Eugene Onegin
If you have missed the other satellite opera productions from the Metropolitan Opera you still have time for two more productions on March 24 and April 24. The showings are at the ScotiaBank Theatre (Paramount) and the Sheppard Grande... You must reserve ahead of time because all the productions have been sold out well before the showing date. It is a brilliant concept. The performances are in high fidelity and come directly by satellite to many theatres around the world. It is larger than life. Words can’t describe the sensation of seeing this great talent right in your face. You can read their lips. You see every facial expression. The sound is spectacular. If I had to find a minor complaint I would say the clarity is a bit light in color. Also Renee Fleming is supposed to be a young girl of seventeen. Up close it is more obvious that she is a bit older. It all didn’t matter because the music is so exquisite. I also like the fact that the English subtitles are at the bottom of the screen so you can see the full production and read the words at the same time. I was anxious to see Eugene Onegin because it is part of the series for next year for the COC. It will be great to compare. Renee Fleming played the lead role of Tatiana. She is so beautiful and every note was like an angel singing. The handsome and talented Dmitri Hvorostovsky sang the role of Eugene Onegin. It was superb. The music is by Tchaikovsky and the lyrics are based on a verse by Pushkin. It is a story of unrequited love. During the intermission Beverley Sills interviews the main singers. You are taken back stage. The conductor also talks to you during a rehearsal. The total production is a thrilling experience. I do recommend this new art form.
Saturday March 24 Rossini; the Barber of Seville 1:30 p.m.
Saturday April 24 Puccini: Il Trittico 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Restaurant Review: Marcello's Pizzeria
Marcello’s Pizzeria 1163 St Clair Ave. W. 416.656.6159
Thank you John. You are a warm gracious server. Serving patrons is an art. In this friendly pizzeria you are always welcomed and treated like a member of the family. No reservations are taken and the place is always full. My good friend Elaine has eaten in almost all the restaurants in this city. When I heard that she has not previously dined at Marcello’s we headed there for an Italian feast.
I think it is safe to say that the pizzas are the best in town. They appear quickly from the busy kitchen and each one looks so yummy as it is whisked to salivating patrons. You can make your own or pick from the 20 varieties listed on the menu. I always order the Vegetale Pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, broccoli, grilled zucchini, onions and mushrooms. We added grilled eggplant to our order. The crust is thin and crusty. The flavors are wonderful. Of course there is always an extra one listed on the daily specials. Pizzas vary from $8.50 -$12.95. There is bound to be one to suit your taste. I can’t possibly eat one whole pizza. It is a great idea to have an appetizer and share a pizza.
We each started with my favorite salad, Inslata Marcello’s. The mixed greens, roasted red peppers and artichokes are lightly seasoned with a balsamic vinaigrette and shavings of asiago cheese. ($8.95) Caprese is a lovely mixture of roam tomatoes, boccocini cheese, chives and extra virgin oil.($6.95) There are always two soups on the menu. Minestrone is a fresh eatable soup.($4.95) On other occasions I have been with friends who enjoyed the Stacciatella Fiorentina. It is an egg drop soup with spinach in a tomato base chicken broth. ($4.95)
The Antipasti are plentiful and inviting. Cozze Alla Marinara is a steamed mussel dish in a spicy white wine tomato sauce with leeks and garlic. ($9.95) Frittura di Calamari is &9.95. Last evening a young couple engulfed this dish in no time and we heard them saying how good it was.
If you prefer a Panini there are four selections. They are served with a side order of Caesar or Insalata Mista. Panini is a classical Italian lunch dish. All varieties are served for $10.95
If you prefer a pasta dish you will be delighted with the choices. I have picked out my next treat. Linguine con Gamberi is my favorite pasta dish serving black tiger shrimps, leeks in a sun dried tomato paste cream sauce. ($15.95) Spaghetti Al Pesto is served with grilled chicken and sun dried tomatoes in a pesto cram sauce. ($12.95) Agnolotti Alla Gorgonzola is half mooned shaped pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a gorgonzola tomato basil sauce. ($10.95)
The prices are more than fair. The service is warm and attentive. The food is outstanding. Of course you can do a take out. But why bother? Come early and enjoy an Italian home cooked experience.
Thank you John. You are a warm gracious server. Serving patrons is an art. In this friendly pizzeria you are always welcomed and treated like a member of the family. No reservations are taken and the place is always full. My good friend Elaine has eaten in almost all the restaurants in this city. When I heard that she has not previously dined at Marcello’s we headed there for an Italian feast.
I think it is safe to say that the pizzas are the best in town. They appear quickly from the busy kitchen and each one looks so yummy as it is whisked to salivating patrons. You can make your own or pick from the 20 varieties listed on the menu. I always order the Vegetale Pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, broccoli, grilled zucchini, onions and mushrooms. We added grilled eggplant to our order. The crust is thin and crusty. The flavors are wonderful. Of course there is always an extra one listed on the daily specials. Pizzas vary from $8.50 -$12.95. There is bound to be one to suit your taste. I can’t possibly eat one whole pizza. It is a great idea to have an appetizer and share a pizza.
We each started with my favorite salad, Inslata Marcello’s. The mixed greens, roasted red peppers and artichokes are lightly seasoned with a balsamic vinaigrette and shavings of asiago cheese. ($8.95) Caprese is a lovely mixture of roam tomatoes, boccocini cheese, chives and extra virgin oil.($6.95) There are always two soups on the menu. Minestrone is a fresh eatable soup.($4.95) On other occasions I have been with friends who enjoyed the Stacciatella Fiorentina. It is an egg drop soup with spinach in a tomato base chicken broth. ($4.95)
The Antipasti are plentiful and inviting. Cozze Alla Marinara is a steamed mussel dish in a spicy white wine tomato sauce with leeks and garlic. ($9.95) Frittura di Calamari is &9.95. Last evening a young couple engulfed this dish in no time and we heard them saying how good it was.
If you prefer a Panini there are four selections. They are served with a side order of Caesar or Insalata Mista. Panini is a classical Italian lunch dish. All varieties are served for $10.95
If you prefer a pasta dish you will be delighted with the choices. I have picked out my next treat. Linguine con Gamberi is my favorite pasta dish serving black tiger shrimps, leeks in a sun dried tomato paste cream sauce. ($15.95) Spaghetti Al Pesto is served with grilled chicken and sun dried tomatoes in a pesto cram sauce. ($12.95) Agnolotti Alla Gorgonzola is half mooned shaped pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a gorgonzola tomato basil sauce. ($10.95)
The prices are more than fair. The service is warm and attentive. The food is outstanding. Of course you can do a take out. But why bother? Come early and enjoy an Italian home cooked experience.
Restaurant Review: Cuisine of India
Cuisine of India 5222 Yonge St 416.229.0377
It was my son Ray’s birthday. As part of the celebration we went to see Eugene Onegin, the opera. As an added treat we went to our favorite restaurant for Indian food. It is just north of Shepard and well worth the drive. Go to see a movie first at the Sheppard Grand or Empress Walk. Both are a few blocks south of the restaurant. We arrived at 5:30. Within 15 minutes all the tables were filled. The service is fast and efficient. The menu is varied and the food is wonderful. This is great food for sharing. Order several dishes and enjoy the variety of flavors. Before you even order your food a plate of crisp spicy Indian bread is placed on the table. Delicious. If you wish a starter the Vegetable Samosas are crisp patties stuffed with spiced potatoes and vegetables.($3.95) the Onion Bhajia is a plate of sliced onions combined with spices and chick pea flour and fried.($3.75)
Spend some time on the section of food cooked Tandoori style. The food is marinated and then cooked in a clay oven. The mingling of spices is mouth watering. The Tandoori Prawn dish is the best in the city. The prawns are grilled with a marinade of carom.($16.95) Six of the largest plumpest flavorful shrimps were placed on a sizzling plate. Julienne vegetables lightly grilled were placed around the plate. Tandoori Mahi serves a whole marinated fish cooked in a Tandoor($16.95) Murg Badami Tika are chicken cubes soaked in a creamy marinade and flavored with almonds and cardamom.($12.50) Peshawari Pasanda Kebab are juicy lean beef picattas combined with freshly ground spices and rolled on a skewer.($12.50)
There are so many other dishes from which to choose. One of my favorites is Palak Paneer. Freshly pureed spinach is tempered with ginger and combined with home made cheese. I know it doesn’t sound good but the flavors are fantastic and it is so healthy.($8.25) Karhai Baingan is wok cooked eggplant with an array of fresh herbs and a sprinkling of fenugreek.($8.25)Ghost Badam Pasanda is for lamb lovers. Tender lamb picattas are cooked in a smooth almond gravy with saffron.($12.50) Chicken Jugal is a plate of chicken juliennes simmered in a smooth ginger cumin sauce with fresh peppercorns.($11.95) There are a variety of chicken and beef specialties. Vegetarians will delight with the lengthy section of vegetarian choices. I have eaten here several times and have had excellent food every time. If you have never tried Indian food I urge you to try it. It is not hot food as many think. It is food beautifully spiced with an array of herbs and spices. It is so flavorful. There is always a great variety. It is fun to share and taste a variety of dishes.
It was my son Ray’s birthday. As part of the celebration we went to see Eugene Onegin, the opera. As an added treat we went to our favorite restaurant for Indian food. It is just north of Shepard and well worth the drive. Go to see a movie first at the Sheppard Grand or Empress Walk. Both are a few blocks south of the restaurant. We arrived at 5:30. Within 15 minutes all the tables were filled. The service is fast and efficient. The menu is varied and the food is wonderful. This is great food for sharing. Order several dishes and enjoy the variety of flavors. Before you even order your food a plate of crisp spicy Indian bread is placed on the table. Delicious. If you wish a starter the Vegetable Samosas are crisp patties stuffed with spiced potatoes and vegetables.($3.95) the Onion Bhajia is a plate of sliced onions combined with spices and chick pea flour and fried.($3.75)
Spend some time on the section of food cooked Tandoori style. The food is marinated and then cooked in a clay oven. The mingling of spices is mouth watering. The Tandoori Prawn dish is the best in the city. The prawns are grilled with a marinade of carom.($16.95) Six of the largest plumpest flavorful shrimps were placed on a sizzling plate. Julienne vegetables lightly grilled were placed around the plate. Tandoori Mahi serves a whole marinated fish cooked in a Tandoor($16.95) Murg Badami Tika are chicken cubes soaked in a creamy marinade and flavored with almonds and cardamom.($12.50) Peshawari Pasanda Kebab are juicy lean beef picattas combined with freshly ground spices and rolled on a skewer.($12.50)
There are so many other dishes from which to choose. One of my favorites is Palak Paneer. Freshly pureed spinach is tempered with ginger and combined with home made cheese. I know it doesn’t sound good but the flavors are fantastic and it is so healthy.($8.25) Karhai Baingan is wok cooked eggplant with an array of fresh herbs and a sprinkling of fenugreek.($8.25)Ghost Badam Pasanda is for lamb lovers. Tender lamb picattas are cooked in a smooth almond gravy with saffron.($12.50) Chicken Jugal is a plate of chicken juliennes simmered in a smooth ginger cumin sauce with fresh peppercorns.($11.95) There are a variety of chicken and beef specialties. Vegetarians will delight with the lengthy section of vegetarian choices. I have eaten here several times and have had excellent food every time. If you have never tried Indian food I urge you to try it. It is not hot food as many think. It is food beautifully spiced with an array of herbs and spices. It is so flavorful. There is always a great variety. It is fun to share and taste a variety of dishes.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Film Review: Music and Lyrics
Music and Lyrics
February 18, 2007
I hope my son will forgive me. We like many of the same films and he claims he walked out of this one. Recently I have viewed some outstanding Oscar worthy drama. Sometimes you just want to be entertained and not have your heart in your mouth and your stomach in a knot. I came with no expectations and found myself absolutely delighted from beginning to end. Drew Barrymore is pert, adorable and very good. Hugh Grant always sounds the same and acts the same in all his films. He does have a sense of comedy and perfect timing. The two together make a delightful match. Hugh Grant plays the part of Alex Fletcher. He is a POP singer who hasn’t had a hit in many years. His early works are so bad that they are hilarious. Cora is a young sex symbol singer. She likes Alex and wants him to write a song for her. He is talented in the music department but can’t write lyrics. Enter Sophie ( Drew Barrymore) as the lady who waters his plants... She hears Alex at the piano and quietly adds some lyrics. This is the beginning of a team. The two write a hit song for Cora and of course become a team in life. There are many laughs. The pace is fast. It is sheer entertainment without demanding anything form the audience other than enjoying it.
February 18, 2007
I hope my son will forgive me. We like many of the same films and he claims he walked out of this one. Recently I have viewed some outstanding Oscar worthy drama. Sometimes you just want to be entertained and not have your heart in your mouth and your stomach in a knot. I came with no expectations and found myself absolutely delighted from beginning to end. Drew Barrymore is pert, adorable and very good. Hugh Grant always sounds the same and acts the same in all his films. He does have a sense of comedy and perfect timing. The two together make a delightful match. Hugh Grant plays the part of Alex Fletcher. He is a POP singer who hasn’t had a hit in many years. His early works are so bad that they are hilarious. Cora is a young sex symbol singer. She likes Alex and wants him to write a song for her. He is talented in the music department but can’t write lyrics. Enter Sophie ( Drew Barrymore) as the lady who waters his plants... She hears Alex at the piano and quietly adds some lyrics. This is the beginning of a team. The two write a hit song for Cora and of course become a team in life. There are many laughs. The pace is fast. It is sheer entertainment without demanding anything form the audience other than enjoying it.
Film Review: Amu
Amu
February 18, 2007
Run don’t walk to this powerful production. I have always loved to read novels by Indian authors and see films about the country. I am fascinated by the history. This daring film tells the story of the massacre of over 5000 Sikhs in New Delhi in 1984. Many Indian people are unaware of this historical event. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on Oct. 31, 1984 by Sikh bodyguards. In retaliation the massacre of innocent Sikhs in the slum area of New Delhi has been kept a dark secret for a long time. It is known that the government and police orchestrated and coordinated the massacre. It was not a riot of the common people. The story is told in a beautiful manner. We don’t see endless battles of brutal murder. We know it happens and little vignettes are shown. I like so much the concept of telling an historical event through the eyes of a family.
Amu is an adopted Indian girl living in the United States. After graduating from the university she sets out against her mother’s wishes to visit with family in India. She has a wonderful time with her cousin and darling grandmother. Her aunt and uncle make her so welcome. She meets a young boy, Kaju from an upper class family. They become friends and he helps her in her quest to find out about her past. Like a Pandora’s Box facts and events lead her to discover the truth about her birth parents and their terrible deaths. Her adopted mother makes a surprising visit to India to be with the family. Daughter and mother struggle emotionally as Kaju learns the truth. Of course this raises questions as to why she wasn’t told the truth earlier. It is all symbolic of the way the country kept this terrible tragedy from the world. The woman playing the adopted mother is the actual aunt of the director. It is a first acting experience for her and she is fantastic. All the actors are masterful and believable.
The cinematography is wonderful. I loved the sights of New Delhi and the countryside with the mustard fields. I felt at home as the family sang and danced and enjoyed good food. I felt such empathy for Kaju as I looked into her big brown questioning eyes.
This was a history lesson that I will not forget. It doesn’t hit you over the head with gruesome details but it packs an emotional wallop as we find out the facts through a family living in New Delhi.
The audience was treat5ed to a wonderful surprise. The producer came from Los Angeles to discuss the film with the audience. What a treat! His wife Shonali Bose wrote and directed the film. Someone asked how India received this film. Apparently the censors originally did a lot of cutting. Every time the widows spoke the film rolled but there was no voice. It was stated that it is ironic that even after 22 years the widows are still being silenced. They are looking for justice and still fighting to receive something from the government. We were privileged to see the whole film.
This film has been selected at countless Film Festivals around the world. It was a sell out during the 2005 Toronto Film Festival. It is a total winner and I urge you to attend.
February 18, 2007
Run don’t walk to this powerful production. I have always loved to read novels by Indian authors and see films about the country. I am fascinated by the history. This daring film tells the story of the massacre of over 5000 Sikhs in New Delhi in 1984. Many Indian people are unaware of this historical event. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on Oct. 31, 1984 by Sikh bodyguards. In retaliation the massacre of innocent Sikhs in the slum area of New Delhi has been kept a dark secret for a long time. It is known that the government and police orchestrated and coordinated the massacre. It was not a riot of the common people. The story is told in a beautiful manner. We don’t see endless battles of brutal murder. We know it happens and little vignettes are shown. I like so much the concept of telling an historical event through the eyes of a family.
Amu is an adopted Indian girl living in the United States. After graduating from the university she sets out against her mother’s wishes to visit with family in India. She has a wonderful time with her cousin and darling grandmother. Her aunt and uncle make her so welcome. She meets a young boy, Kaju from an upper class family. They become friends and he helps her in her quest to find out about her past. Like a Pandora’s Box facts and events lead her to discover the truth about her birth parents and their terrible deaths. Her adopted mother makes a surprising visit to India to be with the family. Daughter and mother struggle emotionally as Kaju learns the truth. Of course this raises questions as to why she wasn’t told the truth earlier. It is all symbolic of the way the country kept this terrible tragedy from the world. The woman playing the adopted mother is the actual aunt of the director. It is a first acting experience for her and she is fantastic. All the actors are masterful and believable.
The cinematography is wonderful. I loved the sights of New Delhi and the countryside with the mustard fields. I felt at home as the family sang and danced and enjoyed good food. I felt such empathy for Kaju as I looked into her big brown questioning eyes.
This was a history lesson that I will not forget. It doesn’t hit you over the head with gruesome details but it packs an emotional wallop as we find out the facts through a family living in New Delhi.
The audience was treat5ed to a wonderful surprise. The producer came from Los Angeles to discuss the film with the audience. What a treat! His wife Shonali Bose wrote and directed the film. Someone asked how India received this film. Apparently the censors originally did a lot of cutting. Every time the widows spoke the film rolled but there was no voice. It was stated that it is ironic that even after 22 years the widows are still being silenced. They are looking for justice and still fighting to receive something from the government. We were privileged to see the whole film.
This film has been selected at countless Film Festivals around the world. It was a sell out during the 2005 Toronto Film Festival. It is a total winner and I urge you to attend.
Film Review: Breaking and Entering
Breaking and Entering
February 18, 2007
I saw this amazing film a week ago at a preview. It is still haunting me. It is based on the true story of spy Robert Hanson. He worked for the FBI for 22 years and was accused of betraying 50 people. His spying resulted in many deaths and secrets being given to the Soviets. He was a strange man, very stern and doer on the surface. On the surface he seemed like a religious family man. The government knew he was into pornography. He prayed every day at church. The top agent in the FBI is out to trap him. A young FBI worker, Eric, is assigned to the case. He is set up to be an assistant to Robert Hansom. It almost threatens his marriage. Robert insists Eric go to church and invites him and his wife to their home where religion is a common topic of conversation. Your nerves will be on end when you witness Eric having only minutes to get information from his briefcase or when he asked to keep Robert out at a meeting while agents search his car. This is scary business. The actors portray their part in a very realistic way. You sit on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen. I knew he was going to be caught because I am familiar with the historical event. I kept wondering how he would act when he was finally caught. This is a spellbinding narrative of a true event.
Following the showing of the film there was a discussion. Geoff Pervere, movie critic, was the guest speaker. He told us that basically this is a story of the relationship between two men working for the FBI. Many patrons discussed the religious aspect portrayed in the film. It does play a large role. Appearance versus reality was another theme. Robert Hansom appeared in one way and underneath was a creepy person very different.
This is an outstanding film. The audience applauded at the end.
February 18, 2007
I saw this amazing film a week ago at a preview. It is still haunting me. It is based on the true story of spy Robert Hanson. He worked for the FBI for 22 years and was accused of betraying 50 people. His spying resulted in many deaths and secrets being given to the Soviets. He was a strange man, very stern and doer on the surface. On the surface he seemed like a religious family man. The government knew he was into pornography. He prayed every day at church. The top agent in the FBI is out to trap him. A young FBI worker, Eric, is assigned to the case. He is set up to be an assistant to Robert Hansom. It almost threatens his marriage. Robert insists Eric go to church and invites him and his wife to their home where religion is a common topic of conversation. Your nerves will be on end when you witness Eric having only minutes to get information from his briefcase or when he asked to keep Robert out at a meeting while agents search his car. This is scary business. The actors portray their part in a very realistic way. You sit on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen. I knew he was going to be caught because I am familiar with the historical event. I kept wondering how he would act when he was finally caught. This is a spellbinding narrative of a true event.
Following the showing of the film there was a discussion. Geoff Pervere, movie critic, was the guest speaker. He told us that basically this is a story of the relationship between two men working for the FBI. Many patrons discussed the religious aspect portrayed in the film. It does play a large role. Appearance versus reality was another theme. Robert Hansom appeared in one way and underneath was a creepy person very different.
This is an outstanding film. The audience applauded at the end.
Film Review: Breach
Breach
February 18, 2007
I saw this amazing film a week ago at a preview. It is still haunting me. It is based on the true story of spy Robert Hanson. He worked for the FBI for 22 years and was accused of betraying 50 people. His spying resulted in many deaths and secrets being given to the Soviets. He was a strange man, very stern and doer on the surface. On the surface he seemed like a religious family man. The government knew he was into pornography. He prayed every day at church. The top agent in the FBI is out to trap him. A young FBI worker, Eric, is assigned to the case. He is set up to be an assistant to Robert Hansom. It almost threatens his marriage. Robert insists Eric go to church and invites him and his wife to their home where religion is a common topic of conversation. Your nerves will be on end when you witness Eric having only minutes to get information from his briefcase or when he asked to keep Robert out at a meeting while agents search his car. This is scary business. The actors portray their part in a very realistic way. You sit on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen. I knew he was going to be caught because I am familiar with the historical event. I kept wondering how he would act when he was finally caught. This is a spellbinding narrative of a true event.
Following the showing of the film there was a discussion. Geoff Pervere, movie critic, was the guest speaker. He told us that basically this is a story of the relationship between two men working for the FBI. Many patrons discussed the religious aspect portrayed in the film. It does play a large role. Appearance versus reality was another theme. Robert Hansom appeared in one way and underneath was a creepy person very different.
This is an outstanding film. The audience applauded at the end.
February 18, 2007
I saw this amazing film a week ago at a preview. It is still haunting me. It is based on the true story of spy Robert Hanson. He worked for the FBI for 22 years and was accused of betraying 50 people. His spying resulted in many deaths and secrets being given to the Soviets. He was a strange man, very stern and doer on the surface. On the surface he seemed like a religious family man. The government knew he was into pornography. He prayed every day at church. The top agent in the FBI is out to trap him. A young FBI worker, Eric, is assigned to the case. He is set up to be an assistant to Robert Hansom. It almost threatens his marriage. Robert insists Eric go to church and invites him and his wife to their home where religion is a common topic of conversation. Your nerves will be on end when you witness Eric having only minutes to get information from his briefcase or when he asked to keep Robert out at a meeting while agents search his car. This is scary business. The actors portray their part in a very realistic way. You sit on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen. I knew he was going to be caught because I am familiar with the historical event. I kept wondering how he would act when he was finally caught. This is a spellbinding narrative of a true event.
Following the showing of the film there was a discussion. Geoff Pervere, movie critic, was the guest speaker. He told us that basically this is a story of the relationship between two men working for the FBI. Many patrons discussed the religious aspect portrayed in the film. It does play a large role. Appearance versus reality was another theme. Robert Hansom appeared in one way and underneath was a creepy person very different.
This is an outstanding film. The audience applauded at the end.
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