Let's talk movies! "Amy"

Amy Winehouse wanted to sing and write music that really spoke from her heart.  She had a raw and beautiful talent that was obvious to those around her.  She was not ready for the feeding frenzy the all too often comes with fame, but if you listen closely all the revaluations that this documentary illuminates are already laid out for you in her music.

The director Asif Kapadia did a really amazing job of telling the story behind the star.  He left nothing out: the dramatic rise to super stardom, the drugs, the eating disorder, the harsh reality of fame; but the way he did it left you with a clear picture of this talented musician.  He didn't portray her as the victim, nor demonize her in any way but rather focuses the attention on her unique talents and style, showing you who this woman really was, and I feel, an honest look at her story.

It was clear from the start that this lady could sing, and that she had a real true talent.  She decided that because the songs available weren't to her liking, she thought she'd have a go at it.  Everyone fell in love with her and her music.  As her star began to rise, and the money began to quickly roll in, there wasn't very much guidance from people that she trusted.  Her father, who had once abandoned her family when she was about 9, quickly came back when she became rich and famous.  As most people will remember from her famous single: it had become clear that rehab was needed, but when her father said she didn't need it, and she simply didn't go.  That was before she became a super star, and before Blake, it could have made a real change, but it wasn't to be.  The film shows all the parts the media relentlessly covered, the sad drama of someone becoming unhinged, addicted to drugs, addicted to a man who was using her; but also how hard it is when everyone wants a piece of you and you are just struggling to find peace.  Instead of focusing on all the sadness, the documentary tells the story of the artist with her music.

I highly recommend this movie.  I was a little unsure about it, although the trailer really drew me in; because I knew that in the end the person you are routing for tragically dies.  However, the film is beautifully done, and I believe that if Amy where alive, she would have approved of her story being told in this way.

Let's talk movies! Chef

Last weekend I went to see Chef  at my favorite movie theater.  I feel like the theater is worth mentioning, because it really does add to the overall viewing experience.  I have been going there regularly since high school, Gateway movie theater in Ft. Lauderdale has been only lightly renovated since the 1950's when it was a movie "palace" and only showed one movie compared to the 4 theaters it now has.  They have recently replaced the old rickety seats with big squishy reclining ones, and they have paper towel robots in the restrooms, but those are about the only notable changes.  In a world that focuses on new, new, new; I'll be the first to say that I really enjoy going somewhere that I can count on to be the same.  Deliver the same; rounded bathroom entrances (you'd have to go to understand), tiny ticket booth, and where you can still see the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at midnight on Saturday nights.  It would be an understatement to say that I thoroughly enjoy this theater, I would say it's my movie watching home. 

But let's talk about "Chef" the movie.  Let me first say that I have worked in restaurants since I was 13 years old, and it is possible that I may have a more skeptical eye (than most) in that department.  Food service and preparation are things that I know.  With that said, overlooking a few items that only food service personnel would recognize, this movie is delightful.  

Carl Casper (John Favreau) is a talented chef who wants to be creative in his kitchen.  His boss/owner of the restaurant he works at (Dustin Hoffman) tries to stifle his creativity by ordering him to cook a tired boring menu.  At the suggestion of his son's mother (Sofia Vergra) he meets up with her ex-husband (Robert Downey Jr.) to discuss trading in the professional kitchen he is used to, for a food truck where he could call all the shots.  His former employee Martin (John Leguizamo) Joins him and helps transform a broken down old taco truck into a restaurant that any chef would be proud of.  In addition to helping his father run his food truck his adorable son Percy (Emjay Anthony) also heads of all the food trucks social media outlets, really making this truck an overnight success.  

The soundtrack in this movie really rocks.  And John Leguizamo really makes this movie believable and even more enjoyable.  I would highly recommend this movie.  

I give it 8 1/2 popcorn bags (out of 10): sweet story line, amazing cast, and dancing inducing soundtrack. 

A Trip to Knaus Berry Farm

I love the feeling of a fresh start.  The feeling that anything is possible, and wonderful things can happen.  With the new year freshly in place, I was really feeling that today.

Today was a lovely Florida winter day.  It was 75, sunny, but not hot.  Perfect for the Berry farm.

 The milkshakes are absolutely dreamy.  A well deserved reward for picking berries.

Checking out the farm

Seven found a bunch of beauties to add to our basket too.

Our basket full to the brim

Getting ready to jam.

Small batch Strawberry Jam

2 Pint Strawberries

1 Cup of sugar

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1/2 Tbs. of ginger

1. In a 12 inch Skillet bring the fruit, sugar, ginger, and lemon to a boil; over medium high heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Reduce heat to medium and cook stirring constantly for about 20 min. At this point I also mashed everything up, a few times using a potato masher.  Be careful: the jam is really hot!  

3. Cook until mixture begins to look syrupy and thickens slightly.  Put in jars and cool to room temp before serving, or refrigerate. 

right after the beginning boil

after mashing

ready to eat!

Thanks to Aunt Tracy for sharing your recipe. (: