture
American Sniper
Birdman
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash

Should Win - Boyhood. Shot over the course of 11 years, this is perhaps the most unique concept ever for a film. It reminds us that the seemingly ordinary things that make up your day-to-day life can truly be extraordinary. Solid performances, genuine moments, spot-on casting, inventive cinematography, need I continue? It's in the bag for me.

Will Win - Boyhood. The only one that has a chance at stealing is "Birdman," but I have my fingers crossed that it's too fantastical for the Academy.


Best Actor
Steve "Michael Scott" Carell - "Foxcatcher"
Bradley "hubba" Cooper - "American Sniper"
Benedict Cumberbatch - "The Imitation Game"
Michael Keaton - "Birdman"
Eddie Redmayne - "The Theory of Everything"

Should Win - Eddie Redmayne. He's young, yes, and Oscar likes to wait until actors have put in their time (with a few exceptions.) The care that Redmayne takes in honoring this role as Stephen Hawking is beautiful. He charms us, keeps his humor throughout the film and undergoes an incredible physical transformation right before our very eyes. Patience is a virtue Eddie, your time will come.

Will Win - Michael Keaton. The industry loves a comeback. Especially one as solid as Keaton's. His performance in "Birdman" was Oscar nomination-worthy, but I'm not convinced he should take the statue home for it. I don't call the shots though. This one is his.


Best Actress
Marion "out of nowhere" Cotillard - "Two Days, One Night"
Felicity Jones - "The Theory of Everything"
Julianne Moore - "Still Alice"
Rosamund Pike - "Gone Girl"
Reese Witherspoon - "Wild"

Should Win - Reese Witherspoon. Let me explain. I love Julianne Moore just as much as the next person, but she should have won for any of her previous 4 nominations, and not necessarily this one. Witherspoon on the other hand, didn't necessarily deserve it for "Walk the Line" (call it an easy competition year) but does deserve it for her fearless portrayal of Cheryl Strayed as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail. A performance hasn't moved me like this in quite sometime.

Will Win - Julianne Moore. Oscar doesn't care if you deserve it or not. If you put in your due diligence, you're likely to finally be rewarded. Moore was wonderful in "Still Alice," but she is wonderful in everything. I won't complain about this one.


Best Supporting Actor
Robert Duvall - "The Judge"
Ethan Hawke - "Boyhood"
Edward Norton - "Birdman"
Mark Ruffalo - "Foxcatcher"
J.K. "biceps" Simmons - "Whiplash"

Should Win - This is tough. Ethan - no - Mark - wait - Edward -  It's nearly impossible trying to choose who should win. With the exception of "The Judge" (which I haven't seen) these men nail their supporting roles. Ethan's natural, easygoing paternal figure versus Ed's cocky, off-the-wall actor, against Mark's thoughtful, heartbreaking brotherly love - not to mention J.K. "biceps" Simmons as an abusive music professor... This is what it's all about! All of these are truly deserving of Oscar gold.

Will Win - J.K. Simmons. Oscar loves when a character actor shines, and this is J.K.'s year. He brings the ferocity, frightens the living daylights out of his pupils and sparks genuine disgust from the audience. This film will be his legacy.


Best Supporting Actress
Patricia Arquette - "Boyhood"
Laura Dern - "Wild"
Keira Knightley - "The Imitation Game"
Emma Stone - "Birdman"
Meryl "best ever" Streep - "Into the Woods"

Should Win - Patricia Arquette. It's almost impossible to tell that she's acting, which is the sign of a good actor. Pat wears the role of a struggling mom beautifully. We grow with her, transform with her, fight with her, cry with her - we develop such an emotional bond to the characters in "Boyhood" over 12 years, and her journey is probably the most relatable.

Will Win - Patricia Arquette. Moms everywhere sympathize with Pat's character. Shout out to Laura Dern, who also plays a beautiful mom character. These ladies struck a cord with me.

Best Director
Alejandro Inarritu - "Birdman"
Richard Linklater - "Boyhood"
Bennett Miller - "Foxcatcher"
Wes Anderson - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Morten Tyldum - "The Imitation Game"

Should Win - Richard Linklater. This ingenious premise for a film is unmatched in my book. Linklater's concept and execution are incomparable.

Will Win - Richard Linklater. Again, the ball could land in Inarritu's court, but Oscar recognizes cinematic brilliance when it comes around, and with "Boyhood," Linklater has created just that.

Whiplash

Starring: J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist
Director: Damien Chazelle
Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: R


This movie is intense. It reminded me of (dare I say) "Center Stage" or even a touch of "Black Swan" - when an artist is so dedicated to their craft things start getting weird. However, this wasn't the story of an artist's self-torture, it portrays the hellacious torture on behalf of an instructor. J.K. Simmons isn't JK-ing around in this role. As esteemed music professor Fletcher, when he isn't beefing up in the gym, he's clearly trying to think of ways to ruin his students' lives. He should be honored for Best Actor at the very least, but it's safe to say he'll no longer be recognized as a character actor or that dude from the Farmers Insurance commercials. Newcomer Miles Teller is brilliant. It's difficult to tell whether he is an actor who can drum or a drummer who can act, because he kicks ass at both.

There's not a lot of exposition here - you dive right in, which is a good thing. You don't need a lot of background to know that Andrew (Teller) is in his first year at a music conservatory school. He clearly has the drive and talent behind the drum set, even pushing himself so hard that his hands bleed like ballerinas feet do during pointe. Watching him bandage his hands and prepare his sticks is not unlike how a dancer prepares her shoes and her body.

Blood-stained cymbols and sweat-soaked T-shirts all become the norm once he joins Fletcher's advanced band class. Though Andrew appears to have gained his trust and approval, Fletcher's physical and emotional abuse soon becomes the tipping point. Andrew even flees the scene of a disastrous car wreck with a concussion so as to not miss a band competition. We truly can't tell whether Fletcher's inhumane treatment of his students is really just a genuine desire for them to push themselves to be the best, or if he is bitter from his own failures and is just a miserable person.

Paul Reiser (love Mad About You!) is the only other semi-recognizable face, besides "Glee" fans, who will be happy (?) to see the return of Riley. This film builds, as a symphony does, with an incredible climax, though you kind of zone out during it instead of get any real closure. I like a good amount of resolution. Instead, you can be happy that Andrew just leaves it all out onstage.

Should this win Best Picture? No. Am I glad it got recognized for being different with its plot, lighting choices, cinematography and performances? Yes. This is definitely not like most movies and for that I applaud it. This film will make your anxiety levels rise, and you'll especially appreciate it if you're into music. This will be a great soundtrack, though Simmons' and Teller's performances really take center stage.

American Sniper

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes, Sam Jaeger
Director: Clint Eastwood
Rating: R
Running Time: 2 hours, 12 minutes

This film demands to be discussed. Clearly there have been mixed responses about the movie - is it pro war? Is Michael Moore speaking out against it just to hear himself talk? But anyone who watches Clint Eastwood's latest masterpiece can agree that it's incredibly moving. Saying it's a powerful film is a severe understatement. You've all seen the trailer. Just prepare for about 2 hours of that same level of intensity. Even the closing credits were played sans music - everyone was silent leaving the theatre. This film is a painful and powerful reminder of those brave enough to serve our country. I'm thankful for those people, and don't think to recognize them often enough. (On a personal note, Cooper gained about 35 pounds for this role, and though he's never made my "list," after seeing him as such a beefcake, all I can say is YUM.)

"American Sniper" is based off Navy SEAL Chris Kyle's autobiography. Cooper fearlessly portrays this American hero. You don't see a trace of the man who charmed us in "The Hangover" or cracked us up in "Wedding Crashers" here. Cooper sheds his Hollywood playboy image and gives the best performance of his career. We meet Kyle as a child, when he first shoots a gun with his dad and comes to his brother's defense in a playground fight. Though his heart was after the Rodeo, his drive and patriotism soon led him into the Armed Forces, where he endured intense training to become a Navy SEAL, and ultimately the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history.

Chris Kyle and Bradley Cooper
Photo Courtesy PopCultureBlog - Dallas News

Sienna Miller plays his beautiful and tortured wife Taya, who marries him before his first tour, and sticks with him and their two kids during all four of his tours, approximately 1,000 days in Iraq. The emotional strain on their marriage builds each time he returns home. It seems he feels more comfortable in war, making a pit stop at a bar before he goes home to his family. He admits he feels he could do and should do more for his country, while his wife argues that it's time to let someone else try.

Many scenes will make you squirm, most notably one with a power drill. The sandstorm scene makes it nearly impossible to see anything and you zone out, a clear indicator that Kyle has also zoned out and is ready to return home for good. There is a nice balance of romance/home life and action, but once the action scenes get going, they're almost sensory overload.

Why Clint Eastwood wasn't nominated for Best Director is beyond me. An old curmudgeon he might be (and I would know, as one of his co-stars), he's one of the best directors of our time. And in this role, Bradley Cooper has created his legacy.