Poutine on the Ritz

This, believe it or not, is the signature dish of Montreal. It's French Fries covered with cheese curds, and smothered with piping hot gravy. It's called "Poutine".

My stomach kind of turns over when I look at it. And it sounds kind of gross. But everyone I've spoken to who has been to Montreal swears by it. They even dress it up with fois gras at fancy restaurants and call it gourmet. It's supposed to be heavenly.

Yes, I'm going to try it. Even though it's BEEF gravy, and I'm a pescatarian (vegetarian who eats fish). I'm going to Montreal, and I want to experience it!

The other things that are supposed to be amazing are the bagels, boiled in water sweetened with honey before they are baked, and smoked meats.

I plan on trying the bagels and skipping the meats.

I'm getting so excited! (and hungry)

Vicki +Christina+Barcelona+Wine - Values = Woody Allen's Latest Film

And THAT'S pretty much my review. My friend Terry really wanted to see this, as it's a vehicle for that eye-candy and excellent actor known as Javiar Bardin, and equally attractive and accomplished Scarlet Johansson and Penelope Cruz.

And don't forget Barcelona. Another city I'd love to visit, this city in Spain is a beautiful backdrop for Woody Allen's latest tale of angst.

Here's my problem with it. The film centers around two girlfriends, spending a couple of months at a home in Barcelona belonging to a cousin of one of the women. During a visit to an art gallery, they encounter a smoldering Spanish artist who asks the women if they'd like to fly to a small village with him in a rented plane. Yes, he's a pilot too.

There wouldn't be much of a story if they said "no".

But, several times in the movie, values are compromised, promises and hearts are broken, fights break out and when you really get to the bottom of it, it's because everybody ALWAYS is drinking too much.

They never mention it, but the Spanish wine is as big a character in this film as any of the actors. Sex happens over wine. Propositions happen over wine. Fights happen after too much wine, and on and on it goes.

Nobody ever stops to say, "Gee, what would I choose if I were SOBER?"

You know, I'm not a prohibitionist. (By the way, Travis and Kristin, the Prohibition Party's candidate for President lives on Vashon Island....I smell STORY!!)

OK,, back to my impressions: Maybe I'm a bit of a prude.....I certainly stand by my values. But it seemed as if Woody Allen were making excuses for his own unforgivable behavior by blaming it on the wine. Or am I reading too much into it.

I usually like Woody Allen films. They take an intellectual twist that most other films lack. I guess that's what I was hoping for.

And there were interesting moments. But the wine clouded so much thinking, that I just got angry at all the characters.

Even handsome Javiar Bardin.

And, since we're on the subject: "A Girl With a Pearl Earring"

I'm sure you thought of this painting the minute you saw the titles of the other two. This masterpiece, also by Vermeer, hangs in The Hague, and has also been called the "Mona Lisa of the North". Her expression, and of course, the luxurious use of light are hallmarks of this artist who painted in the mid 1600's.

By the way, the image below, of actress Scarlett Johanssen was made to publicize her role in the independent film "Girl With A Pearl Earring".

Yes, somebody was so captivated with the painting that they created an entire fantasy about the young woman.

The movie depicts this young girl as a cleaning woman in the Vermeer household. There is much stress in the home because the painter is working on getting another commission. That's how he pays his bills.

It's beautifully shot. Every scene is like a painting itself. The lighting designer must have been at the top of his game to make it all come together. Watch it with the sound off. The pictures are enough.

Another--Woman With a Pearl Necklace

This is by the great master, Vermeer. Perhaps Mary Cassatt titled the portrait of her sister (below) as a tribute to this man's work.

At any rate, it's always a joy to embrace this Master's use of light and expression. Enjoy.

Woman with a Pearl Necklace

It's been a while since I posted a painting by my favorite Impressionist, Mary Cassatt. To me, this one just evokes the youthful joy of a summertime social event, probably a light opera or the symphony.

And summer is demonstrated by her short sleeves, the peach color of her frock, and the colors of the room.

She looks so happy. I love the light, joyous feelings this work evokes.

Big Chuck & Lil' John

Travis' post about his Portland local TV kids host got me thinking about Cleveland's "Big Chuck and Lil' John Show". It's been on in one incarnation or another since the 1960's.

These guys are nearly 70 now. Big Chuck is a tall Polish guy who worked in TV post-production. Lil' John is a local jewelry store owner and advertiser on WJW-TV who also happens to be a midget. Put them together and it's local comedy gold. Or just plain cornball. You decide.

Their shows these days consist of the two in their late-night TV chairs, introducing bits they taped, or filmed, as the case may be, in the 60's and 70's. The clip below is a great example of that. It was a parody of the old "Ben Kasey" (sp?) TV show, which hasn't aired in, what? 40 years? That doesn't stop them. And, they always have the same insane laugh after a bit, just to let you know that it's over.

My ex was a huge fan of the show, having grown up in Cleveland. So, we brought brewery employees or local community theater friends to several tapings. Andy would even bring Big Chuck and Lil' John beer from the brewery. We got to know them a little, and he even appeared on the show a couple of times.

The Reason I'm Going

This is the part of Montreal called "Vieux Montreal" (old Montreal), and it's more than 300 years old. This old part of town, near the banks of the river is the original town center. It looks like it's out of Europe.

And they speak French. I don't, and I always get it confused with Spanish. I find myself practicing things like "Bon Jour, Como Esta Ustedes? "And " Bon Soir, mi Amigo". I may run into trouble here. BUT, it's like going to Europe while staying in North America.

They use Dollars. No pesky Euro exchange rate.

And, I've always wanted to see it. I look forward to sitting at a sidewalk cafe with a croissant and coffee and watching the crowds. I also look forward to the museums and the adventure.

More to come!

Montreal Subway Baby

This is a map of Montreal's underground subway system. I'm happily planning my trip there late this month and early next month, and am going to use the Metro system for most of my travel.

The subway system started in the 1960's, and was widely hailed for its' quiet, efficient trains. My hotel, as I understand it, is somewhere near the middle of the orange line, on the bottom third of the system.

This is just one of the many aspects of this old city I am excited to explore.

Under my Fingernail

This is Vincent Van Gogh's "Self Portrait With A Straw Hat". Ordinarily,. I would spend time discussing the artist's choices of color, the brush strokes, the way he was trying to express himself.

But not this time. This is a confession.

In the summer of 1977, I took my first high-school trip to New York City. One of the first stops was the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We had 2 whole hours to explore the collections. I knew nothing about art, but I had seen this painting in magazines and books.

It drew me in. I stared and stared at it. I just wanted to be a part of all those colors.

I got closer. There were no guards in the room, and no electronic security systems around the painting. I leaned forward and took a deep breath.

I put my finger up to the painting, and touched it. What Vincent Van Gogh painted all those years ago was now a part of my cellular structure.

A little piece of yellow paint came off and it stuck under my fingernail.

It stayed there all day, as we saw "Pippen" in a matinee on Broadway, at Mama Leone's Italian Restaurant for dinner, and later that night, at the New York State Theater, as we saw the Metropolitan Opera perform "Carmen". I fell asleep during the 3rd act. But the paint chip was still there.

When the bus dropped us off at our high school in Pennsylvania, around 4 in the morning, the paint chip was gone.

I never told anyone until I was in my 30's. And the person I told was horrified that I defaced a work of art.

Didn't think of it that way at the time. I just wanted to be a part of that beauty.

What does he MEAN???

I think I've figured out much of 'lil Dudley's communication, but I have a LOT to learn.

Here's what I know. When he comes up to me and barks, we need to begin the game of 20 Questions.

"Do you have to go potty?" --- one bark in response.

"Do you want to get your bone?" ---again, one bark in response.

"Do you want your supper?" ---- bark bark bark HOOWWWWWWW
Got it. That means YES.

That means ONE bark means NO!

But what about when I ask him a question and he sneezes and shakes? It means SOMETHING....but what?

A Google search says shaking, when a dog isn't wet, is a stress response. But to WHAT? Is it a number 1 request? Number 2? Dudster, please come clean.

Perhaps a haiku will express my frustration.

You sit there and shake
My questions have gone adrift.
What is it you want?

Back at it

Fever broke late yesterday afternoon. And while I'm not as chipper as Mr. Happy Heart-guy there, I'm a bit better.

So what's up with YOU?

In a Haze

The blogging has returned! But I must admit, I am doing this in a fevered haze. It's been so long since I've had a fever like this, that I forget what it's like. Let me explain, in the form of a Haiku:

Dizzy, warm and yet
oddly calming, this dis-ease
rocking me to sleep.

But, after several weeks without a blog, I have found a way to re-create the magic:

Trying hard to write
But there's fear since I've been hacked.
Will they hack again?

I look forward to sharing my love of art, dance and other things cultural with you again:

Paintings, sculpture and
Oceanic objects d'art
Will return post-haste.

As you can see, I am rummy with fever, causing me to create haiku willy-nilly:

Get me Ginger Ale.
Maybe ice cubes in a glass
thirsty. Quench me PLEASE!

That's it for now. I miss you. Let's chat soon!!!

Going back to bed.
Enough postings for one day.
starting to giggle.

'bye!