by Christina Waters | Dec 4, 2012 | Home |
How could this happen? A James Bond film—fully loaded with bespoke suits, chiseled jaws, clever chase scenes, gorgeous international scenic vistas, and Daniel Craig—that is nonetheless boring?
But it did happen.
I think what bothered me most – both during the film and long afterward – was the sheer boring long boring predictable boring length of it. Skyfall delivers ALL the James Bond action, and then some, in its powerhouse opening and first half hour. The incredible fight on top of the train zooming through low tunnels; the unbelievable rooftop motorcycle chase through Istanbul; Daniel Craig in a suit. Except for the puppydog cutsyness of Naomie Harris as the new Moneypenny character, I loved the casting.
And the film’s distinctly existentialist conceit (more…)
by Christina Waters | Nov 25, 2012 | Home |
1) Cumbre – Santa Cruz Mountains, “Stu’s Best” – 2007
2) Chardonnay
3) Graceful – minerals – low oak – slate and orange zest
4) $17.99
5) Affordable elegance
6) Shoppers Corner
by Christina Waters | Nov 25, 2012 | Home |
This intricate plate involved a gossamer tempura treatment of very long, very delicious green beans, cradling two puffs of equally gossamer tempura’d cippolini onions. All of this atop a lagoon of aioli punctuated with brilliant red pickled cabbage. Quite lovely. But even more astonishing—the $3 pricetag.
I added a glass of Nero d’Avola ($8ish) and turned it into a small personal feast.
Soif on Tuesdays offers quite a long list of these $3 tapas plates. The line should be outside the door @ 5pm.
by Christina Waters | Nov 25, 2012 | Home |
This year give the gift of chocolate so decadent it should be illegal.
My friend Rita, now my official chocolate procuress, gave me a few of these beautiful, red-cellophane wrapped chocolates last week. One bite and my hair stood on end.
From the Italian house of Venchi comes something you knew probably existed, but you didn’t dare hope.
Cuba Rhum is the name of the bon bon, a dark chocolate shell enclosing a chocolate truffle interior infused with high-wattage, high-proof rum. It is so good you will not believe it.
The best news is that you can get them right here at La Sirena Antiques – they’re at the front counter of Kim Kempke’s eclectic boutique, filling a giant glass jar. And for a mere buck fifty a pop you can leave earth’s atmosphere for a few long, slow, delicious moments.
Seriously. The Cuba Rhum is to absolutely die for. It is chocolate candy the way Santa intended.
Get a handful. Eat one in the parking lot and then parcel the rest out to the people you really care about.
by Christina Waters | Nov 24, 2012 | Home |
Made by jewelry artist Faye Augustine, the new bracelet sports the title of Lisa Jensen’s forthcoming book, Alias Hook. It adorns her wrist right next to the bracelet commemorating her last book, Sea Witch.
Ah authors and their jewelry…..
by Christina Waters | Nov 22, 2012 | Home |
That would be the succulent, hearty, beautifully-executed pizzas at Pizzeria Avanti, such as this beauty topped with fresh mozzarella, fresh heirloom tomato sauce, basil and housemade Italian sausage.
$12 for the pie + $4 for the sausage.
What’s not to like?
