Marks Restaurant is nestled into a beautiful house off Dolley Madison Road. The quaint bar, thoughtful service and scrumptious food makes you feel indeed, right at home. I attended the Stags' Leap wine dinner at Marks on Monday, which also marked the first time I dined at the restaurant. I cannot believe in my 4 years living in Greensboro, that I hadn't been here until now. Stags' Leap is a famed winery in the prestigious Napa Valley, and I couldn't wait to sample some of their varietals. The dinner was seamless, and the food and wine pairings were nothing less than stellar. Mark and his staff should be very proud of the hard work that went into preparing this dinner. It certainly paid off.
From the first pairing, I knew we were in for quite a treat. I prefer red to white, but Napa Chardonnay is very special. The Stags' Leap 2015 Chardonnay was a lovely match to Crab Macaroni & Cheese with Creamy Herb Boursin. The earthy notes from the herbaceous cheese went wonderfully with the buttery, oakey Chardonnay. The crab to noodle ratio was equal - menus often advertise crab or lobster mac & cheese, but then you might find just one or two bites of seafood - not the case here! This rich dish was a perfect, albeit rich way to start the meal.
Red Blends are hit or miss for me. The Investor Red Blend is almost equal parts Merlot - Petite Sirah - Cabernet Sauvignon and while they're all wonderful on their own, this blend seemed a little young, and could have used a little more time to open up. Fortunately I was too busy enjoying the Rack of Lamb (I'd never had lamb on the bone before!) with the Port Wine Demi-Glace and Roasted Root Vegetables. The lamb possessed that lovely unctuous, umami flavor that makes the protein so special, and I was served an end piece, giving me more of that salty crust. The roasted root vegetables were diced a little on the small side, and fresh rosemary covered up some of the port wine flavor, but overall, this was a fantastic dish.
The descriptor of the third course featured some of my favorite words: "kobe", "truffle", "caramelized" and "Cabernet". I've always heard that 2013 was a great year for Napa Cabs, and now I've come to understand why. The perfect Bacon-Wrapped Kobe Beef alongside the Cabernet - these two were made for each other. The beef rested on a Brioche Crouton and was topped with a Caramelized Onion and Truffle reduction. Crispy pea shoots (or perhaps tendrils) adorned the filet for color, and while this was the smallest portion, it was the most memorable.
By the time dessert rolled around, I had done my best to save a little room for at least a bite. The Blackberry-Chocolate Bread Pudding was quite an interesting and risky flavor pairing - raspberry and chocolate tend to be paired together more often - but the texture was fabulous, and it was studded with plump, juicy blackberries. The Cinnamon Creme Anglaise was my favorite part. I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but I very much enjoyed the Petite Sirah that went along with it. Wine and food pairings are so wonderful because when done well, the flavors enhance each other! A different wine would have brought a different dimension to this dish, so I was pleased that this one enhanced the dessert for my palate.
I'm loving the trend of wine dinners in the Triad - you can practically go to a different one every night! But if you have the opportunity to attend one at Marks, jump at it. The pours were ample and the portions were just right. You won't leave over- or under-stuffed. I'm eager to return for more of Mark's food during a "normal" dinner setting, and they are open for lunch, too! I'll be visiting again very, very soon.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Monday, January 23, 2017
Four Flocks and Larder
The Morehead Foundry is all the rage right now in downtown Greensboro. If you haven't visited, surely you've heard of it. If you haven't heard of it, surely you've driven past it on Freeman Mill Road. It's that huge white structure advertising several establishments including "Four Flocks and Larder", "Revolution Burger", "the baker and the bean" and the name of the company, "Fresh Local Good". It's brand-spanking new and the vision of the owners of Iron Hen Cafe (also in Greensboro). I had moderate expectations for Four Flocks and Larder, and my dinner there exceeded every single one.
The atmosphere is excellent. Ceilings are high, the walls are a beautiful dark turquoise hue, and a black and white image of a river sits high above the open, bustling bar. We were seated at a high table, but the chairs weren't stools - they were fancy cloth dining room chairs, a very nice touch. I was tickled to see the words "Julep Menu" on the cocktail list - they don't just serve a standard mint julep - there are several exciting varietals. The Cardinal Sin screamed out to this ginhead, with complimentary notes of rosewater, lemonade, rosemary and mint. I enjoyed this on a damp January night and look forward to sipping one on the patio in June. Crushed ice is a staple, and the glass made it even more fun to drink.
Portions are generous, and you will be tempted to try just about everything on the large, creative menu. My party and I started with Chicken Wings & Buffalo Biscuits, which taste even better than they sound. The chicken wings have a salty, spicy and crunchy exterior, and a lot of meat on the bone. The buffalo biscuits are tiny but pack a punch, and are drizzled with blue cheese butter (this descriptor sold me on ordering the dish.) Scallion ranch is a nice cooling condiment for dunking. Eight wings and five mini biscuits later, we were ready for some more meat!
The description of the Stuffed Whole Quail is just killer: Neese's sausage filling, collards, black-eyed peas and grain mustard. The star of the show is the Neese's (as expected). I think I got two bites of sausage to every one bite of quail, and I'm perfectly okay with that. The collards had a tangy, vinegary flavor, just as they should, but the black-eyed peas and mustard kind of got lost in the dish. The quail is cut into four parts - breast and legs - so you're definitely not shorted on meat.
We wanted to try as many of the delicious sounding sides as possible, so we opted for a few "meat and threes". The Wood Fired Chicken Breast may sound basic, but the tender, smoky meat and the apple cider BBQ sauce made it a very sexy protein. The Wood Fired Duck Breast had that same lovely smoky flavor, with a citrus glaze to brighten it up. Since we got three sides with each protein, we asked our server to bring us the six most popular options. They were all outstanding.
The surprise hit was the White Bread Dressing. I was worried about a mushy texture, but the flavor was insane! It was generally soft, but the crunch of buttery onions and celery bits and the notes of black pepper kept me going back for more. It was better than any Thanksgiving dressing I've ever had. Mashed Yukon Potatoes are a beautiful golden hue, thanks to those Yukon Golds, and are slightly chunky. This is stick-to-your-ribs eating. This plate kept with the Thanksgiving theme, and we finished off with Creamed Corn. This wasn't exactly creamed, at least not how I've had creamed corn growing up, but it was sweet, white, tender and dripping with butter. They might should just re-name it "sweet butter corn" and it would get ordered just as often.
Another side I would have written off - Roasted Vegetables with toasted bread crumbs - turned out to be my second favorite side. When I think of roasted veggies in a restaurant, I think of squash, zucchini, onion - BORING! This combo included carrots, parsnips and peppers with a sweet, buttery drizzle. They were so simple and so delicious! Sweet Potato Casserole seemed more like roasted sweet potatoes to me, but the sweet, cinnamon flavor alongside the carrots and parsnips was a real treat. These options are definitely more for those with a sweet tooth. There was a little too much oil and butter for these sides - someone just got a bit heavy-handed. You'll see in the photo (not sexy). Southern Style Green Beans were the least exciting side - they were tender haricot verts, and one I probably wouldn't order again (I'd go for the Cheddar Old Mill of Guilford Grits instead!)
Service is excellent, and while the food did take a while to come out, there are enough Juleps to keep you company. Especially if you go with great friends, too. Which is advised, so you can work your way through this awesome menu! I am very impressed with this place, and look forward to return visits.
*Additional notes:
"Building your own revolution" at Revolution Burger is quite fun, and if you substitute grilled chicken, you get TWO breasts! I especially loved the Parmesan Truffle Fries and the Salted Caramel Milkshake. They are NOT playing around with the salted part, but paired with real vanilla ice cream, the flavor combo was heavenly. This is salty and sweet at its best.
Walk into the Baker and the Bean to get a Bananas Foster Whoopie Pie the size of your face, and maybe even a Corn (yep, CORN) Cookie before you head into Hush Speakeasy (the entrance is inside the bakery!) Consider going to Hush on a weeknight when it's not packed. The Cheeky Bastard cocktail is worth the wait, though.
The atmosphere is excellent. Ceilings are high, the walls are a beautiful dark turquoise hue, and a black and white image of a river sits high above the open, bustling bar. We were seated at a high table, but the chairs weren't stools - they were fancy cloth dining room chairs, a very nice touch. I was tickled to see the words "Julep Menu" on the cocktail list - they don't just serve a standard mint julep - there are several exciting varietals. The Cardinal Sin screamed out to this ginhead, with complimentary notes of rosewater, lemonade, rosemary and mint. I enjoyed this on a damp January night and look forward to sipping one on the patio in June. Crushed ice is a staple, and the glass made it even more fun to drink.
 |
| The Cardinal Sin Julep - yum! |
 |
| Chicken Wings & Buffalo Biscuits |
 |
| Stuffed Whole Quail, Collards, Black-Eyed Peas |
The surprise hit was the White Bread Dressing. I was worried about a mushy texture, but the flavor was insane! It was generally soft, but the crunch of buttery onions and celery bits and the notes of black pepper kept me going back for more. It was better than any Thanksgiving dressing I've ever had. Mashed Yukon Potatoes are a beautiful golden hue, thanks to those Yukon Golds, and are slightly chunky. This is stick-to-your-ribs eating. This plate kept with the Thanksgiving theme, and we finished off with Creamed Corn. This wasn't exactly creamed, at least not how I've had creamed corn growing up, but it was sweet, white, tender and dripping with butter. They might should just re-name it "sweet butter corn" and it would get ordered just as often.
 |
| Wood Fired Duck with White Bread Dressing and Mashed Yukons |
 |
| Wood Fired Chicken |
*Additional notes:
"Building your own revolution" at Revolution Burger is quite fun, and if you substitute grilled chicken, you get TWO breasts! I especially loved the Parmesan Truffle Fries and the Salted Caramel Milkshake. They are NOT playing around with the salted part, but paired with real vanilla ice cream, the flavor combo was heavenly. This is salty and sweet at its best.
 |
| Bananas Foster Whoopie Pie - imagine my face next to this for scale. |
Sunday, January 8, 2017
La La Land
Starring: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling (really that's all); cameos by JK Simmons and Finn Wittrock
Director: Damien Chazelle
Running Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes
Rating: PG -13
La La Land is a beautiful movie. It's refreshing, and everyone in Hollywood will relate to it as "their story". I certainly did, after having spent a few months in La La Land after college. I saw myself in protagonist Mia, and was reminded how cutthroat yet magical a city it is. Emma Stone plays our heroine, and does a fabulous job. I think she out-acted her frequent screen partner Ryan Gosling, who plays struggling jazz pianist Sebastian. Their story is told with beautiful visuals, fantastical montages and a soundtrack that includes a whimsical tap dance. If you didn't spend a summer in LA or don't love art house films/musical theatre, this movie is not for you. Otherwise, it's a (mostly) feel-good film that's a welcomed change of pace.
Mia and Sebastian are two of the millions of dreamers that comprise LA. If you're not in the biz, you're trying to be. Maybe you're like Mia, a barista between your auditions, who is in fact a very good actress, if it weren't for ADD casting directors and having the wrong body type (or whatever it is this week). Or perhaps you're an out-of-work jazz musician like Sebastian who has to adapt his style to a new generation of electronic music-lovers or play Christmas carols instead of Thelonious Monk to get your paycheck. This film shows the constant ups and downs and struggles in the industry. If it's your dream, you have no choice but to go after it.
There are a few recognizable faces (JK Simmons, the gorgeous Finn Wittrock, Rosemarie DeWitt, and a somewhat oddly placed John Legend) but this is really Stone and Gosling's show. I could see Stone winning some awards for this, but not necessarily Gosling. He felt more like her supporting actor, honestly. I found myself entranced by the visuals and their so seemingly real-life characters, though a montage at the end could have saved us a few minutes. It was just a hair too long.
Did I la la love La La Land? I had a feeling it could possibly replace Moulin Rouge! as my favorite film, but it did not. I really la la liked it, but I'm not dying to see it again just yet. Hollywood will reward this film for its originality, strong acting and overall production quality. Go see this movie, but be prepared for a very different style of film than what you may be used to, for better or for worse.
*Blogger's extra note: if you haven't seen Chazelle's Whiplash or GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) Moulin Rouge!, I can't recommend them enough.
Director: Damien Chazelle
Running Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes
Rating: PG -13
La La Land is a beautiful movie. It's refreshing, and everyone in Hollywood will relate to it as "their story". I certainly did, after having spent a few months in La La Land after college. I saw myself in protagonist Mia, and was reminded how cutthroat yet magical a city it is. Emma Stone plays our heroine, and does a fabulous job. I think she out-acted her frequent screen partner Ryan Gosling, who plays struggling jazz pianist Sebastian. Their story is told with beautiful visuals, fantastical montages and a soundtrack that includes a whimsical tap dance. If you didn't spend a summer in LA or don't love art house films/musical theatre, this movie is not for you. Otherwise, it's a (mostly) feel-good film that's a welcomed change of pace.
Mia and Sebastian are two of the millions of dreamers that comprise LA. If you're not in the biz, you're trying to be. Maybe you're like Mia, a barista between your auditions, who is in fact a very good actress, if it weren't for ADD casting directors and having the wrong body type (or whatever it is this week). Or perhaps you're an out-of-work jazz musician like Sebastian who has to adapt his style to a new generation of electronic music-lovers or play Christmas carols instead of Thelonious Monk to get your paycheck. This film shows the constant ups and downs and struggles in the industry. If it's your dream, you have no choice but to go after it.
There are a few recognizable faces (JK Simmons, the gorgeous Finn Wittrock, Rosemarie DeWitt, and a somewhat oddly placed John Legend) but this is really Stone and Gosling's show. I could see Stone winning some awards for this, but not necessarily Gosling. He felt more like her supporting actor, honestly. I found myself entranced by the visuals and their so seemingly real-life characters, though a montage at the end could have saved us a few minutes. It was just a hair too long.
Did I la la love La La Land? I had a feeling it could possibly replace Moulin Rouge! as my favorite film, but it did not. I really la la liked it, but I'm not dying to see it again just yet. Hollywood will reward this film for its originality, strong acting and overall production quality. Go see this movie, but be prepared for a very different style of film than what you may be used to, for better or for worse.
*Blogger's extra note: if you haven't seen Chazelle's Whiplash or GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) Moulin Rouge!, I can't recommend them enough.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Lion
Starring: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Sunny Pawar
Director: Garth Davis
Running Time: 1 hour, 58 minutes
Rating: PG-13
"Lion" is a wonderfully refreshing, feel-good movie, that's bound to make you tear up a few times. This film is uplifting, optimistic and although it's a bit predictable, it's a great reminder that the truth is often stranger and more exciting than fiction. "Lion" tells the true story of Saroo, a little boy who gets lost in India and is adopted by an Australian couple. When he gets older, his curiosity about his roots leads him back to India, in search of his birth family. Everything about this film is beautiful, and it's my favorite of the season so far.
The cinematography is stunning, as we're introduced to India through shots of crowded streets and tiny houses, while we see Australia's gorgeous coastline and sandy beaches. The precious and talented Sunny Pawar plays 5-year-old Saroo, who is obsessed with his older brother and helps him do odd jobs that pay very little. One night on a job at a train station, Saroo wanders off, and it's heart-breaking when he wakes up on a train heading nearly 1,000 miles away from home. Not only is language a huge barrier when he arrives in Calcutta, but Saroo doesn't correctly remember his town's name, or know the name of his mother. The kid isn't helpless, though. It's hard to imagine how he survived in the streets, but there were thousands of kids doing the same alongside him. He is sent to an orphanage where shortly afterwards, an Australian couple named Sue and John Brierley (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham) file for his adoption.
Dev Patel plays Saroo 23 or so years later, and let me just say - Dev has beefed up from his "Slumdog Millionaire" days. Hello biceps! Saroo is close to his family, having taken on their Aussie accent and helping raise his unstable, also adopted-from-India brother, but it's not until he meets Lucy (Rooney Mara) that he begins questioning his identity and longing to find his Indian roots. Mara doesn't have much of a role here, but the two have good on-screen chemistry. Thanks to Google Earth and modern technology, Saroo sets down a rabbit hole to find his family in India, whom he knows practically nothing about. What ensues is a miracle.
It's wonderful hearing Nicole's natural Aussie accent, and she is getting buzz for her role as the epitome of a strong, yet emotional mother. This character is excellent for her. I would love for Patel to start getting some real leading roles (not just ones about Indian men, or characters from India running a hotel or looking to leave their small Indian hometown. Rant over.) The score is familiar, but very good, and it's difficult to hold back tears during the last 15 minutes. The ending credits even feature clips and photos of the real life Saroo and his families. The film is named "Lion" for a reason that will give you goosebumps, but I'll let you go see it and learn why for yourself.
Director: Garth Davis
Running Time: 1 hour, 58 minutes
Rating: PG-13
"Lion" is a wonderfully refreshing, feel-good movie, that's bound to make you tear up a few times. This film is uplifting, optimistic and although it's a bit predictable, it's a great reminder that the truth is often stranger and more exciting than fiction. "Lion" tells the true story of Saroo, a little boy who gets lost in India and is adopted by an Australian couple. When he gets older, his curiosity about his roots leads him back to India, in search of his birth family. Everything about this film is beautiful, and it's my favorite of the season so far.
The cinematography is stunning, as we're introduced to India through shots of crowded streets and tiny houses, while we see Australia's gorgeous coastline and sandy beaches. The precious and talented Sunny Pawar plays 5-year-old Saroo, who is obsessed with his older brother and helps him do odd jobs that pay very little. One night on a job at a train station, Saroo wanders off, and it's heart-breaking when he wakes up on a train heading nearly 1,000 miles away from home. Not only is language a huge barrier when he arrives in Calcutta, but Saroo doesn't correctly remember his town's name, or know the name of his mother. The kid isn't helpless, though. It's hard to imagine how he survived in the streets, but there were thousands of kids doing the same alongside him. He is sent to an orphanage where shortly afterwards, an Australian couple named Sue and John Brierley (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham) file for his adoption.
Dev Patel plays Saroo 23 or so years later, and let me just say - Dev has beefed up from his "Slumdog Millionaire" days. Hello biceps! Saroo is close to his family, having taken on their Aussie accent and helping raise his unstable, also adopted-from-India brother, but it's not until he meets Lucy (Rooney Mara) that he begins questioning his identity and longing to find his Indian roots. Mara doesn't have much of a role here, but the two have good on-screen chemistry. Thanks to Google Earth and modern technology, Saroo sets down a rabbit hole to find his family in India, whom he knows practically nothing about. What ensues is a miracle.
It's wonderful hearing Nicole's natural Aussie accent, and she is getting buzz for her role as the epitome of a strong, yet emotional mother. This character is excellent for her. I would love for Patel to start getting some real leading roles (not just ones about Indian men, or characters from India running a hotel or looking to leave their small Indian hometown. Rant over.) The score is familiar, but very good, and it's difficult to hold back tears during the last 15 minutes. The ending credits even feature clips and photos of the real life Saroo and his families. The film is named "Lion" for a reason that will give you goosebumps, but I'll let you go see it and learn why for yourself.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Nocturnal Animals
Starring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Director: Tom Ford
Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
Rating: R
I was so excited to see this movie. The anticipation was killing me. I'm a fan of writer/director Tom Ford, Jake Gyllenhaal is in my top 5, and I've done a movie with Amy Adams (seriously, see "Trouble With The Curve"). While the trailers don't give you much of an idea as to what the premise entails, the actual plot is very different from what I was expecting. Even if you go into this blindly, it will take you about halfway through the film to get an idea of what's going on. Gyllenhaal and Adams do a terrific job in their roles, and you'll see lots of friendly...well...familiar faces in this film. However, there's no need to rush to see it in theatres, and don't rush to see it period if you're easily creeped out, like me.
Former spouses Edward and Susan (Gyllenhaal and Adams) are reconnected when he sends her a manuscript of a brutal and haunting novel he has written and dedicated to her. I would really be doing you a disservice to divulge more of the story line. I'll note that several scenes made me incredibly uncomfortable, even beginning with the opening credits. "Moonlight" was one of the most stressful films I've seen in a long time, but "Nocturnal Animals" was stressful in a different way. It felt almost invasive. Terror versus discomfort, really.
Michael Shannon brings utter fabulousness to each one of his supporting roles, and doesn't disappoint here as a West Texas sheriff. He is a wonderful character actor and has had quite the year (including a small part in "Loving," a beautiful story but rather slow film). Aaron Taylor-Johnson is getting buzz for his role as psychopath Ray, and rightfully so. Several of his scenes are charged with utter depravity. He plays disgusting very well.
This film will leave a bad taste in your mouth. It's dark and haunting, but for some reason, you can't look away. Perhaps its because you want justice done for the characters who were wronged, or perhaps its (thankfully) just so different from all of our lives that we find relief in the fact that its pure entertainment. Or, perhaps it's because Amy's wardrobe in the film is sensational. She's getting so much screen time this season and I love it ("Arrival" beats "Nocturnal Animals" any day). If you were hesitant to go see this in the theatres, your instincts were correct. Wait until you can watch it another way and don't worry - there's plenty of awesome stuff coming out in the coming weeks you can catch.
Director: Tom Ford
Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
Rating: R
I was so excited to see this movie. The anticipation was killing me. I'm a fan of writer/director Tom Ford, Jake Gyllenhaal is in my top 5, and I've done a movie with Amy Adams (seriously, see "Trouble With The Curve"). While the trailers don't give you much of an idea as to what the premise entails, the actual plot is very different from what I was expecting. Even if you go into this blindly, it will take you about halfway through the film to get an idea of what's going on. Gyllenhaal and Adams do a terrific job in their roles, and you'll see lots of friendly...well...familiar faces in this film. However, there's no need to rush to see it in theatres, and don't rush to see it period if you're easily creeped out, like me.
Former spouses Edward and Susan (Gyllenhaal and Adams) are reconnected when he sends her a manuscript of a brutal and haunting novel he has written and dedicated to her. I would really be doing you a disservice to divulge more of the story line. I'll note that several scenes made me incredibly uncomfortable, even beginning with the opening credits. "Moonlight" was one of the most stressful films I've seen in a long time, but "Nocturnal Animals" was stressful in a different way. It felt almost invasive. Terror versus discomfort, really.
Michael Shannon brings utter fabulousness to each one of his supporting roles, and doesn't disappoint here as a West Texas sheriff. He is a wonderful character actor and has had quite the year (including a small part in "Loving," a beautiful story but rather slow film). Aaron Taylor-Johnson is getting buzz for his role as psychopath Ray, and rightfully so. Several of his scenes are charged with utter depravity. He plays disgusting very well.
This film will leave a bad taste in your mouth. It's dark and haunting, but for some reason, you can't look away. Perhaps its because you want justice done for the characters who were wronged, or perhaps its (thankfully) just so different from all of our lives that we find relief in the fact that its pure entertainment. Or, perhaps it's because Amy's wardrobe in the film is sensational. She's getting so much screen time this season and I love it ("Arrival" beats "Nocturnal Animals" any day). If you were hesitant to go see this in the theatres, your instincts were correct. Wait until you can watch it another way and don't worry - there's plenty of awesome stuff coming out in the coming weeks you can catch.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Manchester by the Sea
Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges
Director: Kenneth Lonergan
Running Time: R
Rating: 2 hours, 17 minutes
"Manchester by the Sea" has been getting a lot of awards show season buzz. They're practically calling it Best Picture already, and engraving Casey Affleck's name on the Oscar. I thought it was pretty good, not great, but indeed a well-delivered performance by the stronger actor of the Affleck brothers. (Yes, I'll go out on a limb here and say that Ben has superior directing chops while Casey has him in the acting department; see "Gone Baby Gone" as Exhibit A.) The narrative is a nice change, as we learn most about the characters in flashbacks, and the cinematography and score are both strong. But the star here is Kenneth Lonergan's screenplay and Affleck's understated performance of the main character, Lee. Michelle Williams and newcomer Lucas Hedges also offer memorable supporting roles. That being said, I'm pretty lukewarm about this film.
Lee is a custodian living in Boston, doing whatever it takes to get through the work shift and the day. We learn how he ended up like this in flashbacks with his brother Joe (Kyle Chandler, yum) and ex-wife Randi (Michelle Williams). Lee's personality is pretty even-keel, but it's because he's suppressing some serious pain and grief that he hasn't come to terms with yet. He doesn't want to handle this pain nor does he know how. Joe's expected yet ill-timed death brings Lee back to his hometown of Manchester, where he is reunited with his nephew, Joe's son Patrick. Much to Lee's dismay, he finds out he is to be Patrick's guardian, as his mother is out of the picture.
The "present day" scenes take place in a matter of days: Lee and Patrick set about planning Joe's funeral, pick out a casket, postpone the burial because the ground is frozen outside, and all the while Lee attempts to "parent" Patrick to the best of his ability. He drives him to hockey practice, band practice and monitors Patrick's girlfriend situation (he has 2). The conversations and dialogue between characters, especially Lee and Patrick, is incredibly realistic and at times, humorous.
After learning about Lee's tragedy, one might wonder why he wasn't given a cathartic, emotionally-driven, waterfall of emotions kind of scene. This would have been the easy way out, and it's interesting that Lonergan didn't write one for him. Affleck plays this stiff, stifled emotion incredibly well. Williams delivers Randi's waterfall of emotions kind of scene with the excellence that only she knows how.
This film didn't stick with me, but it might be worth a re-watch. My colleagues, the critics, are getting way excited about this movie, but the pace was too slow for me, and it dragged on about 30 minutes too long.
Director: Kenneth Lonergan
Running Time: R
Rating: 2 hours, 17 minutes
"Manchester by the Sea" has been getting a lot of awards show season buzz. They're practically calling it Best Picture already, and engraving Casey Affleck's name on the Oscar. I thought it was pretty good, not great, but indeed a well-delivered performance by the stronger actor of the Affleck brothers. (Yes, I'll go out on a limb here and say that Ben has superior directing chops while Casey has him in the acting department; see "Gone Baby Gone" as Exhibit A.) The narrative is a nice change, as we learn most about the characters in flashbacks, and the cinematography and score are both strong. But the star here is Kenneth Lonergan's screenplay and Affleck's understated performance of the main character, Lee. Michelle Williams and newcomer Lucas Hedges also offer memorable supporting roles. That being said, I'm pretty lukewarm about this film.
Lee is a custodian living in Boston, doing whatever it takes to get through the work shift and the day. We learn how he ended up like this in flashbacks with his brother Joe (Kyle Chandler, yum) and ex-wife Randi (Michelle Williams). Lee's personality is pretty even-keel, but it's because he's suppressing some serious pain and grief that he hasn't come to terms with yet. He doesn't want to handle this pain nor does he know how. Joe's expected yet ill-timed death brings Lee back to his hometown of Manchester, where he is reunited with his nephew, Joe's son Patrick. Much to Lee's dismay, he finds out he is to be Patrick's guardian, as his mother is out of the picture.
The "present day" scenes take place in a matter of days: Lee and Patrick set about planning Joe's funeral, pick out a casket, postpone the burial because the ground is frozen outside, and all the while Lee attempts to "parent" Patrick to the best of his ability. He drives him to hockey practice, band practice and monitors Patrick's girlfriend situation (he has 2). The conversations and dialogue between characters, especially Lee and Patrick, is incredibly realistic and at times, humorous.
After learning about Lee's tragedy, one might wonder why he wasn't given a cathartic, emotionally-driven, waterfall of emotions kind of scene. This would have been the easy way out, and it's interesting that Lonergan didn't write one for him. Affleck plays this stiff, stifled emotion incredibly well. Williams delivers Randi's waterfall of emotions kind of scene with the excellence that only she knows how.
This film didn't stick with me, but it might be worth a re-watch. My colleagues, the critics, are getting way excited about this movie, but the pace was too slow for me, and it dragged on about 30 minutes too long.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
WP Kitchen + Bar
WP Kitchen + Bar in Greensboro has done quite an exceptional job re-branding this past year. I had dined here a few times since it opened in 2012, but it was never on my frequent-visit list. After a recent meal where I was able to sample several offerings on their menu, I rank this restaurant among the best in the Triad. The service and management is professional, the menu is adventurous yet the flavors and price points are accessible, and the restaurant sources local ingredients like Goat Lady Dairy cheese and Giacomo's Italian Market salami. I was thrilled to meet Wolf's brother Klaus, who makes regular visits to all of the Puck-owned restaurants. It's clear that this team cares deeply about their brand and their customers. They want to feed people delicious food, and they execute that very well. I encourage you to read on, but only if you don't have lunch or dinner plans and can make reservations at WP Kitchen + Bar today, because after these descriptions, you're going to want to run there.
Pull up a seat at the bar, where craft cocktails are the specialty (unless you prefer the Wolfgang Puck Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, of course!) A Pomegranate Bellini is a festive take on the traditional champagne drink, while the Eggnog Martini is really too easy to drink. It's less heavy than the holiday favorite, with just the right amount of sweetness and booze. The Cherry Sour is also a highlight, with brandy cherries, Amaretto, Campari and Bourbon. You can't go wrong with any of these.
Appetizers are quite tasty and easy to fill up on, my favorite being the house-cut Truffled Potato Chips with blue cheese fondue, blue cheese crumbles, chives and truffle oil. Just stop. I can't imagine a more delectable flavor combination, and each chip has the perfect amount of truffle oil and cheese. It's a huge pet peeve when truffle flavor is promised and it doesn't deliver. These definitely deliver, and then some. Sorry Hams, but these are the best chips in Greensboro.
Calamari fans will delight over the thin, crisp batter and tender squid, but the kicker here is the tangy pepperoncini scattered over the dish. The acidity is a nice addition, as are the housemade spicy marinara and pesto aioli. Squash Soup is a beautiful light orange hue, thanks to the kabocha pumpkin and acorn squash. It's a bit sweet, but the texture is nice and velvety, and the cardamom cream gives it an intriguing spice.
Puck knows how to make a pie. You know they mean business when they let their dough proof for 5-7 days. The pizza oven is gorgeous and heats to 750 degrees. There is beauty in simplicity in the Margherita Pizza. San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozz and basil - this is a classic combination for a reason. I loved the Giacomo's Pepperoni Pizza, a much spicier and more flavorful take on your standard pepperoni pie. They use oven-dried tomatoes, too! The Goat Cheese Pizza uses Goat Lady Dairy goat cheese (the best!) with fresh pesto, roasted tomatoes and basil. Their crust has a great chew, and I appreciate the tang of the tomato sauce. While the pizza is indeed special, I think they were wise to re-brand as "WP Kitchen + Bar" to emphasize all the other fabulous offerings on their menu, too.
If you don't think kale salads can be sexy, you haven't had WP's version, with gorgeous green goddess dressing. It's luscious, light and packed full of fresh flavors like basil, parsley and lemon. Kale is tossed with a citrus vinaigrette and sprinkled with fried quinoa for a nice crunch. This would make a great meal alongside the Fennel Sausage Bolognese. I was worried about the fennel flavor overpowering the dish, but it wasn't offensive at all. Housemade herbed ricotta is dolloped on top, and while the pasta was a bit too al dente for my taste, the flavor of the sauce was outstanding, as if it had been cooking all day long.
Are you salivating yet? Ready to move onto entrees? NC Mountain Trout is grilled and topped with lemon butter, making it extra decadent. The fish is perfect. It's flaky, substantial, and served alongside fabulous roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. I'm not a Salmon fan, but I actually really enjoyed the pan-seared salmon, because it wasn't overwhelmingly fishy, and it was topped with a tangy olive tapenade. A fresh, citrusy, shaved fennel salad is paired with it.
Cooking a good chicken is a testament to an excellent chef. While we all know that Puck is one of the greats, his Springer Mountain Farms Chicken is moist, bursting with flavor and drizzled with an umami-forward bourbon chicken jus. If you think chicken is boring and done too often, come try this. It will change your mind. It's served with crispy potatoes that are boiled, smashed, fried and finally tossed with garlic and red pepper flakes. They are killer!! The grilled Flat Iron Steak is cooked medium rare, has a nice salty crust and made even more luxurious with a pat of garlic herb butter to top it all off. Housemade steak sauce gives any bottled variety a run for its money (and would sell quite well if they bottled it!) Frites are thin and crispy, with strong garlic flavor - quite addictive.
Other noteworthy sides include the Truffled Mac & Cheese - the truffle flavor is in the breadcrumbs! - and Roasted Cauliflower, tossed with brown butter and pepperoncini. An order of each would provide a solid and satisfying meal, and were two of my favorites from the evening.
Be sure and save room for dessert. Coffee fans will love the Espresso Semifreddo (semi-frozen, like ice cream) with a chocolate "straw" tuile, while Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are any-age friendly. The star dessert is the Salted Caramel Pudding with creme fraiche whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumbles. It's like they took a batch of salted caramel and added a rich custard to it - the flavors are absolutely perfect and I would eat a gallon of this. You can even order warm Chocolate Chip Cookies, studded with still-melty chocolate chips!
Are you calling WP Kitchen + Bar for reservations right now? They have themed dinners each month, too, that are hosted on their heated patio. I am so excited to return and enjoy my favorites (it will be incredibly hard to pick just a few!) If you haven't been in a while, take it from me - this spot is absolutely fantastic. Head over when you need a break from shopping at Friendly! You will not leave disappointed.
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| With my buddies "The Man Who Ate The Town," Tim Beeman and triadfoodies' Kristi Maier! |
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| Eggnog Martinis coming right up! |
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| Cheersing with Chef Nikki Miller-Ka aka NikSnacks! |
Appetizers are quite tasty and easy to fill up on, my favorite being the house-cut Truffled Potato Chips with blue cheese fondue, blue cheese crumbles, chives and truffle oil. Just stop. I can't imagine a more delectable flavor combination, and each chip has the perfect amount of truffle oil and cheese. It's a huge pet peeve when truffle flavor is promised and it doesn't deliver. These definitely deliver, and then some. Sorry Hams, but these are the best chips in Greensboro.
Calamari fans will delight over the thin, crisp batter and tender squid, but the kicker here is the tangy pepperoncini scattered over the dish. The acidity is a nice addition, as are the housemade spicy marinara and pesto aioli. Squash Soup is a beautiful light orange hue, thanks to the kabocha pumpkin and acorn squash. It's a bit sweet, but the texture is nice and velvety, and the cardamom cream gives it an intriguing spice.
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| Clockwise: Fennel Sausage Bolognese, Flat Iron Steak with garlic herb butter, Truffled Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Fondue, Kale Salad |
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| Executive Chef Matt Culpepper giving a pizza tutorial! |
Are you salivating yet? Ready to move onto entrees? NC Mountain Trout is grilled and topped with lemon butter, making it extra decadent. The fish is perfect. It's flaky, substantial, and served alongside fabulous roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. I'm not a Salmon fan, but I actually really enjoyed the pan-seared salmon, because it wasn't overwhelmingly fishy, and it was topped with a tangy olive tapenade. A fresh, citrusy, shaved fennel salad is paired with it.
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| Klaus Puck serving 1808's Tina Firesheets |
Other noteworthy sides include the Truffled Mac & Cheese - the truffle flavor is in the breadcrumbs! - and Roasted Cauliflower, tossed with brown butter and pepperoncini. An order of each would provide a solid and satisfying meal, and were two of my favorites from the evening.
 |
| Truffled Mac & Cheese |
Be sure and save room for dessert. Coffee fans will love the Espresso Semifreddo (semi-frozen, like ice cream) with a chocolate "straw" tuile, while Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are any-age friendly. The star dessert is the Salted Caramel Pudding with creme fraiche whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumbles. It's like they took a batch of salted caramel and added a rich custard to it - the flavors are absolutely perfect and I would eat a gallon of this. You can even order warm Chocolate Chip Cookies, studded with still-melty chocolate chips!
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| Cinnamon Sugar Donut, Espresso Semifreddo and Salted Caramel Pudding |
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Moana
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison
Director: Ron Clements and Don Hall
Running Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: PG
"Moana" is Disney's latest sensation, and with good reason. The animation is gorgeous - I felt like I was at sea the entire time - the music is catchy, thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda's lending hand, and our protagonist is a strong Polynesian girl - both strong-willed AND she's pretty ripped. (The girl has incredible upper body strength!) While my favorite animated film of the year was "Kubo and the Two Strings", "Moana" is sure to delight audiences of all ages, and it's a film I would enjoy watching again and again. Any Disney fan will love it.
The film's portrayal of Polynesian culture is genuine and sincere. I have no doubts that the writers, animators and producers took careful thought with each element of this movie. We meet Moana as a toddler, already enchanted by the sea and the unknown that lies on the other side of it. As a young girl, her father Chief Tui encourages her to stay put on the island and learn how to be the leader she inevitably becomes; meanwhile her Gramma Tala feeds her adventuresome side and tells her the legend of Maui, an ancient demigod who accidentally set a curse among their people. The curse can only be removed by the one "chosen" by the sea. Naturally, Moana's curiosity is heightened.
In a soaring number ("How Far I'll Go"), Moana sets across the sea in search of Maui, alongside the help of Hei Hei, an adorably idiotic bird (but sadly not Pua the precious pig!) Maui is voiced by Dwayne Johnson, and while I'm not a huge fan of The Rock, his comedic timing and vocal skills deliver. The two are in for a wild ride, fighting off coconut pirates, battling a fire giant named Te Ka, and barely escaping the claws of a giant crab named Tamatoa. Needless to say, their journey is a lot of fun.
I could have used several more songs from Miranda, but the ones we have are catchy, melodic and will certainly stay in your head. This is a beautiful film and Moana is an inspiring protagonist, though my screening partner commented on the fact that it has been a while since Disney produced a "prince" movie. We named a few: Tarzan, Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but as far as Disney movies go, princesses are king.
Director: Ron Clements and Don Hall
Running Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: PG
"Moana" is Disney's latest sensation, and with good reason. The animation is gorgeous - I felt like I was at sea the entire time - the music is catchy, thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda's lending hand, and our protagonist is a strong Polynesian girl - both strong-willed AND she's pretty ripped. (The girl has incredible upper body strength!) While my favorite animated film of the year was "Kubo and the Two Strings", "Moana" is sure to delight audiences of all ages, and it's a film I would enjoy watching again and again. Any Disney fan will love it.
The film's portrayal of Polynesian culture is genuine and sincere. I have no doubts that the writers, animators and producers took careful thought with each element of this movie. We meet Moana as a toddler, already enchanted by the sea and the unknown that lies on the other side of it. As a young girl, her father Chief Tui encourages her to stay put on the island and learn how to be the leader she inevitably becomes; meanwhile her Gramma Tala feeds her adventuresome side and tells her the legend of Maui, an ancient demigod who accidentally set a curse among their people. The curse can only be removed by the one "chosen" by the sea. Naturally, Moana's curiosity is heightened.
In a soaring number ("How Far I'll Go"), Moana sets across the sea in search of Maui, alongside the help of Hei Hei, an adorably idiotic bird (but sadly not Pua the precious pig!) Maui is voiced by Dwayne Johnson, and while I'm not a huge fan of The Rock, his comedic timing and vocal skills deliver. The two are in for a wild ride, fighting off coconut pirates, battling a fire giant named Te Ka, and barely escaping the claws of a giant crab named Tamatoa. Needless to say, their journey is a lot of fun.
I could have used several more songs from Miranda, but the ones we have are catchy, melodic and will certainly stay in your head. This is a beautiful film and Moana is an inspiring protagonist, though my screening partner commented on the fact that it has been a while since Disney produced a "prince" movie. We named a few: Tarzan, Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but as far as Disney movies go, princesses are king.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Fratellis Steakhouse
Fratellis Steakhouse in Winston-Salem has quickly become one of my favorites in the area. It's great for family dinners or special occasions, and they have a more casual bar for dates or getting together with friends. This location has been home to several restaurants throughout the years, including Staley's, Frankie Rowland's, and most recently, Old Staley's Bar and Grille. I'm thrilled that it has stayed Fratellis, and if they keep doing what they've been doing, I have no doubt it will stay here for a very long time.
Everything I've tried on the menu has been wonderful, including their craft cocktails. All entrees come with the Fratellis Family Salad, featuring apples, dried cranberries and pecans, or you can upgrade to the Wedge, my personal fave. Bacon, Grape Tomatoes, Gorgonzola crumbles and Gorgonzola dressing is a classic combination. It would be easy to get full on this, alongside their dinner rolls with herbed olive oil, but don't do it! There's a lot to look forward to with your entrees. The Greek Village Salad could serve as an entree though, with Tomatoes, Cukes, Kalamata Olives, Onion, Bell Peppers and Feta Cubes (!!) over chopped Romaine. It's like eating a delicious garden. The crunch and freshness of the ingredients is wonderful.
Being that it's an Italian joint, you know Fratellis is going to have a killer pizza. Their chicken pizza has mushrooms, caramelized onions, bacon and spinach and rivals just about any pizza you've had anywhere. The crust and sauce are so flavorful, and the slices aren't TOO big, so you don't feel guilty having 3 or 4.
My favorite entree is their Seabass. It is outstanding. The fish is incredibly tender, and served atop flavorful lemon basil risotto, with cherry tomatoes for a bite of acid and a pop of color. Add some capers and a drizzle of feta cream, and you have a killer dish. It's hard for me to not get this every time I come here!
You could also opt for any of their flavorful steaks, with crusts like mushroom marsala, homemade boursin or horseradish cream. I also like to order their tender scallops a la carte, which come 8 ounces to an order, which equals anywhere between 4-8 scallops. This dish comes with two sides, and the sides alone could be a satisfying and fulfilling meal. Parmesan-blistered corn is exactly what it sounds like: charred corn is sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Needless to say, it's delicious. Roasted Brussels Sprouts are made even more delectable when they're paired with crunchy, sweet apples, and chewy, salty bacon. They're really hitting on all flavor and texture points here. Fratellis gnocchi is some of the best I've ever had. It has incredible flavor and is toothsome, so it doesn't just wilt away. It's sprinkled with salty parmesan cheese for extra decadence.
You must save room for dessert, whether it's their signature Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding, or my favorite, the Bananas Foster. This isn't the traditional Bananas Foster you're used to, either. A thick slice of buttery pound cake is topped with a caramel rum sauce, sliced bananas, vanilla ice cream and the star of the show: candied pretzels. The pretzels give a necessary salty crunch to break up the richness of the dish. It's one of the best restaurant desserts I've ever had. My party and I went HAM on it (look it up on urban dictionary) and it was difficult to resist ordering another one immediately.
I love Fratellis. If you live in Winston and haven't been, make a trip here ASAP. Reservations are recommended, because the word is getting out that this place is the jam. We have plans to return for my parents' anniversary later this month and I can't wait. That will also mark the 5th anniversary of my blog! Holy cow. Time sure flies when you're seeing great flicks and eating killer food.
Everything I've tried on the menu has been wonderful, including their craft cocktails. All entrees come with the Fratellis Family Salad, featuring apples, dried cranberries and pecans, or you can upgrade to the Wedge, my personal fave. Bacon, Grape Tomatoes, Gorgonzola crumbles and Gorgonzola dressing is a classic combination. It would be easy to get full on this, alongside their dinner rolls with herbed olive oil, but don't do it! There's a lot to look forward to with your entrees. The Greek Village Salad could serve as an entree though, with Tomatoes, Cukes, Kalamata Olives, Onion, Bell Peppers and Feta Cubes (!!) over chopped Romaine. It's like eating a delicious garden. The crunch and freshness of the ingredients is wonderful.
Being that it's an Italian joint, you know Fratellis is going to have a killer pizza. Their chicken pizza has mushrooms, caramelized onions, bacon and spinach and rivals just about any pizza you've had anywhere. The crust and sauce are so flavorful, and the slices aren't TOO big, so you don't feel guilty having 3 or 4.
My favorite entree is their Seabass. It is outstanding. The fish is incredibly tender, and served atop flavorful lemon basil risotto, with cherry tomatoes for a bite of acid and a pop of color. Add some capers and a drizzle of feta cream, and you have a killer dish. It's hard for me to not get this every time I come here!
You could also opt for any of their flavorful steaks, with crusts like mushroom marsala, homemade boursin or horseradish cream. I also like to order their tender scallops a la carte, which come 8 ounces to an order, which equals anywhere between 4-8 scallops. This dish comes with two sides, and the sides alone could be a satisfying and fulfilling meal. Parmesan-blistered corn is exactly what it sounds like: charred corn is sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Needless to say, it's delicious. Roasted Brussels Sprouts are made even more delectable when they're paired with crunchy, sweet apples, and chewy, salty bacon. They're really hitting on all flavor and texture points here. Fratellis gnocchi is some of the best I've ever had. It has incredible flavor and is toothsome, so it doesn't just wilt away. It's sprinkled with salty parmesan cheese for extra decadence.
You must save room for dessert, whether it's their signature Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding, or my favorite, the Bananas Foster. This isn't the traditional Bananas Foster you're used to, either. A thick slice of buttery pound cake is topped with a caramel rum sauce, sliced bananas, vanilla ice cream and the star of the show: candied pretzels. The pretzels give a necessary salty crunch to break up the richness of the dish. It's one of the best restaurant desserts I've ever had. My party and I went HAM on it (look it up on urban dictionary) and it was difficult to resist ordering another one immediately.
I love Fratellis. If you live in Winston and haven't been, make a trip here ASAP. Reservations are recommended, because the word is getting out that this place is the jam. We have plans to return for my parents' anniversary later this month and I can't wait. That will also mark the 5th anniversary of my blog! Holy cow. Time sure flies when you're seeing great flicks and eating killer food.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Moonlight
Starring: Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monae, Naomie Harris, Ashton Sanders
Director: Barry Jenkins
Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Rating: R
"Moonlight" is one of the most heartbreaking films I've ever watched. To call this a coming of age story is a bit of an understatement. Yes, we see our protagonist Chiron develop from age 8 to age 28 (or thereabouts) but we also see his attempt to overcome being a gay black male in a rough Miami neighborhood. This isn't just your average tale of growing up. The acting is incredible, each actor doing their character justice, with spot-on cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful score. Will this be a contender come Oscar season? It's hard to say, but this is an extremely well-done film that's sure to leave tears in your eyes and a heaviness on your heart.
The film is broken into three parts. We first meet 8-year-old Chiron, aka Little, as he is running away from bullies. He finds himself in a drug house, and we immediately realize the type of neighborhood he lives in. Juan (Ali) finds him and serves as a sort of mentor, though he is in fact a drug dealer himself. Juan and his girlfriend Teresa (Monae) are seen parent figures to Little, much more so than his mother (Harris) who has recently developed an addiction to crack. Even at age 8, Little questions his sexuality and wonders why kids at school tease him and call him cruel, gay slurs. His friend Kevin encourages him to not be "soft" and fight back when he is bring picked on. This friendship with Kevin develops into a touching story line that we follow throughout the film. Juan and Teresa struggle with their role in Little's life, knowing his tumultuous home situation. The moment Little realizes Juan sells drugs for a living, and his mother takes drugs, is heartbreaking.
During part two, we meet Chiron, the alienated and bullied high school student, still being tormented for his sexuality. Chiron's struggle with his sexuality isn't the primary focus of the film, because everything in his life is an equally difficult struggle. He continues to spend time with Teresa as his own mother falls further and further into the drug world. One day, Chiron hits his breaking point. We see it building and building until it finally comes to a head. It was only a matter of time, and it's devastating to watch.
Part three introduces us to a whole new man: Black. He has become a drug dealer in Atlanta, and has developed a hard persona - the sensitive and naive boy we once knew is long gone. He gets a phone call from his old friend Kevin, and when they reunite, Kevin is also shocked at Black's new lifestyle. The two share a few powerful scenes over dinner at a diner, but for the most part, this was the weakest chapter in the film. It was also hard to see the vicious cycle of poverty and crime life continue to be played out.
Obviously, this is not a feel-good movie. My brow was furrowed the entire time. The three actors that played Chiron did it with such grace and courage. It's a beautiful movie, in its own dark way, but was very hard for me to watch.
Director: Barry Jenkins
Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Rating: R
"Moonlight" is one of the most heartbreaking films I've ever watched. To call this a coming of age story is a bit of an understatement. Yes, we see our protagonist Chiron develop from age 8 to age 28 (or thereabouts) but we also see his attempt to overcome being a gay black male in a rough Miami neighborhood. This isn't just your average tale of growing up. The acting is incredible, each actor doing their character justice, with spot-on cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful score. Will this be a contender come Oscar season? It's hard to say, but this is an extremely well-done film that's sure to leave tears in your eyes and a heaviness on your heart.
The film is broken into three parts. We first meet 8-year-old Chiron, aka Little, as he is running away from bullies. He finds himself in a drug house, and we immediately realize the type of neighborhood he lives in. Juan (Ali) finds him and serves as a sort of mentor, though he is in fact a drug dealer himself. Juan and his girlfriend Teresa (Monae) are seen parent figures to Little, much more so than his mother (Harris) who has recently developed an addiction to crack. Even at age 8, Little questions his sexuality and wonders why kids at school tease him and call him cruel, gay slurs. His friend Kevin encourages him to not be "soft" and fight back when he is bring picked on. This friendship with Kevin develops into a touching story line that we follow throughout the film. Juan and Teresa struggle with their role in Little's life, knowing his tumultuous home situation. The moment Little realizes Juan sells drugs for a living, and his mother takes drugs, is heartbreaking.
During part two, we meet Chiron, the alienated and bullied high school student, still being tormented for his sexuality. Chiron's struggle with his sexuality isn't the primary focus of the film, because everything in his life is an equally difficult struggle. He continues to spend time with Teresa as his own mother falls further and further into the drug world. One day, Chiron hits his breaking point. We see it building and building until it finally comes to a head. It was only a matter of time, and it's devastating to watch.
Part three introduces us to a whole new man: Black. He has become a drug dealer in Atlanta, and has developed a hard persona - the sensitive and naive boy we once knew is long gone. He gets a phone call from his old friend Kevin, and when they reunite, Kevin is also shocked at Black's new lifestyle. The two share a few powerful scenes over dinner at a diner, but for the most part, this was the weakest chapter in the film. It was also hard to see the vicious cycle of poverty and crime life continue to be played out.
Obviously, this is not a feel-good movie. My brow was furrowed the entire time. The three actors that played Chiron did it with such grace and courage. It's a beautiful movie, in its own dark way, but was very hard for me to watch.
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