Movie - Theater - Book - Dining Reviews

Miami Book Fair International

2010-08-24T14:38:52Z

Miami Book Fair International a

Must Attend for Book Lovers of all Ages

Book lovers everywhere rejoice! The 27th edition of the nation’s finest and largest literary gathering, Miami Book Fair International, presented by the Florida Center for the Literary Arts (FCLA) at Miami Dade College (MDC), will take place November 14-21, 2010 at the college’s Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Second Ave., in downtown Miami. The always-popular Street Fair runs Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21, with more than 200 exhibitors from around the country selling books in a festive atmosphere. This year, the Fair will celebrate the literature and culture of Mexico.

TOP CONFIRMED AUTHORS

Each year, the Fair raises the bar of excellence by offering a fine roster of prize-winning authors, and this year will be no exception. Confirmed authors include tennis superstar Venus Williams, Harvard biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson, MacArthur Fellow and Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat, screenwriter and author Nora Ephron, musician Patti Smith, novelist and memoirist Pat Conroy, local South Florida favorite Dave Barry, novelist Michael Cunningham, filmmaker John Waters, biographer and novelist Susan Cheever, humorist Ian Frazier, fight doctor Ferdie Pacheco, comics creator Charles Burns, NPR’s All Things Considered host Michele Norris, as well as Ann Beattie, Kate DiCamillo, Emilio Estefan, Jonathan Franzen and many others.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Fair will again treat book lovers to more than a week of cultural and educational activities, including the beloved Evenings With… series, the IberoAmerican Authors program, Student Literary Encounters, the Weekend Festival of Authors, the popular Street Fair Nov. 19 – 21 on the closed streets surrounding the campus, Comix Galaxy with Kids Comic Con and School of Comics, Children’s Alley, and much more.

Special Topic Panels will discuss current issues of the day,

including the environment, immigration, and the financial crisis.

In addition, the Fair maintains a strong commitment to literary voices of the international community, and always welcomes writers from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

This year’s program includes Sir Michael Caine (England), Salman Rushdie (India), Darren Shan (Ireland), Susan Abulhawa (Palestine), Zakes Mda (South Africa), Binyavanga Wainana (Kenya), Okey Ndibe (Nigeria), Chenjerai Hove (Zimbabwe), EC Osandu (Nigeria), Aappiah Anthony Kwame (Ghana/UK), and others.

The IberoAmerican program will present Paquito D´Rivera (Cuba-USA), Eduardo Sacheri (Argentina), Alberto Fuguet (Chile), Luis Leante (España), Claudia Piñeiro (Argentina), Pablo Simonetti (Chile), and more.

Caribbean writers featured include Earl Lovelace, Raoul Pantin, Gideon Hanoomansingh, Merle Hodge, Winston Maynard-Moderator, Lasana Kwesi, Diana McCaulay, and Geoffrey Philp. Confirmed Haitian writers are Miriam Chancy, Michele Voltaire Marcelin and Edwidge Danticat.

Celebration of Mexico

An exciting dimension to this year’s Book Fair includes a celebration of Mexico, commemorating the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence and the centennial of the Mexican revolution. The FCLA has partnered with the Mexican government, the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami and the Mexican Cultural Institute in Miami to honor these momentous occasions. Fairgoers will enjoy a grand pavilion dedicated to Mexican culture, and gallery exhibits by Mexican artists. The diversity of Mexican literature will be represented by authors such as Laura Esquivel, Mario Bellatín, Gonzalo Celorio, Jorge Volpi, Estela Leñero, Natalia Toledo and others.

The celebration of Mexico will also include a local project with a focus on community involvement. During the Fair, the Miami Book Fair and the Mexican Cultural Institute will collect new or gently used books and build a colossal spiral of books located on the fairgrounds in downtown Miami, and after the Fair, these books will be donated to local jails. The goal is to have more books than prisoners inside jails.

MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL AND FLORIDA CENTER FOR THE LITERARY ARTS

Miami Book Fair International is the largest and is regarded as the finest literary gathering in America. It is the premier event of the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College. The Center promotes reading and writing throughout the year by consistently presenting quality literary activities open to all in South Florida. Literacy projects target children of all ages—from kindergarten to high school—as well as college students and adults.

Established and emerging writers from South Florida and all over the U.S. read, lecture, and teach workshops. They work with K-12, MDC students, and diverse members of the community, helping to deepen their understanding of literature, and encouraging their work of writers at all stages of development. The Center envisions South Florida as a nexus of literary activity in the Americas and beyond, and will continue to champion its mission of promoting the advancement and appreciation of the literary arts in all forms.

Ed. Note: For regular updates visit www.miamibookfair.com or call 305-237-3528. You can also email to wbookfair@mdc.edu.

Korean Bar B Que... New York Style

2010-08-03T21:18:04Z

EATING OUT IN NYC- Korean Bar BQ,

Vietnamese Pho and Frozen Yogurt for Dessert

By Susan Lazarus

In a recent trip, my friends and I rented an apartment/ loft in New York City and loved the “live-in” atmosphere of our ‘digs’. Because of where we were staying, in the Chelsea/Murray Hill/Garment District area, we were just a few blocks walk to a part of Korea Town, 32nd Street between 5th and Broadway or “Korea Way”. There is liveliness and festivity all hours of the day and night on that street. Also there are numerous restaurants, one more crowded than the next, offering Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese specialties.

We had two opportunities to sample restaurants on the street. The first time we looked and looked and finally decided on a Vietnamese restaurant. The night before we left, we satisfied another of our planned ventures, Korean Bar-BQ.

The Vietnamese Restaurant name was Pho, also the name of a brothy concoction filled either with beef, pork, seafood or vegetables. We asked two fellows at the next table what they were eating and sure enough it was “Pho”. “Did you like it? Is it good?” I asked. “It’s beautiful” was the answer, almost like someone in love. I tried the Pho and it was good, but a bit unusual for my taste buds so not sure I would be a repeat customer.

My friend and travel partner, Sheah, had a vermicelli dish which she enjoyed. It was a very reasonable meal and I could envision a student without much in the way of funds, enjoying hot meals at this establishment.

Everyone talks about Korean Bar-BQ, but what is it really? Our search ended at New Wonjo restaurant, open 24 hours. Upon being seated, we observed others and gratefully accepted advice from a neighboring table with two young Korean women. They told us what the small dishes were, what we should cook, what we could eat as is, and what we should stay away from.

We ordered a meat Bar-Q (with some trepidation) and a veggie sampling. What we didn’t expect was a server, coming over to the table with a large hot pile of burning coals. He said “watch out!” and proceeded to fill our personal grill in the middle of our table with the hot coals. We were sure to keep our feet out of the way but there was a moment of fear in the casual nature of the coal setting.

Once the meat, veggies and side dishes were all in front of us, the waitress took pity and started cooking everything for us. It was fun and eventually, we prepared our own cuisine. I liked the side dishes of the lotus root and was proud that I could identify them from my experiences with macrobiotic cooking. Other side dishes were fresh garlic, noodles, lettuce wraps and various sauces.

Korean Bar BQ is an experience I would want to repeat. It was fun, adventurous, and very tasty!

If you are not totally full after dinner, you can wait in the long lines that move quickly to the two yoghurt shops ( you can choose from Pinkberry or Red Mango) on Korea Way, offering anything from watermelon yogurt with cucumber slice and fruit toppings to chocolate with chocolate chips, chocolate sauce and mixed nuts for toppings. You can’t convince me it’s really healthy but after all, we are on vacation.

ED. NOTE: Susan Lazarus writes about destinations, dining, literature and theater.

Fort Lauderdale French Film Festival

2010-07-20T11:38:44Z

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival's

Ninth Annual Perrier French Film Festival Offered a Taste of France Through Cinema and Cuisine

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) in conjunction with The French Consulate-Miami completed an extremely successful run with a number of sold out houses and special events.

Fifteen (15) films were presented during the four-day fest featuring an eclectic array of dramas, scenic adventures and side-splitting comedies.

The fest opener July 29th was the street-smart comic adventure, PARIS EXPRESS. Michaël Youn (Iznogoud, Around The World In 80 Days) stars alongside Heroes' Jimmy Jean Louis and two of France's hippest, sexiest young actresses, Géraldine Nakache (Comme t'y es belle) and Catalina Denis (Go Fast). Following the film, FLIFF hosts their popular Opening Night Soiree catered this year by internationally renown Chef Kim Naimoli. The sumptuous buffet of classic French cuisine will include Salad Nicoise, Pommes Dauphine, Coq au Vin and deserts including crepes.

Film and food pairings continued throughout the film festival. Wine, baguettes and brie were served July 30th between the comedy LES SŒURS FÂCHÉES starring Isabelle Huppert and Catherine Frot and the wildly entertaining MICMACS from director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet's (Amélie). Refreshing Sorbets and cupcakes, provided by Gelato Station & Gelati Martini Lounge, was enjoyed by the crowds on July 31 between COCO CHANNEL & IGOR STRAVINSKY - the "sumptuous recreation of '20's France and the mad affair between two the century's most iconic figures" (Hollywood Reporter) and the romantic comedy MA VIE EN L'AIR starring Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (Nine, La Vie en Rose). The monthly Sunday morning Cafe Cinematheque International brunch went French with croissants, pastries and French roast coffee or tea before the irreverently funny road movie AALTRA.

On Saturday, July 31st, FLIFF'S Summer MAKE-A-MOVIE Camp concluded as FAB! Films for Kids presents a screening of the campers final film projects with a French flair..

Closing the fest on August 1 was LET IT RAIN, an endlessly charming and a sharp-witted battle of the sexes from the celebrated director Agnes Jaoui (Look at Me and the Oscar® nominated The Taste of Others). FLIFF's Wrap Party followed with light French fare including Soup d'Oignon, Ratatouille, Quiche Lorraine and for dessert, a Chocolate Fountain with fruit and cake.

Additional film highlights included: TWO IN THE WAVE an absorbing look at French directors François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN Winner of the Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, DREAMS OF DUST which will transport audiences to a world few have seen, and DUMAS a fascinating and gorgeously told tale of French author Alexandre Dumas and his relationship with Auguste Maquet, the little known co-author of such classics as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. DUMAS stars Gerard Depardieu and Benoit Poelvoorde.

For news and information: www.FLIFF.com or 954-525-FILM (3456)

Venue: Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6 Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale, one block east of Broward County Courthouse on south bank of New River.

Rock Opera

2010-04-11T23:44:10Z

Theater Review

"The 12" is a Rocking Show,

But Needs to Find its Pace

By Ray Brasted

There is a lot of passion in "The 12", the rock opera that had its world premiere at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on April 1. There had better be, the story is based on the tribulations and confusion experienced by the 12 apostles following the crucifixion of their leader, Jesus Christ.

As the show begins, "Peter" (Ron Bohmer) emerges from the front of the audience in an agitated state. Their leader is lost. Will the show go on? This opening is clever on one hand, but a bit disconcerting on the other. The audience has to quickly get up to speed because just moments after Peter's appearance, the first of 20 songs "Walk Away" begins. The numbers are strung together with minimal dialogue to set them up and almost no set pieces or costumes.

There is a lot of singing talent on stage and the music and lyrics by Neil Berg are on point and reflective of the angst and uncertainty the band members feel. Bohmer's Peter is torn with guilt and it comes through in in raging lyrics and anguished screams.

Jeremy Kushnier as Tom (Thomas) is the doubter of the 12 and it takes some convincing to make him believe that the group should carry on their leader's work and his desire to bail out on the band comes through in his emotionally charged solo, "I'm No Hero".

There was inspired casting in the choice of Dan Spitz, one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Anthrax. Director Richard Seyd makes sure Spitz gets the spotlight and some ripping guitar solos in several of the numbers. Spitz, as the apostle Philip has no lines in the show. He lets his guitar do the talking.

With 12 men on stage, it is necessary to make sure there are some strong female voices and Sophia Ramos as Mary Magdalene and Elaine Caswell in several roles (Mother Mary / the Devil / Roadie) offer some of the best numbers of the show.

It is early in the run, but there seems to be some steps that can be taken to ensure The 12 finds its place in rock opera history. Performers should have head set microphones and not rely on hand mikes that limit their movement.

The audience should be given a chance to get into the scene before the first song is belted out. And sure, this is a rock band and everyone wears what they came to work in, but a bit more effort at costuming wouldn't hurt. Pacing is a challenge with so many people on stage, but at under 90 minutes the show has room to set up transitions and add some dialogue. We have great singers, we just need a bit more acting.

This is a great story and concept but to reach the kind of wide audience that helps ensure long term success, patrons have to identify with the characters on some level. We have mothers, lovers, friends and traitors in this story. Define them a bit more and The 12 can have a long life because there is no doubt this musical rocks out.

Ft. Lauderdale News Restaurant Review - Azur in Key West

2010-03-08T20:55:39Z

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Azur Restaurant in Key West, FL

Susan Lazarus, Travel and Entertainment Writer

When travelling for work in Key West, one of the perks is the opportunity to try new restaurants, which are plentiful and at times unique. A local friend recommend Azur restaurant, a bit off the “beaten path” which is a good sign – it’s not on the overcrowded and touristy Duval Street strip but still conveniently located in the heart of Old Town.

While rather unassuming upon arrival, the interior is pleasant the staff welcoming. We had a group of 7 with varying ages and food preferences. We all were happy with Azur.

Azur is known for its creative and inventive Mediterranean cuisine, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The salad of frisee lettuce, iced pear, dates, Belgium endive and gorgonzola with honey herb vinaigrette was light and refreshing yet filling at the same time. The fish, chicken and lamb entrées tried were presented well and were delicious. We tried the apple and almond tart dessert but next time I would look at one of the chocolate delicacies. The prices are not cheap, but typical of Key West and at least the food had the quality and the restaurant had the ambiance we were looking for.

I recommend Azur for a fine dining experience in a comfortable setting.

For more information go to www.AzurKeyWest.com of call 305-292-AZUR

Azur Restaurant is located at 425 Grinnell Street, Key West.

Ed. Note: Susan Lazarus is a writer for Ftlauderdalenews.net and covers travel, dining, destination and entertainment news and reviews.

Barilla Interactive Dinner - South Beach Wine & Food Festival

2010-02-28T17:37:47Z

Cooking with Strangers,

Dining with Friends, An

Interactive Experience

Ray Brasted and Susan Lazarus

We didn't know what to expect as we walked into the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival's Barilla Interactive Dinner. We were actually going to cook with strangers? How was that going to work?

We found our table in the banquet hall and introduced ourselves to our new cooking colleagues. We were already feeling a lot more relaxed thanks to the champagne we sipped while waiting for the doors to open. A bit more wine was served at the table and we were ready to cook.

The evening was facilitated by Lidia Bastianich, award winning chef, author and Public Television cooking show host. She was joined by her son, Joe Bastianich who owns a number of award winning restaurants and three wineries. Also on the podium were Lorenzo Boni, Executive Chef of Barilla America, Cody Hogan, Chef at Lidia's Kansas City, Fortunato Nicotra of Felida New York and Phillippe Ruiz of the Palme d'Or restaurant at the Biltmore Hotel.

With such an illustrious team helping us out, how could we go wrong? After enjoying the already prepared Academia Barilla, consisting of Cherry Tomatoes and Academia Barilla Shaved Pecorino and a plate of Organic Goat Cheese Terrine with Black Olive Tapenade, Roasted Italian Sausage and locally grown greens, we were ready to cook.

In turn, members of our table prepared Montasio Frico with Potato and Crab Filling and then moved on to Fish Soup with Barilla Ditalini and Academia Barilla Cherry Tomatoes. The main course was Ahi Tuna, Radicchio and Balsamic-Beet Vinaigrette and we finished up with the already prepared Pistachio Brownie Napoleon. Along the way we enjoyed wine pairings with each dish.

By the end of the evening we had made new friends and discovered the joy of cooking with a team. "This is a fantastic way of giving a cooking lesson," said Chef Lidia Bastianich. "You can really get into it and these recipes reflect who we really are."

Participants left with a copy of "Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy - A Feast of 175 Regional Recipes", assorted Barilla products and wonderful memories of an interactive experience.

Learn more about the festival at www.sobe.com and mark your calendars for next year's events. (Photo by Ray Brasted)

Rock Musical

2010-02-06T17:00:20Z

Rock Musical "The 12" World

Premiere, April 1 at Broward Center

If the World Premiere of "The 12" scheduled for April 1 at the Broward Center has half the passion as the show's composer and lyricist Neil Berg and show producer Adam Friedson, audiences will be in for a very special treat.

This is an original rock musical that seeks to join the ranks of Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Rent and Spring Awakening. The story and concept are by Berg who expressed a "life long fascination with religion" when he spoke at a recent Fort Lauderdale press conference. The show is written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Robert Shenkkan.

"This was written from the heart," Berg told reporters at a special screening of a 12 minute "showcase-type" performance recently held in a New York City club. "I wanted to explore the dramatic questions surrounding one of the most important events in human history." Berg developed the music, lyrics and story concept.

Berg said that he was a rock and roller at heart and a musician with a love of the history of the genre. "I wanted to write an authentic rock and roll show," he emphasized.

Producer Adam Friedson said it was his goal to bring together the b iggest names in contemporary theater to create a "great fusion" of Broadway talent. The show has cast Ron Bohmer (Phantom, Les Miserables, Ragtime) as the apostle Peter; Jeremey Kushnier (Rent, Footloose) as apostle Thomas; Pattie Russo (featured singer from Meatloaf, Trans Siberian Orchestra) as Mother Mary and The Devil; Michael Lanning (Broadway's The Civil War) as Simon; Sophia Ramos (VH1s Best Undiscovered Artist), as Mary Magdelene. One of the great surprises was the casting of Palm Beach resident and former lead guitar player from the heavy metal band Anthrax, Dan Spitz.

Spitz said that he and Berg have known each other for a long time but was still surprised when offered a part in the musical. "Neil came to me and said, you need to be a part of this," Spitz said. This is another in a series of dramatic changes in the life of Spitz who gave up the music scene and left Anthrax to become a master watchmaker and founder of Spitzwatch.

The rock and roll production will be set in the context of a modern day underground rock band whose members face a crisis in their lives when their leader is murdered. The team behind the show expects "The 12" to appeal to a wide range of audiences and are doing a lot of preliminary ground work to let the religious community know about the show and what it seeks to accomplish. They say it is about how people react under pressure and how they interact with each other. It won't hurt that, judging from the samples of music from the production, at heart it will be a rock and roll event with great vocal talent and great music.

The show will play in several small markets as the cast and music is fine tuned and then open April 1 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. For ticket information visit www.browardcenter.org. (Story and Photo by Ray Brasted - Promenade News)