Category: TV

Carolina Capers: On Plate & Screen

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CHEESE, ANYONE?

Cary has the distinction of hosting the only pimento cheese festival in the United States.  Last Saturday was the 6th Annual Pimento Cheese Festival in the downtown park.  I don’t know where previous years were held, but this park was the perfect venue.  With live music, food trucks ringing surrounding streets, activities for kids, and, most importantly, an array of tables and tents where one could sample and then purchase tubs of pimento cheese, it was a happening place.

I like pimento cheese and some of the best I’d ever had previously was Cheese Louise’s version from Artisan Cheese in Sarasota, FL.  Last week, I sampled five or so of the ten available, making the rounds and enjoying the mini cup of cheese with a tiny spoon or a cracker.  Many versions included jalapenos in some form, often pickled.  After all my sampling, I ended up buying a small container of Wendy’s Wicked which was the first one I tasted.  The day was lovely, the park was nicely crowded, and it was a fun outing!

TV VIEWING

HISTORIC FIGURES:  A DIPLOMAT & A SEER

Franklin (Apple TV+)

Pensive Franklin (indiewire.com)

Franklin is an 8-part series about Benjamin Franklin’s time in France struggling to convince the French to support America in its war against the British.  It’s based on a book by Stacy Schiff about untrained Franklin’s role as a diplomat.  (Scholar Schiff is also the author of a biography of Cleopatra which received much acclaim and which I found fascinating.)

Here, Michael Douglas plays a very convincing 70-year-old Franklin—clever, sly, and still a printer at heart.  Temple, Franklin’s teenage grandson, accompanies him.  Initially awkward and inept, Temple settles in and becomes a keen observer on Franklin’s behalf.  But these two also have their tussles, reflecting their different generational outlooks and Temple’s lack of worldly experience.  

There are many characters, and it is sometimes hard to quickly know which French official or nobleman it is, and which side of the conflict he is on.  Nonetheless, with close attention, the series offers an inside look at the strategies and machinations required to bring the French on board.  We have watched through Episode 4. 

Einstein and the Bomb (Netflix)

(economictimes.indiatimes.com)

This hour-plus docudrama, Einstein and the Bomb, lays out key points in Einstein’s personal life and his theory of relativity.  It brings together the events that led him to exit Nazi Germany for England, then the U.S., and how the threat posed by Hitler coupled with his scientific knowledge impacted his thinking and his activism.  Starting in Princeton in 1955, Einstein reflects on his life, the aftermath of WWII, and reveals his doubts and sorrow over the use of the atomic bomb.

The film alternates between theatrical scenes and archival film, but all the words attributed to Einstein are his.  It’s a powerful piece of cinema.  One small annoyance is the flashes of numbers that precede the black and white historical film clips.  

This film made me wonder whether leaders in this country are fully cognizant of the damage that would be wrought by a second term for Trump.  Are our seers being heard?  Recommended!

ADVENTUROUS EATING #3

LAOTIAN CUISINE:  SAAP

Thanks to our son and daughter-in-law’s generosity, we had an extra incentive to try this hot new restaurant located just behind the Cary Downtown Park.  SAAP, which means “yummy” in Laotian, is the latest venue for Laos native and now longtime North Carolina resident, Lon Buonsanga.  Previously executive chef at a Laotian restaurant in Raleigh, he now owns his own place. 

Located in a high-ceilinged open space with a bar on one side, SAAP feels contemporary and bright.  It has received much laudatory press, and even early on a Friday night, the place was already busy.  

Crispy coconut rice (GCF)

The Chief Penguin and I ordered from the small plates menu section and loved everything we ordered! Between us, we shared excellent crispy spring rolls, tasty chicken satay skewers, and a new dish for us, crispy coconut rice with bits of pork to wrap in large lettuce leaves.  We will return to try the curries and steamed fish. SAAP is open for lunch and dinner.

Carolina Capers: Eclipse et al

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WATCHING THE ECLIPSE

Sky watchers

The highlight of this past week was certainly the eclipse on Monday afternoon.  We were not in an area for a total eclipse but were expected to get 80-84% coverage.  It was a lovely sunny day with lots of blue sky.  The Chief Penguin and I walked to the downtown park, partly for better viewing, but mostly to be with other people.  We arrived just before 2:00 pm and quickly snapped up two of the electric green Adirondack chairs near the fountain.  

Several options for viewing

Not much happened for quite a while; then wearing our approved cardboard eclipse glasses, we gazed up and saw the sun being nibbled at by the black moon.  As time went on, more kids and families and couples gathered and found places to sit.  The blackness kept encroaching until around 3:10, we had just a fingernail sliver of golden sun left.  Quite something to see. 

Snoozing or studying the sky?

It never got dark here, but the sun did get dim and the air cooled a bit.  The weather was so salubrious, we stayed on awhile longer, checking every little bit to see the process slowly reverse as more of the sun emerged again.  An amazing experience!  The next one isn’t for another 20 years—odds are we might not see it!

INTERLUDE—MUSIC & FILM

Cary Town Band

One of the perks of living where we do is a wide assortment of free musical events and movies.  This week it was a concert by the Cary Town Band.  In existence since 1987, the band is made up of all woodwind instruments and boasts 50 plus players, all volunteers.  It’s led by a former member who brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and a bit of fun (think the occasional theme costume) to her conducting.  

This program featured music from composers like Sousa and Verdi to Elton John and John Williams all under the umbrella of people’s jobs.  Pieces included selections from the Lion King, Superman, Phantom of the Opera, and Die Meistersinger among others.  Cary Town Band presents four or five concerts a year including one for the Fourth of July.  This was a fun evening!  

Beyond Silence

The previous week we enjoyed a showing of the German film, Beyond Silence, released in 1996.  It centers on Lara, a young girl interested in music and particularly the clarinet.  She hears, but both her parents are deaf.  They three communicate by signing, and Lara’s parents rely on her for translating in interviews with her schoolteachers or when watching TV.  She aspires to study the clarinet in Berlin, and there is tension and then a rift with her parents.  It’s a sensitive portrait of coming of age and learning to navigate boundaries and limits. 

If the premise of this film sounds familiar to you, it may be that you’ve seen or heard of the 2021 American film, CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), which has some similarities, but the girl in it has a talent for singing.  Interestingly, CODA is actually considered to be a remake of the French-Belgian film from 2014, La Famille Belier, where the girl is also a gifted singer.  For those who are intrigued, it’s possible to buy or rent any of these films from Amazon or other sources. 

VIEWING NOTES

Nolly (PBS Masterpiece)

I watched one episode of Nolly, a series about an early British TV sitcom star who was suddenly let go from her show.  Much as I like and admire Helena Bonham Carter as an actress, I didn’t really get engaged with this production.  Nolly wasn’t very likable, too much of a prima donna, and the other characters seemed stale and dated to me.  Maybe the humor is too British or maybe it gets better in future episodes, but I had enough.  

Call the Midwife (Season 13, PBS)

Trixie, Nurse Crane, & Maureen (townandcountrymag.com)

Perhaps you think you’ve witnessed enough breech births and had too much sweetness and light to continue with this series.  The Chief Penguin occasionally has felt this way—but he continues to watch Call the Midwife with me.  So far, after three episodes, I think that Season 13 is a winner.  

Midwife often deals with serious medical issues of the 1960’s; in previous seasons it included Thalidomide babies and lung-infecting black mold.  This season when stalwart Fred becomes seriously ill, everyone is reminded of the importance of an up-to-date tetanus vaccine.  

After all these years, I’m fond of many of these characters from Sister Julienne to Trixie and Nurse Crane, and even Miss Higgins, who has loosened up somewhat.  They make for a winning cast of characters and continue to delight viewers like me!  Recommended!

Note: Unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)

Carolina Capers: A Mix

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ENJOYING CITY LIFE

Sunny day in the park

In our new location, we usually walk downtown once or twice a week.  The other day it was to the French bakery and yesterday to the weekly farmers’ market.  The breads and cookies from La Farm Bakery are tempting and tasty, and we’re discovering which market vendors have items we’d like to sample.  This week it was red kimchi and curry kraut from one and a bag of salad greens from another.  Each time we go, we walk through the town park and sometimes take advantage of the electric green Adirondack chairs for sun and people watching.  

VIEWING: A GENTLE STORY

Alice & Jack (PBS Masterpiece)

Jack and Alice (ninepbs.org)

The Chief Penguin and I found the first episode of Alice & Jack, a six-part series off-putting.  So much so, that we almost didn’t continue it.  Biochemical researcher Jack and Alice, whom we don’t learn much about, have a first encounter.  She is direct, slightly flaky, and weird while he just seems reserved and tentative.  She fires questions at him which he answers, but she doesn’t reciprocate.  Then they go their separate ways—no explanation from her, and he suffers.  

Over the course of 15 years, they meet again and again, and then separate for several years, but the bond between them strengthens and never really disappears.  It’s a love story, but a complex one.  Initially one wonders what’s up with Alice, but then partially gets it.  He leads a more normal life of work and family, while she is mostly unmoored.

Alice and Jack are the central characters, but Jack’s work colleague Paul and his wife Donna, and Maya, Alice’s friend, are stalwart supporters throughout.  I thought the ending was contrived, but also somehow appropriate.  

Alice & Jack is not a series for everyone, but worth a try if you’re up for something different with minimal dialogue and haunting theme music.

ADVENTUROUS EATING #2

Himalayan Nepali Cuisine

Restaurant interior

There is a significant South Asian population here and in the Research Triangle area in general, and we are happily discovering a variety of Indian-style restaurants.  I don’t think we’ve ever eaten at a Himalayan one previously, but this one, Himalayan Nepali Cuisine, attracted our attention. 

It was a warm day for the season last Sunday, so we decided to walk to this restaurant slightly away from downtown Cary.  It turned out to be a bit farther than we thought, 2 miles each way, but going there and back on foot was our exercise for the day.  I think the owner was surprised we’d walked and even offered to give us a ride back home—we declined!

Tandoori chicken

The food was very good and very spicy if you asked for spicy.  The Chief Penguin, who now eats spicier food than I do, ordered two appetizers, Nepali chili potatoes and chili chicken.  I opted for chicken tandoori (medium spicy), and it too had some heat.  We also shared an order of typical veggie samosas with potatoes and peas.  Portions are more than adequate and with plenty left, we took it home and enjoyed another meal the next day!  When we return, we will try the Himalayan steamed dumplings or momo.

Note: Header photo and other unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)

Tidy Tidbits: Medley of Viewing Options

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SERIES ON TELEVISION

MEDICOS IN THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK

RFDS: Royal Flying Doctor Service (Prime Video)

Pete & Eliza (RottenTomatoes.com)

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If you like medical shows and unusual cases in remote locations, then you might enjoy this Australian series.  The main base is in Broken Hill in southeastern New South Wales.  Much of the area is desert. In a medical emergency, the most efficient way to reach patients is usually by plane.  The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a real organization still in existence today.  

This fictional series focuses on the pilots, doctors, and nurses who work in this challenging environment.  Chief among them are Dr. Wayne Yates, nurses Pete and Matty, new arrival Dr. Eliza Harrod, and pilots Mira and Graham.  Eliza has come from London (her marriage is breaking up) with her teenage son Henry.  Wayne and Mira are pretty much of a couple; Pete is single and likes attractive women; Graham is a bit crusty, but caring; Matty embarks on a drag career in his spare time; and ops manager Leonie is super effective.  Add in devastating crashes, conflicts and romance, and the result is an engaging, sometimes heart pounding series.  There are two seasons of eight episodes each and possibly a third one in the works. Recommended!

HAUTE COUTURE UNDER THE NAZIS

The New Look (Apple TV+)

Dior & Chanel (preview.ph)

This dramatic series set in 1940’s Paris focuses on the high fashion industry while France is under Nazi occupation.  Designers must decide if they will make dresses for the Nazi wives or if they will quit working and possibly not survive.  Coco Chanel closed her studio, but she played both sides in this war and both fraternized with various Nazis and worked to get her nephew Andre released from captivity.  She then became a person of interest.  

Christian Dior was just coming into his own and designed under the aegis of Lucien Lelong along with others. They did what they did to make a living.  Dior is the principal figure in this saga of danger, dresses, and determination.  Dior’s sister Catherine was a member of the Resistance and worrying about her fate consumes Dior.  At the same time, fashion is changing and a new group of designers, Dior, Balmain, and Cardin challenge Chanel’s precedence.  

Juliette Binoche is superb as the fidgety, demanding, yet caring Coco, and Ben Mendelsohn as Christian is hauntingly broody.   There will be ten episodes in all, and they are being released weekly on Wednesdays. Highly recommended! 

MOVIES:  TEACHER & STUDENT

The Holdovers (Prime Video, etc.)

Tully & Mr. Hunham (IMDb)

The role of the very strict, no nonsense history teacher, Paul Hunham, is perfectly captured by Paul Giamatti.  Left at school during the Christmas holidays as the lone chaperone for prep schoolboys not going home with their parents, Paul is challenged, harassed, and berated by the students.  One by one, even the stragglers leave, and Paul is left with just Tully, a smart troublemaker.  Tully, Paul, and Mary, the school cook who’s mourning the death of her soldier son in Vietnam, make a for an unlikely set of compatriots.  

This is a film that is both funny at points and poignant.  The Chief Penguin enjoyed it very much.  I thought it was good and did appreciate Giamatti’s performance.  

LIVE THEATER: CORSETS AND CLASS IN NYC

Intimate Apparel (Asolo)

Mr. Marks & Esther

Lynn Nottage’s play, Intimate Apparel, encompasses a full spectrum of friendship, romance, prejudice, anger, and forgiveness.  In Lower East Side Manhattan in 1905, Black seamstress Esther has made her own way and supported herself making fine underwear for ladies of all types for eighteen years.  Strong of character, she has always lived in Mrs. Van Buren’s boarding house and yet wishes for a man of her own, a husband.  But Esther is particular and won’t settle for just anyone, so when a laborer in Panama starts writing her letters, she has hopes that become high hopes.  

Although she doesn’t really approve of her friend Mayme’s business, the two help each other out.  Esther is even an available ear for Mrs. Dickson, her married white upper-class client.  What is more challenging is the relationship between Esther and Mr. Marks, the Jewish man from whom she purchases her fabrics.  How much can be said with just a silent glance or the barest touch.  

The play moves through a series of scenes, much like tableaus, with headings over top echoing the article of clothing key to that scene. The beginning seems long, but the early scenes are essential to developing the characters and providing context for the events to come.  It gathers depth and richness as it works to its climax.  And I’m still reflecting on it 24 hours later.  Highly recommended!  It runs through April 18.