National Dish of Saudi Arabia

One of the benefits, and believe me there are many, to having a generous friend who loves to cook is that you’ll get emails like this:

Subject: Kabsa Anyone?

“Ok, so it’s almost “Souper Sunday” time of year, but before it gets too cold out, I’ve been meaning to make a giant serving of Kabsa. What’s Kabsa you ask? Why its the national dish of Saudi Arabia of course. I came across it last week doing a wikipedia search on Mecca since it was in the news. And let me tell you, it looks delicious. Its chicken, rice, raisins (i get this awesome Persian kind of this place near my work that taste like no raisin you’ve had) some nuts and maybe some other stuff, I’m searching the internet for the best recipe. So anyone down for some this Sunday afternoon/evening (perhaps around 5 or 6)? Let me know if anyone is up for it, so I know how much I need to make.”

As a usual non-lover of raisin foods, I have to say I was a believer after eating this. Super delicious.
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Posted on November 22, 2009

directed by Larry Cohen (1976)

Larry Cohen is best known for his campy horror romp The Stuff, but even with that blockbuster under his belt, he’s remained an elusive and under-appreciated filmmaker with a cult fan base only (Jim goes so far as to insist that he’s responsible for the only ‘bearable’ episode of Masters of Horrible). God Told Me To, a cheap low-grade horror movie, will not necessarily win over those of you not already a part of that fan base, but it’s a strangely interesting, audacious and compelling movie for anyone trawling the horror section for something a little off-kilter.

Like many of my favorite horror films, God Told Me To benefits from its small budget, even the grainy and worn out looking film transfer enhances the weird mood. From the opening scenes of a busy Manhattan street suddenly under attack from a rooftop sniper, the movie is propelled by a simple but incredibly effective terror premise: innocent, law abiding people are suddenly (and seemingly randomly) turning into homicidal maniacs. The phenomenon is spreading like a virus, and in the aftermath of the bloodbaths, all the people who have been affected claim that God told them to kill (their spouses, children, neighbors, etc).

It’s a fascinating story and one that with or without credit, I think highly influenced the excellent Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s film Cure where a police officer uncovers the strange connection between seemingly normal people committing sudden random murders.

The police officer in this film is played by Tony Lo Bianco, who I was thrilled to see from Honeymoon Killers. Other familiar faces are here as well, including Sandy Dennis (from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf), Andy Kaufman (against type as a police man and mass murderer), and Sylvia Sidney (who I recognized instantly as the old lady who blows smoke out of her open neck in Beetlejuice).

There’s a straightforwardness and lack of melodrama to the direction which can be refreshing but is just as frequently a flaw; the lack of accentuated drama can make the latter half of the film drag, and huge elements of the plot are simply skimmed over… and what a plot it is! Quite daringly, it’s ultimately a movie about an alien evil Jesus with Cronenbergian elements. Could this have been made into a better film? Probably, but I doubt many would dare to.

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Posted on November 15, 2009

by Carole King (1971)

Carole King’s Tapestry is the aural equivalent of being wrapped up in an afghan blanket on a cold night – or mom hugs when you’re a kid; it’s just so cozy and comforting. Filled to the brim with recognizable hits like I Feel the Earth Move (which I remember vividly playing at a Children’s museum that had a room simulating an earthquake), So Far Away, and my favorite, It’s Too Late, as well as covers of songs that she originally wrote but became hits for other acts like Will You Love Me Tomorrow, You’ve Got a Friend, and You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.

It’s little wonder that this was such a wildly popular record (spending 15 weeks at number one, which is the longest time for an album by a woman to occupy that position). It’s a simple pleasure that feels as relevant as ever with its hazy kitty cat cover photo and its simple, unadorned production.

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Posted on November 15, 2009

Prime-time Glitz

Oh Solid Gold Dancers, how you added sparkle to my childhood.

My sister and I were highly influenced by their Lycra-clad glamor and  we’d dance around the basement, Meghan spinning me over her head, The Pointer Sisters blaring, envisioning ourselves as Saturday night television stars.

I also had a long-running joke where I’d ask for ‘salad gold’ for dinner.
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Posted on November 15, 2009

30 Gem Street, Greenpoint

The hours for Acme’s Fish Fridays (8am to 1pm) make it difficult to squeeze in before work, but I can assure you it’s certainly worth the effort. The factory, a fourth generation family-run business sits in the heart of industrial Greenpoint and the fish smoked there can be found in most local grocery stores, and it supplies many restaurants too.

When the factory opens to the public, great deals can be had, not only on their packaged goods, but their fresh smoked products, which I was more interested in. Samples are available and I decided to get a chunk of the cold smoked salmon which was delicious.

A grand party platter could be made with all the delectable offerings, including a large tub of caviar for $25.

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Posted on November 15, 2009