Topics include Weber Grill, the joy that peanuts and peanut butter bring into our lives, a history lesson about our friend the potato, and the tasty rituals surrounding Easter and Passover. Please enjoy!
Showing posts with label Media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Media. Show all posts
Emancipation Snacks and the War of Legume Pronunciation
Hello, Spring! It's nice to see you in all your perverted glory, from loud mating animals to sudden torrential downpours. A changing season is always a time that our culinary tastes shift, and it's exciting to start getting into all the fresh deliciousness that these next couple of months will bring. To that end, hows about you hop on over to the Four Courses site and give Episode 25 a listen? Guest host Tiffany Greenwood and I will be waiting there to welcome you!
Topics include Weber Grill, the joy that peanuts and peanut butter bring into our lives, a history lesson about our friend the potato, and the tasty rituals surrounding Easter and Passover. Please enjoy!
Topics include Weber Grill, the joy that peanuts and peanut butter bring into our lives, a history lesson about our friend the potato, and the tasty rituals surrounding Easter and Passover. Please enjoy!
Culinary Segregationists and the Sugar-Frosted Con Job
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 24
February is a strange month. It's short! But this year, it's longer! It's freezing cold! Now it's 77 degrees for no reason! Now, five inches of snow are falling and melting within six hours! When the weather goes wonky, it's time to turn to the world of food for some comfort, and this month's topics have that in spades. Join me and guest host Pamela Merritt by heading on over to the Four Courses website and giving Episode 24 a listen!
Topics include Pho Grand, the immense happiness brought into our lives by peppers, a dive into the homey world of casseroles, and the societal implications of upscale comfort food. Please enjoy!
February is a strange month. It's short! But this year, it's longer! It's freezing cold! Now it's 77 degrees for no reason! Now, five inches of snow are falling and melting within six hours! When the weather goes wonky, it's time to turn to the world of food for some comfort, and this month's topics have that in spades. Join me and guest host Pamela Merritt by heading on over to the Four Courses website and giving Episode 24 a listen!
Topics include Pho Grand, the immense happiness brought into our lives by peppers, a dive into the homey world of casseroles, and the societal implications of upscale comfort food. Please enjoy!
Small Plate #4: Bloody Mary Vs. Mimosa
Four Courses Podcast
The podcast has been too congenial lately. It's time for a good ol' fashioned fight! Guest host (and Four Courses co-founder) Kyle Kratky was good enough to devote some time to shredding my opinion and hurt my feelings, and let's hope I got some good digs in at him as well.
In Episode 23, Kyle and I talked about the social implications of brunch. But forget all that jazz about the betterment of society! Let's talk booze!
Do you favor the Bloody Mary when you knock back a drink at brunch, or are you in the Mimosa camp? Go check out our debate over which one is better on the Four Courses page, then stop by Facebook to cast your vote!
The podcast has been too congenial lately. It's time for a good ol' fashioned fight! Guest host (and Four Courses co-founder) Kyle Kratky was good enough to devote some time to shredding my opinion and hurt my feelings, and let's hope I got some good digs in at him as well.
In Episode 23, Kyle and I talked about the social implications of brunch. But forget all that jazz about the betterment of society! Let's talk booze!
Do you favor the Bloody Mary when you knock back a drink at brunch, or are you in the Mimosa camp? Go check out our debate over which one is better on the Four Courses page, then stop by Facebook to cast your vote!
Evening Egg Espionage and the #BrunchLivesMatter Movement
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 23
Happy New Year! A new year signifies beginnings, and what better way to honor that than with an episode all about the meal that begins the day? Yes, it's an all-breakfast bonanza, and I'm so happy to welcome back Four Courses co-founder Kyle Kratky to serve as guest host in this episode! It was certainly a fun one to record, so go give Episode 23 a listen.
Topics include the Goody Goody Diner, the light and flaky majesty of the biscuit, a discussion about how breakfast fits into modern society, and an attempt to untangle the ethical knots of brunch. Please enjoy! Preferably with a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of you.
Happy New Year! A new year signifies beginnings, and what better way to honor that than with an episode all about the meal that begins the day? Yes, it's an all-breakfast bonanza, and I'm so happy to welcome back Four Courses co-founder Kyle Kratky to serve as guest host in this episode! It was certainly a fun one to record, so go give Episode 23 a listen.
Topics include the Goody Goody Diner, the light and flaky majesty of the biscuit, a discussion about how breakfast fits into modern society, and an attempt to untangle the ethical knots of brunch. Please enjoy! Preferably with a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of you.
Small Plate #3: Acero Executive Chef Adam Gnau
Four Courses Podcast
Four Courses has had a lot of exciting changes in the past year. From our new guest hosts to joining the STL Vernacular Podcast Network, we've been really please to be expanding our mission. And now, let's expand even more with our very first interview with a member of the St. Louis food scene!
In Episode 22, guest host Chris Romer and I talked about Acero. Several hours before we arrived to settle in for what turned out to be a fantastic meal, Chris got the opportunity to sit down and talk with their executive chef, Adam Gnau.
Chef Gnau was very generous with his time, so go on over to the Four Courses page and give Chris' interview with him a listen. Enjoy!
Four Courses has had a lot of exciting changes in the past year. From our new guest hosts to joining the STL Vernacular Podcast Network, we've been really please to be expanding our mission. And now, let's expand even more with our very first interview with a member of the St. Louis food scene!
In Episode 22, guest host Chris Romer and I talked about Acero. Several hours before we arrived to settle in for what turned out to be a fantastic meal, Chris got the opportunity to sit down and talk with their executive chef, Adam Gnau.
Chef Gnau was very generous with his time, so go on over to the Four Courses page and give Chris' interview with him a listen. Enjoy!
Nuptial Libations and the Lentil Seduction
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 22
November's runaway food train continues into December. With company holiday parties, cookie exchange parties, family get-togethers, and New Year's Eve celebrations, there seems to be no end to the feasts we enjoy at this time of year. Four Courses heartily supports this tradition, and we hope you'll help us close out our second year with some chatter about some interesting culinary subjects! Hop on over to the Four Courses site and give Episode 22 a listen!
Topics include Acero, the sweet touch of honey, a rousing talk about holiday bread traditions, and how to stem the tide of food waste. We also welcome guest host Chris Romer, who is the first guest to actually prepare some of the food under discussion to bring to the recording. This practice is highly encouraged. Enjoy!
November's runaway food train continues into December. With company holiday parties, cookie exchange parties, family get-togethers, and New Year's Eve celebrations, there seems to be no end to the feasts we enjoy at this time of year. Four Courses heartily supports this tradition, and we hope you'll help us close out our second year with some chatter about some interesting culinary subjects! Hop on over to the Four Courses site and give Episode 22 a listen!
Topics include Acero, the sweet touch of honey, a rousing talk about holiday bread traditions, and how to stem the tide of food waste. We also welcome guest host Chris Romer, who is the first guest to actually prepare some of the food under discussion to bring to the recording. This practice is highly encouraged. Enjoy!
Child-Repellent Delicacies and the Neanderthal Cupcake Hankering
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 21
Ah, November. The month when we really put on our Eatin' Pants and go to town on some truly impressive meals. More than any other month, this is when discussions about food and drink traditions really come to the forefront. And to that end, hows about you take a jaunt over to the Four Courses site and give Episode 21 a listen?
Topics include Farmhaus, the majesty of paprika, a chat about the Thanksgiving customs we enjoy or disdain, and a royal side-eye given to the trend of gluten-free diets. We also welcome guest host Dana McDonough, who is equal parts lovely and intimidating. Enjoy!
Ah, November. The month when we really put on our Eatin' Pants and go to town on some truly impressive meals. More than any other month, this is when discussions about food and drink traditions really come to the forefront. And to that end, hows about you take a jaunt over to the Four Courses site and give Episode 21 a listen?
Topics include Farmhaus, the majesty of paprika, a chat about the Thanksgiving customs we enjoy or disdain, and a royal side-eye given to the trend of gluten-free diets. We also welcome guest host Dana McDonough, who is equal parts lovely and intimidating. Enjoy!
Small Plate #2: The Great British Baking Show
Four Courses Podcast
Our first Small Plate was a game, but this time, we're going for a review. Hey, remember how much I loved the first season of The Great British Baking Show? Well, that love cannot be contained to just the written word, so guest host Tiffany Greenwood (Episode 20) and I take this opportunity to talk about what makes this program so special.
Interested in a television show that will nourish your soul, plays a siren song for your sweet tooth, and gives you a good giggle all at the same time? Go take a listen to the review here. Then go find Season 1 on Netflix and get started! You won't be sorry.
Our first Small Plate was a game, but this time, we're going for a review. Hey, remember how much I loved the first season of The Great British Baking Show? Well, that love cannot be contained to just the written word, so guest host Tiffany Greenwood (Episode 20) and I take this opportunity to talk about what makes this program so special.
Interested in a television show that will nourish your soul, plays a siren song for your sweet tooth, and gives you a good giggle all at the same time? Go take a listen to the review here. Then go find Season 1 on Netflix and get started! You won't be sorry.
Pita Hoarding and the Environmental Booze Hounds
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 20
Despite a bundle of new work duties and a persistent head cold, nothing could keep me from this month's Four Courses. There are always so many wonderful food topics to explore, and this month, we tackle some of the yummiest. Hows about you wander over to our site and take a listen to Episode 20?
Topics include Olympia, an unhealthy obsession with pickles, our go-to selections when it comes to bread, and the trend of rapidly-disappearing cork in favor of wine bottles with twist-off caps. We also welcome our guest host Tiffany Greenwood, who finally lends a much-needed female voice to what's been a total dude fest until now. Enjoy!
Despite a bundle of new work duties and a persistent head cold, nothing could keep me from this month's Four Courses. There are always so many wonderful food topics to explore, and this month, we tackle some of the yummiest. Hows about you wander over to our site and take a listen to Episode 20?
Topics include Olympia, an unhealthy obsession with pickles, our go-to selections when it comes to bread, and the trend of rapidly-disappearing cork in favor of wine bottles with twist-off caps. We also welcome our guest host Tiffany Greenwood, who finally lends a much-needed female voice to what's been a total dude fest until now. Enjoy!
Small Plate #1: Cheese or Band Name
Four Courses Podcast
Sometimes, you may be peckish, but not have room for a full meal. And sometimes, you may want to enjoy your favorite podcast, Four Courses, but not have time to engage with a full episode. Good news!
Welcome to the first Four Courses Small Plate! Small Plates are mini-episodes that will periodically show up between main episodes, and can come in a wide variety of flavors: Maybe it’ll be a game. Maybe it’ll be an interview with a local chef. Maybe it’ll be a review of some food-related media. Or maybe it’ll be something else entirely.
For this first small plate, guest host Jeffrey Ricker (from Episode 19) joins in for a game: Cheese or Band Name.
Think you can tell the difference between a rockin’ band and a regional Irish Cheddar? It might not be as easy as you think, Grasshopper. Play along with the game here, and see how you do! And if you have suggestions for other Small Plates, please feel free to email fourcoursespodcast@gmail.com
Sometimes, you may be peckish, but not have room for a full meal. And sometimes, you may want to enjoy your favorite podcast, Four Courses, but not have time to engage with a full episode. Good news!
Welcome to the first Four Courses Small Plate! Small Plates are mini-episodes that will periodically show up between main episodes, and can come in a wide variety of flavors: Maybe it’ll be a game. Maybe it’ll be an interview with a local chef. Maybe it’ll be a review of some food-related media. Or maybe it’ll be something else entirely.
For this first small plate, guest host Jeffrey Ricker (from Episode 19) joins in for a game: Cheese or Band Name.
Think you can tell the difference between a rockin’ band and a regional Irish Cheddar? It might not be as easy as you think, Grasshopper. Play along with the game here, and see how you do! And if you have suggestions for other Small Plates, please feel free to email fourcoursespodcast@gmail.com
Dairy Delights and the Gift of the Fungi
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 19
Four Courses has undergone some upheaval in the past month, so you'll notice big changes in this month's episode, including a brand new course. We're delving into food from both land and sea, so if you don't already subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher, head on over to our blog and check out Episode 19!
Topics include Kampai Sushi Bar, the myriad uses of basil, the wide and wonderful world of cheeses, and the challenges of falling off the vegetarian wagon. We also welcome our first guest host, Jeffrey Ricker, whose books you should go buy immediately. Enjoy!
Four Courses has undergone some upheaval in the past month, so you'll notice big changes in this month's episode, including a brand new course. We're delving into food from both land and sea, so if you don't already subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher, head on over to our blog and check out Episode 19!
Topics include Kampai Sushi Bar, the myriad uses of basil, the wide and wonderful world of cheeses, and the challenges of falling off the vegetarian wagon. We also welcome our first guest host, Jeffrey Ricker, whose books you should go buy immediately. Enjoy!
Song of the Summer 2015
Holy jeepers, it's September?!? Clearly, I need to get myself into a doctor's waiting room soon, as it's the only scientifically-proven place where time stops. Well, since summer is coming to a speedy close, we should talk about the infectious music of the season. Last year, summer pop music was terrible. Or if not terrible, the best that can be said about it is that nothing really stood out for me.
This year is very different; there's plenty to choose from! That doesn't mean the process of selecting a Song of the Summer is easy, though. Not only are there the challenges of trying to decide between two songs that are equally compelling, but you have to take certain "rules" into consideration. For some people, the Song of the Summer is simply the song that gets the most radio play. It's the song that you'll hear at every backyard barbecue, and is emanating out of every car that you're stopped next to at a red light. For others, it's the one that most aptly catches the mood of the season, which means it's guaranteed to be a propulsive, energetic pop song.
I like to split the difference between these two camps. My personal Song of the Summer will certainly be up-tempo, even if it's not about a happy topic, lyrically. But by the same token, all my favorite songs combine the best parts of mass-market pop and thoughtful indie music. Tracks that can strike that delicate balance are guaranteed to make my list, and not only during the summer. All that said, I'm terrible at discovering new music. I rely on friend and journalist recommendations to basically curate most of what I listen to. The experts definitely came through this year, and gave me a wealth of nominees to sift through. Hell, Carly Rae Jepsen has an entire album's worth of quality summer music this year (E•MO•TION).
No matter what my opinion on the matter, the "official" Songs of the Summer will be a matter of public consensus, and the public has already pretty much settled on three, one of which I love, one I like but am bound to get sick of by winter, and one I don't like at all. The one I dislike is "Cheerleader" (OMI), so let's just get all the crap out of the way first. "Cheerleader" is actively annoying, both musically and lyrically. That's all we need: A combination of irritating reggae components and lyrics about a woman who serves no purpose but to fawn over the singer. And while we're talking about inexplicably popular songs, we have to mention "Bad Blood" (Taylor Swift), too. Does nobody else notice that she's singing the same five notes over and over? "Shake it Off" and "Blank Space" had some issues, but they're damned catchy. "Bad Blood" is just bland mush. At least Taylor Swift is worth mentioning, unlike anything that comes from 5 Seconds of Summer, a band whose very name is a perfect encapsulation of how disposable they are.
OK, now that the detritus is dealt with, let's get to some songs that are way more enjoyable, but lack that certain something to be my Song of the Summer. A few songs would get solid recommends from me, but aren't quite "poppy" enough to win:
"Better in the Morning" (Little Boots)
"Entropy" (Grimes, Bleacher)
"My Type" (Saint Motel)
"Ex's & Oh's" (Elle King)
Some are plenty up-tempo enough, and even though I love them, they don't have the wide appeal necessary for a Song of the Summer:
"Diamonds" (Giorgio Moroder, Charli XCX)
"Bombastic" (Bonnie McKee)
"On the Regular" (Shamir)
"Déjà Vu" (Giorgio Moroder, Sia)
That brings us down to the final six, any of which would be worthy winner. Of those six, three are what I'd call "consensus" songs, which are the popular ones you've been hearing everywhere. The other three are "personal" songs, which appeal to me directly, but haven't caught on in the public eye. All of them are great, but it's time to do some whittling, so I'll reluctantly drop two from each category:
Consensus Songs:
"Shut up and Dance" (WALK THE MOON) - This is the one I mentioned above as really liking, but I can tell that I'll be over it by December.
"Can't Feel My Face" (The Weeknd) - Similar situation here. Happy to hear it whenever it pops up (which is often), but doesn't have longevity.
Personal Songs:
"Yoga" (Janelle Monáe and Jidenna) - Goddamn, do I love Janelle Monáe. You should see the embarrassing moves this song brings out in me as I'm driving down the street.
"New Obsession" (Frankie) - It may be a silly little song about a girl wanting a quick fling with the local stud, but the beat has effortlessly infected my brain. This one is the current go-to song for belting in the shower.
That brings it down to the final two to battle it out for supremacy. Ultimately, first runner up must go to the Personal Song, though it'll definitely be in the running for the Best of 2015. My friend Kyle pointed this one out to me; I'd never have run across it otherwise. I just can't get "King" (Years & Years) out of my head:
It's a jam, right? However, there's only one song that has all the necessary attributes of a Song of the Summer winner. It's got a beat. Its lyrics aren't stupid or insulting. I won't be sick of it in a month. It's popular with the general public, but has that air of indie credibility. Ladies and gentleman, the 2015 Song of the Summer is... "Lean On" (Major Lazer and DJ Snake, featuring MØ). Kick it!
This year is very different; there's plenty to choose from! That doesn't mean the process of selecting a Song of the Summer is easy, though. Not only are there the challenges of trying to decide between two songs that are equally compelling, but you have to take certain "rules" into consideration. For some people, the Song of the Summer is simply the song that gets the most radio play. It's the song that you'll hear at every backyard barbecue, and is emanating out of every car that you're stopped next to at a red light. For others, it's the one that most aptly catches the mood of the season, which means it's guaranteed to be a propulsive, energetic pop song.
I like to split the difference between these two camps. My personal Song of the Summer will certainly be up-tempo, even if it's not about a happy topic, lyrically. But by the same token, all my favorite songs combine the best parts of mass-market pop and thoughtful indie music. Tracks that can strike that delicate balance are guaranteed to make my list, and not only during the summer. All that said, I'm terrible at discovering new music. I rely on friend and journalist recommendations to basically curate most of what I listen to. The experts definitely came through this year, and gave me a wealth of nominees to sift through. Hell, Carly Rae Jepsen has an entire album's worth of quality summer music this year (E•MO•TION).
No matter what my opinion on the matter, the "official" Songs of the Summer will be a matter of public consensus, and the public has already pretty much settled on three, one of which I love, one I like but am bound to get sick of by winter, and one I don't like at all. The one I dislike is "Cheerleader" (OMI), so let's just get all the crap out of the way first. "Cheerleader" is actively annoying, both musically and lyrically. That's all we need: A combination of irritating reggae components and lyrics about a woman who serves no purpose but to fawn over the singer. And while we're talking about inexplicably popular songs, we have to mention "Bad Blood" (Taylor Swift), too. Does nobody else notice that she's singing the same five notes over and over? "Shake it Off" and "Blank Space" had some issues, but they're damned catchy. "Bad Blood" is just bland mush. At least Taylor Swift is worth mentioning, unlike anything that comes from 5 Seconds of Summer, a band whose very name is a perfect encapsulation of how disposable they are.
OK, now that the detritus is dealt with, let's get to some songs that are way more enjoyable, but lack that certain something to be my Song of the Summer. A few songs would get solid recommends from me, but aren't quite "poppy" enough to win:
"Better in the Morning" (Little Boots)
"Entropy" (Grimes, Bleacher)
"My Type" (Saint Motel)
"Ex's & Oh's" (Elle King)
Some are plenty up-tempo enough, and even though I love them, they don't have the wide appeal necessary for a Song of the Summer:
"Diamonds" (Giorgio Moroder, Charli XCX)
"Bombastic" (Bonnie McKee)
"On the Regular" (Shamir)
"Déjà Vu" (Giorgio Moroder, Sia)
That brings us down to the final six, any of which would be worthy winner. Of those six, three are what I'd call "consensus" songs, which are the popular ones you've been hearing everywhere. The other three are "personal" songs, which appeal to me directly, but haven't caught on in the public eye. All of them are great, but it's time to do some whittling, so I'll reluctantly drop two from each category:
Consensus Songs:
"Shut up and Dance" (WALK THE MOON) - This is the one I mentioned above as really liking, but I can tell that I'll be over it by December.
"Can't Feel My Face" (The Weeknd) - Similar situation here. Happy to hear it whenever it pops up (which is often), but doesn't have longevity.
Personal Songs:
"Yoga" (Janelle Monáe and Jidenna) - Goddamn, do I love Janelle Monáe. You should see the embarrassing moves this song brings out in me as I'm driving down the street.
"New Obsession" (Frankie) - It may be a silly little song about a girl wanting a quick fling with the local stud, but the beat has effortlessly infected my brain. This one is the current go-to song for belting in the shower.
That brings it down to the final two to battle it out for supremacy. Ultimately, first runner up must go to the Personal Song, though it'll definitely be in the running for the Best of 2015. My friend Kyle pointed this one out to me; I'd never have run across it otherwise. I just can't get "King" (Years & Years) out of my head:
It's a jam, right? However, there's only one song that has all the necessary attributes of a Song of the Summer winner. It's got a beat. Its lyrics aren't stupid or insulting. I won't be sick of it in a month. It's popular with the general public, but has that air of indie credibility. Ladies and gentleman, the 2015 Song of the Summer is... "Lean On" (Major Lazer and DJ Snake, featuring MØ). Kick it!
Kyle's Appetizer Platter
Four Courses Podcast - Special Episode 2
It's time for another Very Special Episode of Four Courses. Our last special episode was a flashback to some favorite Dessert segments of episodes past, but this all-Appetizer episode is brand new content. Kyle is branching off into some new creative ventures, and so we have to bid good-bye to him as a regular host. We had to mark the occasion, though, so we send him off by hitting the town and eating/drinking at some of his favorite places.
Go listen to the episode here to join us for stops at Pi Pizza, The Royale, The Kitchen Sink, The Cup, and The Fountain on Locust. Enjoy!
It's time for another Very Special Episode of Four Courses. Our last special episode was a flashback to some favorite Dessert segments of episodes past, but this all-Appetizer episode is brand new content. Kyle is branching off into some new creative ventures, and so we have to bid good-bye to him as a regular host. We had to mark the occasion, though, so we send him off by hitting the town and eating/drinking at some of his favorite places.
Go listen to the episode here to join us for stops at Pi Pizza, The Royale, The Kitchen Sink, The Cup, and The Fountain on Locust. Enjoy!
Crustacean Crushes and the Futuristic Sugar Robot
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 18
My god, is it hot outside. This is what I get for complaining about that first part of summer when it was cool and rained seven inches a day. But now that we've reached the intolerable heat and humidity part of the calendar, it's time to talk summer food. So head on over to Four Courses and check out Episode 18!
Topics include Peacemaker Lobster and Crab, the wrap-up of the Our Favorite Drinks seasonal segment, a comparison of regional barbecue styles, and the best snacks to enjoy at the movies. We go out on a Sell Me On... segment all about ice cream flavors that deserve a second chance. Enjoy!
My god, is it hot outside. This is what I get for complaining about that first part of summer when it was cool and rained seven inches a day. But now that we've reached the intolerable heat and humidity part of the calendar, it's time to talk summer food. So head on over to Four Courses and check out Episode 18!
Topics include Peacemaker Lobster and Crab, the wrap-up of the Our Favorite Drinks seasonal segment, a comparison of regional barbecue styles, and the best snacks to enjoy at the movies. We go out on a Sell Me On... segment all about ice cream flavors that deserve a second chance. Enjoy!
Summer Movie Preview: August 2015
August is a Very Special Month around here, in that it contains the day of my birth. That means taking time to celebrate, and taking time to celebrate often means dinner and a movie. So what will theaters be unspooling in their never-ending quest for our hard-earned dollars? Let's check it out!
The Main Attraction: Ummmm.... I've gone over the list of the month's releases multiple times, and can only reach the conclusion that the main attraction this August will be:
Maybe I'll pick up some of the movies I missed in the other summer months, but it's more likely that I'll make an effort to put a dent in my imposing Netflix queue. There is just nothing being released in August that really grabs my attention, which may be a first for summer blockbuster seasons. There are a few films that may be worth checking out at some point (see below), but there aren't any headliners.
Looks Promising: I liked Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, but cannot claim to be a Guy Ritchie fan, overall. That said, I did really enjoy the stylized trailer for The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (August 14). I've only seen a few episodes of the television show, so I certainly won't be angry if the movie strikes a different tone. The cast seems well-chosen, so as long as this movie isn't quite as hyper-kinetic as Ritchie's other ones, I can see myself checking this out.
Possible Rental: Meryl Streep is always good, even if the movie she's inhabiting isn't. The trailer for Ricki and the Flash (August 7), which stars her as an aging rocker who is attempting to atone for being a negligent mother, didn't fill me with giddy anticipation, but I definitely am not writing it off just yet. There's also Z for Zachariah (release TBD), which features Margot Robbie as a woman living on a post-apocalyptic farm, and must contend with the arrival of two strange men (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine), both of whom are contenders for the chance to get the population going again. I know literally nothing about it except what I just wrote, but the premise is intriguing.
We'll See: I'm not saying Fantastic Four (August 7) will be as terrible as, well, every other Fantastic Four movie has been, but it sure hasn't given me any indication that it's going to improve, either. I'm more than happy to wait for the next X-Men movie instead, but if this somehow gets an overwhelming amount of positive buzz, I suppose I'll allow myself to be persuaded into seeing it. There's also the comedic crime heist movie Masterminds (August 7), which stars Zach Galifinakis and Kristen Wiig as hapless bank robbers. It looks pretty middle-of-the-road, but I'll admit to being curious about what director Jared Hess' post-Napoleon Dynamite movies are like.
The Main Attraction: Ummmm.... I've gone over the list of the month's releases multiple times, and can only reach the conclusion that the main attraction this August will be:
Maybe I'll pick up some of the movies I missed in the other summer months, but it's more likely that I'll make an effort to put a dent in my imposing Netflix queue. There is just nothing being released in August that really grabs my attention, which may be a first for summer blockbuster seasons. There are a few films that may be worth checking out at some point (see below), but there aren't any headliners.
Looks Promising: I liked Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, but cannot claim to be a Guy Ritchie fan, overall. That said, I did really enjoy the stylized trailer for The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (August 14). I've only seen a few episodes of the television show, so I certainly won't be angry if the movie strikes a different tone. The cast seems well-chosen, so as long as this movie isn't quite as hyper-kinetic as Ritchie's other ones, I can see myself checking this out.
Possible Rental: Meryl Streep is always good, even if the movie she's inhabiting isn't. The trailer for Ricki and the Flash (August 7), which stars her as an aging rocker who is attempting to atone for being a negligent mother, didn't fill me with giddy anticipation, but I definitely am not writing it off just yet. There's also Z for Zachariah (release TBD), which features Margot Robbie as a woman living on a post-apocalyptic farm, and must contend with the arrival of two strange men (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine), both of whom are contenders for the chance to get the population going again. I know literally nothing about it except what I just wrote, but the premise is intriguing.
We'll See: I'm not saying Fantastic Four (August 7) will be as terrible as, well, every other Fantastic Four movie has been, but it sure hasn't given me any indication that it's going to improve, either. I'm more than happy to wait for the next X-Men movie instead, but if this somehow gets an overwhelming amount of positive buzz, I suppose I'll allow myself to be persuaded into seeing it. There's also the comedic crime heist movie Masterminds (August 7), which stars Zach Galifinakis and Kristen Wiig as hapless bank robbers. It looks pretty middle-of-the-road, but I'll admit to being curious about what director Jared Hess' post-Napoleon Dynamite movies are like.
Summer Movie Preview: July 2015
It's hot outside! You'd almost think it was summer! Now, where can we take refuge from the sweltering heat and enjoy some spectacle at the same time? I know! Moooooovies! Let's see what July can put on my radar.
The Main Attraction: I'd usually never list a romantic comedy as the most intriguing movie of the month. But I've been enjoying the hell out of Amy Schumer's comedy lately, so I just can't resist seeing what she's going to do with the format in Trainwreck (July 17). Throw in Tilda Swinton and Brie Larson in supporting roles, and I'll be at the theater with bells on.
Looks Promising: I'm a normal, red-blooded male who enjoys...certain kinds of physical beauty, so I'm hoping we can put together a Rum Crowd visit to the theater for Magic Mike XXL (July 1). The first one was pretty good, and I believe this one does away with the wooden characters that dragged it down, so all signs point to yay.
Possible Rental: I count myself among the fans of Sherlock, but aside from that, the character has been getting pretty overexposed lately. Normally, I'd likely skip a movie that features him as an elderly man losing his memories. But when he's played by Ian McKellen, it makes Mr. Holmes (July 17) a pretty good candidate for a quiet-evening-at-home sort of movie. I'll check out the reviews and take it from there. There's also Do I Sound Gay? (July 10), a documentary about the cultural history of the "gay voice". It sounds like a pretty natural follow-up to The Celluloid Closet, but nothing I need to catch in theaters.
We'll See: It's weird to relegate some of the summer's biggest releases to this category, but these are the movies I just can't whip up much excitement over yet, no matter how vast their budgets. There's the reboot of Vacation (July 31), which only interests me in terms of checking out Chris Hemsworth's comedic cameo. There's Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (July 31), which I'll wait for the word-of-mouth response to before making a decision. And while a Marvel superhero movie would tend to be towards the top of my list and I do love Paul Rudd, I'm going to reserve judgement on Ant-Man (July 17) as well. I care less than nothing about the character, and the trailers didn't make it look particularly good, but maybe it'll pull a Guardians of the Galaxy and come out of nowhere to blow me away. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
The Main Attraction: I'd usually never list a romantic comedy as the most intriguing movie of the month. But I've been enjoying the hell out of Amy Schumer's comedy lately, so I just can't resist seeing what she's going to do with the format in Trainwreck (July 17). Throw in Tilda Swinton and Brie Larson in supporting roles, and I'll be at the theater with bells on.
Looks Promising: I'm a normal, red-blooded male who enjoys...certain kinds of physical beauty, so I'm hoping we can put together a Rum Crowd visit to the theater for Magic Mike XXL (July 1). The first one was pretty good, and I believe this one does away with the wooden characters that dragged it down, so all signs point to yay.
Possible Rental: I count myself among the fans of Sherlock, but aside from that, the character has been getting pretty overexposed lately. Normally, I'd likely skip a movie that features him as an elderly man losing his memories. But when he's played by Ian McKellen, it makes Mr. Holmes (July 17) a pretty good candidate for a quiet-evening-at-home sort of movie. I'll check out the reviews and take it from there. There's also Do I Sound Gay? (July 10), a documentary about the cultural history of the "gay voice". It sounds like a pretty natural follow-up to The Celluloid Closet, but nothing I need to catch in theaters.
We'll See: It's weird to relegate some of the summer's biggest releases to this category, but these are the movies I just can't whip up much excitement over yet, no matter how vast their budgets. There's the reboot of Vacation (July 31), which only interests me in terms of checking out Chris Hemsworth's comedic cameo. There's Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (July 31), which I'll wait for the word-of-mouth response to before making a decision. And while a Marvel superhero movie would tend to be towards the top of my list and I do love Paul Rudd, I'm going to reserve judgement on Ant-Man (July 17) as well. I care less than nothing about the character, and the trailers didn't make it look particularly good, but maybe it'll pull a Guardians of the Galaxy and come out of nowhere to blow me away. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Just Desserts
Four Courses Podcast - Special Episode 1
Both Kyle and I have a lot of Big Life Stuff going on right now. In fact, me even having the internet connection to type this right now is a minor miracle. But instead of leaving a black hole of content, we're putting up a special episode: All Dessert.
These are our favorite and/or most popular Dessert segments of episodes past. You can listen to the episode here, and that post also includes links to the episodes when these segments originally aired. Enjoy!
Both Kyle and I have a lot of Big Life Stuff going on right now. In fact, me even having the internet connection to type this right now is a minor miracle. But instead of leaving a black hole of content, we're putting up a special episode: All Dessert.
These are our favorite and/or most popular Dessert segments of episodes past. You can listen to the episode here, and that post also includes links to the episodes when these segments originally aired. Enjoy!
Summer Movie Preview: June 2015
June promises to be a busy month for me; I might not have many opportunities to see movies. But hey, that's all the more reason to sort everything into categories, the better to know how best to spend precious free time. June is when the summer movie season really kicks into high gear, so let's see what's competing for our attention.
The Main Attraction: OK, so Pixar doesn't have a perfect track record anymore, but that's to be expected. And it doesn't lessen my excitement for Inside Out (June 19) one bit. I didn't love the preview, but it's got a great cast and embraces the premise of Herman's Head, but with a female protagonist and a bigger sense of adventure. I'm guessing it's going to be a blast.
Looks Promising: Sometimes, a movie will get onto my radar through pure word of mouth. So I can say without knowing much about the plot that I need to pay attention to Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (June 12), which is getting all sorts of buzz from film sites and movie fans.
Possible Rental: Melissa McCarthy movies fall into one of two groups: Hilarious or poisonously awful. It seems to be impossible to be able to tell ahead of time which way they're going to lean, so I'll wait for the reviews of Spy (June 5) before I decide if it's worth a watch. It's not often that reading about a movie for the first time in the preview will spark my interest, but a documentary about seven home-schooled brothers who rarely left their home and obsessively watched movies certainly fits the bill (The Wolfpack - June 12).
We'll See: Last year, I was as pleasantly surprised at Chris Pratt - Action Hero as everyone else. That doesn't make Jurassic World (June 12) a sure bet, though. The trailers are pretty dire, and it's not like the other sequels are shining jewels. Still, I wouldn't be shocked if it turned out to be good. Classics are sometimes an attractive possibility, so I'm still waffling over Madame Bovary (June 12).
The Main Attraction: OK, so Pixar doesn't have a perfect track record anymore, but that's to be expected. And it doesn't lessen my excitement for Inside Out (June 19) one bit. I didn't love the preview, but it's got a great cast and embraces the premise of Herman's Head, but with a female protagonist and a bigger sense of adventure. I'm guessing it's going to be a blast.
Looks Promising: Sometimes, a movie will get onto my radar through pure word of mouth. So I can say without knowing much about the plot that I need to pay attention to Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (June 12), which is getting all sorts of buzz from film sites and movie fans.
Possible Rental: Melissa McCarthy movies fall into one of two groups: Hilarious or poisonously awful. It seems to be impossible to be able to tell ahead of time which way they're going to lean, so I'll wait for the reviews of Spy (June 5) before I decide if it's worth a watch. It's not often that reading about a movie for the first time in the preview will spark my interest, but a documentary about seven home-schooled brothers who rarely left their home and obsessively watched movies certainly fits the bill (The Wolfpack - June 12).
We'll See: Last year, I was as pleasantly surprised at Chris Pratt - Action Hero as everyone else. That doesn't make Jurassic World (June 12) a sure bet, though. The trailers are pretty dire, and it's not like the other sequels are shining jewels. Still, I wouldn't be shocked if it turned out to be good. Classics are sometimes an attractive possibility, so I'm still waffling over Madame Bovary (June 12).
Tofu Conundrums and the Veggie Ultimatum
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 17
Listen, I love meat. I love beef and veal and lamb and sausage and bacon and chicken and fish and shellfish and sweetbreads and ham and and just about any other one you can name. But once in a while, it's nice to step back from the meaty extravaganza that is the modern American diet and focus instead on the realm of vegetarianism. So, we've turned over an entire episode to it! It was enjoyable to take a break from the butcher shop and stick to the produce department for a while. How about you join us? Click over to Four Courses and listen to Episode 17!
Topics include Tree House, the fruits, veggies, and herbs that insinuate themselves into the world of drinkin', reliable vegetarian dishes for an omnivorous diet, and a fun discussion of the social responsibilities surrounding vegetarianism. We go out on a Sell Me On... segment in which vegetables we don't love get a second chance. Enjoy!
Listen, I love meat. I love beef and veal and lamb and sausage and bacon and chicken and fish and shellfish and sweetbreads and ham and and just about any other one you can name. But once in a while, it's nice to step back from the meaty extravaganza that is the modern American diet and focus instead on the realm of vegetarianism. So, we've turned over an entire episode to it! It was enjoyable to take a break from the butcher shop and stick to the produce department for a while. How about you join us? Click over to Four Courses and listen to Episode 17!
Topics include Tree House, the fruits, veggies, and herbs that insinuate themselves into the world of drinkin', reliable vegetarian dishes for an omnivorous diet, and a fun discussion of the social responsibilities surrounding vegetarianism. We go out on a Sell Me On... segment in which vegetables we don't love get a second chance. Enjoy!
Unpronounceable Entrées and the Ethics of Cake Destruction
Four Courses Podcast - Episode 16
Sppppprrrrrinnnnnnng! Once the weather lightens up, there's so much more to get out and do, food-wise. OK, everything-wise, but that's not what we're about. Want to know what we are about? Then click over to Four Courses and listen to Episode 16!
Topics include Yemanja Brasil, the Spring edition of "Our Favorite Drinks", the shoddy reputation of wedding food, and a very careful chat about how one should tip when there isn't a server in play. We go out on a Sell Me On... segment in which the herbs of the season are passionately advocated for. Enjoy!
Sppppprrrrrinnnnnnng! Once the weather lightens up, there's so much more to get out and do, food-wise. OK, everything-wise, but that's not what we're about. Want to know what we are about? Then click over to Four Courses and listen to Episode 16!
Topics include Yemanja Brasil, the Spring edition of "Our Favorite Drinks", the shoddy reputation of wedding food, and a very careful chat about how one should tip when there isn't a server in play. We go out on a Sell Me On... segment in which the herbs of the season are passionately advocated for. Enjoy!
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