10 Most Memorable Oscar Moments

Chris Rock’s opening monologue. No sugar coating here. Chris Rock began the show acknowledging the elephant in the room, #OscarSoWhite. With most jokes landing, -- Will Smith getting paid $20M for Wild Wild West and Jada Pinkett Smith boycotting even though she works in TV and wasn’t invited-- but a few causing cringe worthy expressions -- speaking of lynching will very rarely get the laughs – Rock brought us a funny, straight to the point monologue without any unnecessary showboating.

Stacey Dash cameo. In two words…Epic Fail. Her joke on celebrating Black History Month may have failed, but at least we got another priceless expression from Chrissy Teigen.

Who doesn't love Girl Scout Cookies? Chris Rock surely made Daddy of the Year by selling Girl Scout Cooking for his daughter’s troop and the result was amazing -- he raised over $65,000 and sold carbs to a room full of actors!

Jacob Tremblay. The Room actor stole the show, not once, but throughout the night. From shouting to Chris Rock that he loved him in Madagascar, to his love of Star Wars’ -- Shuffling in his set to see R2De, C3PO and BB-8 and his Darth Vadar socks was priceless --to his excitement over cast-mate, Brie Larson’s win, Jacob was for sure a winner at this year’s Oscars.

Lady Gaga’s Performance of Till it Happens to You. A beautifully touching performance, it was the complete opposite of Gaga’s performance at the Grammy’s. All dressed in white, Lady Gaga sang the powerful song just accompanied by her piano and a stage full of sexual abuse survivors. It was a performance that bought the audience to tears.

VP Joe Biden. Joe Biden, given a standing ovation by the audience, introduced Lady Gaga and encouraged us to ‘change the culture’ on sexual assault.

 Tina Fey and Steve Carell. This comedy duo took the stage to announce Best Production Design, but more memorable was their perfect banter. This was just a reminder of why we so desperately need these two back on our TVs…preferable together.

Surprise win for Mark Rylance. Everyone was expecting Sylvester Stallone to go home with the trophy this year, but Rylance snuck in and won the gold. A poignant performance in Bridge of Spies, his win may have been a shocker, but wasn’t undeserved.

 

Dave Grohl singing Blackbird. The Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl took the stage to sing a beautiful acoustic version of Blackbird for the In Memoriam segment. It was a heartfelt rendition of the song and a perfect way to say goodbye to those we lost this year.

Leonardo DiCaprio. After six nominations, 2016 was Leo’s year as he FINALLY took home the trophy for Best Actor for his role in The Revenant. A well-deserved and long overdo win, DiCaprio used his time to not only thank those he’s grateful too, but educate the world that climate change is real.

“And lastly I just want to say this: Making ‘The Revenant’ was about man's relationship to the natural world. A world that we collectively felt in 2015 as the hottest year in recorded history. Our production needed to move to the southern tip of this planet just to be able to find snow. Climate change is real, it is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating. We need to support leaders around the world who do not speak for the big polluters, but who speak for all of humanity, for the indigenous people of the world, for the billions and billions of underprivileged people out there who would be most affected by this. For our children’s children, and for those people out there whose voices have been drowned out by the politics of greed. I thank you all for this amazing award tonight. Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted. Thank you so very much. “

The Lady in the Van is a Perfect Pair with the Traveling Sweets at Sweetery NYC

Cast: Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings

In 250 Characters or Less:

Graced by the kindness of strangers a homeless woman finds herself living out her days in her van. Although difficult and ungrateful, an unlikely friendship forms between the crotchety old woman and the writer who lets her park in his driveway.

What Works:

Maggie Smith is pure genius in this role. Her character’s cantankerous demeanor and devil- may-care responses to people are the type of things only old people can get away with saying, which only adds to the film. In addition, her constant insistence of her cleanliness and that she’s won awards for such things is just one of the things that makes this character so amazingly delightful to watch.  

Sharing the screen with Smith is Alex Jennings as Alan, a writer and playwright who has a soft spot for the sad old woman and allows her to park in his driveway so as not to get towed by the town. What was only supposed to last three months became a fifteen-year relationship of love and respect masked by mutual disdain. We see two sides to Alan, the internal writer in him who stays home and the one who goes out and lives his less than exceptional life. It’s a great dynamic and lets audiences see the many layers to the character.

Be Aware:

The film feels a bit long, even though it’s only 1 hr 42 min. The pace is very slow and intentional as each scene brings us more insight into how the old woman came to live in her van, although the final reveal felt a bit anti-climactic.

Overall Grade: B

Sweetery NYC

Courtesy of SweeteryNYC

In 250 Characters or Less:

It’s all in the name. Sweetery delivers with brownies, whoopie pies, ice cream sammies, and more. This food truck is here to satisfy every New Yorker’s sweet tooth despite operating out of a tiny food truck -- much like that of The Lady in the Van.

What Works:

Where do we begin?

Whoopie pies, ice cream sammies, spinach and cheese croissants, chocolate brioches, candied ginger shortbread cookies, and much much more. That is just the tip of the “sweet” iceberg and New York City’s Sweetery. This mobile bakery isn’t only serving up guilty pleasures by the dough but actually has extra large windows in its trucks allowing customers to see right into its kitchen where its goodies are baked fresh on a daily basis.

Be Aware:

Of a growing waistline!

Overall Grade: A

377 E 33rd St. in Murray Hill

(212) 888-3939

sweeterynyc.com

Oscar Review: Hungry Watching Predictions

The Academy Awards are this Sunday. Check out our predictions for the five main categories:

Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

Oscar Review: The Big Short and Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse

Cast: Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell

In 250 Characters or Less:

Before the housing bubble burst, a select few predicted the crash of the housing market and found a way to profit from it. By creating credit default swaps and betting against the housing market these men gambled on banks being greedy and won.

What Works:

To help explain some of the financial concepts they used celebrities -- Margot Robbie in a bubble bath, Anthony Bourdain in his kitchen, Selena Gomez at a blackjack table in Vegas -- who put them into layman's terms. It provided an easy and comprehensive way for those not versatile in financial terms to truly understand just how much the big banks were screwing over the people they were supposed to be protecting.

The cast is also great - Christian Bale is the quirky doctor, turned hedge fund manager, who discovered the flaw in the system; Steve Carell is a day trader with serious anger management and trust issues; Ryan Gosling is the investor who just wants to make as much money as possible; and Brad Pitt is a retired banker who is disgusted with the system, but decides to help out two young investors who are just looking to find their place. The Big Short is definitely worth watching, if not for the acting, then to get your head around what really happened during the financial crisis of '08 and what to look out for in the future.

Be Aware:

The Big Short only amplifies just how greedy banks were. Banks happily created and sold the swaps for hundreds of millions of dollars, thinking it was easy money. I mean, who bets against the housing market? It's the most stable market. But, when you're providing subprime loans to those who have no credit and can't afford it, disaster is bound to happen. While banks were giving out poorly packaged loans, even when loans were being defaulted, ratings companies (S&P and Moody's) continued to give fraudulent AAA ratings to the banks. It was disgusting to watch how banks continued to profit as millions of people continued to lose their homes and jobs.

Overall Grade: A

Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse

In 250 Characters or Less:

The Big Short threw around quite a bit of financial jargon. Even with all of the explanations served up by celebs like Selena Gomez, it doesn’t hurt to wine and dine alongside the real deal financiers at this reputable steakhouse in Midtown East.

Courtesy of BullandBearSteakhouse.com

What Works:

With the mahogany decor inspired by the New York Stock Exchange, one would think that filming for The Big Short took place at the legendary Waldorf-Astoria Hotel’s Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse. That said, it has been the place to be for a number of other movie and TV filmings such as for Season Six of Sex and the City. Its sleek and sophisticated ambiance makes for the perfect business meeting and is made even better with its Shellfish Platter (gulf shrimp, oysters, maine lobster, jumbo lump crab, snow crab legs), Bull & Bear Wedge Salad, Steak on Steaks (petit filet mignon, beefsteak tomatoes, maytag blue cheese), and Loaded Baked Potato.

Be Aware:

This is a classy steakhouse so be mindful of your attire. Don’t think that wearing sweatpants will fly -- nor should it at any steakhouse of this caliber. Also, if your plans for a night out include shots and dancing, this isn’t the place for you. Check out Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse on nights when your plans are to devour filet mignon while sipping on an overpriced Old Fashioned cocktail.

Overall Grade: B

540 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

(212) 872-1275

bullandbearsteakhouse.com

Oscar Review: Room and L’inizio

Cast: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, William H. Macy, Joan Allen

In 250 Characters or Less:

Jack, an imaginative 5 year old, lived his whole life confined within a 10x10 room. Not wanting him to feel at a loss, his mother created a life for him, but soon decides it’s time to escape and show Jack all there is for him outside those walls.

What Works:

Brie Larson seems to be the front-runner to win best actress across the board this award season with her moving performance in Room. Larson and Jacob Tremblay carry this film in a way that is not only impressive, but heartbreaking as well. Kidnapped as a teenager, Larson’s character, Ma, is forced to live in a small room with her son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay). An inquisitive 5 year old with an active imagination, Ma creates a whole world within those four walls to make sure her son never feels as if he’s missing out on anything. But, as his curiosity grows and her resilience wanes, Ma decides it’s time to break out and risk everything in order to provide her son with the life he deserves…a life full of possibilities outside Room.

This film shows the extent of a mother’s love, as well as the strength of a young boy who wants to equally protect his mother. Ma was a character that did everything she could to protect her child from all internal and external dangers, but once she was back in the real world she found her will to survive was weakening. It was touching to see how the dynamic shifted and Jack’s strength is what helped Ma become accustomed to the outside world again. The film, though a bit monotonous at times, was overall a beautifully acted and compelling story of love, sacrifice and strength.

Be Aware:

The film begins a bit slow but finds it’s footing about a half hour in. The movie spends more time than necessary to show the life created within those four walls, but it allowed us to see how truly precious and impressionable young Jack is. After Ma and Jack escape and get to start the next chapter in their story, Larson really steps up and shows audiences her range and vulnerability.

Overall Grade: B+

L’inizio

In 250 Characters or Less:

L’inizio’s cozy atmosphere is reminiscent of the tight space Ma and Jack are confined to in Room. With its restaurant’s name meaning “the start,” it also brings new meaning to starting fresh much like Jack did after he left “Room.”

Courtesy of Liniziony.com

What Works:

It is clear L’inizio takes pride in the preparation and presentation of its Italian-inspired food and also boasts a homey welcoming environment. Its farm to table fare of fresh local ingredients includes everything from smoked maple brook farm ricotta, to prosciutto di parma, to brussels sprouts salad, to fettuccine with kale. L’inizio’s chefs hail from Manhattan and have been able to replicate their success in Westchester County. In addition, the hospitality of its staff is second to none -- bringing a warmth to this charming Italian restaurant.

Be Aware:

Given the confined environment, scoring a table on a Friday or Saturday night is tough - and certainly frustrating. Opting to sit at the bar is also a challenge so it is recommended to check this restaurant out during the weekdays when the scene is a bit quieter and less chaotic. Steer clear for those suffering of claustrophobia. That said, don’t dismiss this quaint space for parties as there is a separate room available for special events.

Overall Grade: A

698 Sawmill River Road in Ardsley

(914) 693-5400

www.liniziony.com

Oscar Review: Spotlight and Goldfish

Cast: Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci

In 250 Characters or Less:

For many years the sexual crimes of priests- men of power and influence- committed against broken and innocent children went ignored. It took the persistence of one team from Boston to bring to light the horrors of what was happening under our noses.

What Works:

At the urging of their new editor, the Spotlight team of the Boston Globe delved deep into the molestation scandal among Catholic priests in Boston, MA. Working with an organization called SNAP they spoke with victims who had fallen prey to at least 13 priests in the Boston area. But, after further research the team was appalled to learn that the number 13 was actually quite low. They found 87 priests in Boston alone who were put into treatment centers to cure their 'condition' and then sent back into the world, just to do it again. Through persistence and their need for the truth, these five reporters proved the problem was more than the priests and cardinals involved, but the system itself...broken and only concerned with the well-being of the Catholic church.

It’s an amazing, yet disturbing story that was smartly told. The acting was superb, particularly Mark Ruffalo, as Mike Rezendes. Not willing to accept the Catholic Church’s status quo answers, he pushed and forced his way into finding the truth. The cast, as a whole, is pure chemistry on screen and they keep each scene interesting for audiences.

Be Aware:

The film sheds light onto how severe and high up the problem actually went. These priests were not held accountable for their actions, but simply shuffled around from parish to parish after going through a treatment center to overcome their 'problem'. Their inexcusable behavior was treated as if it was some sort of disease that could be cured, rather than a virus that needed to be eliminated. It was disconcerting to see how the abuse against so many children were being swept under the rug, with no concern to the lasting damage it would cause. Victims were pressured by the church and the community in fear of bringing shame to their family. Without going into too much detail, Spotlight did a great job of telling us a truly insightful story of the efforts people and organizations will go to to hide the truth.

Overall Grade: A

Goldfish

Crab Cake; photo courtesy of Yelp

In 250 Characters or Less:

Goldfish’s cozy environment reminds us of the small intimate office space utilized by the Spotlight team at The Boston Globe. This seafood restaurant also serves up a number of favorites including New England Clam Chowder and Pan Roasted Lobster.

What Works:

Goldfish’s unique environment is in part to it being a converted home. It somehow oozes sophistication, yet lacks any pretension within its four walls. This restaurant brings with it all of the makings of a typical seafood restaurant, and there isn’t one dish on the menu that isn’t recommended. Standouts include the stuffed sole with crabmeat, lobster in a lemon white wine sauce, crab cake with cream corn and mango salsa, and shrimp and crab bisque soup -- not to mention the chef’s seafood special of the day. It also offers a few non-seafood dishes such as pistachio lamb chops and braised pork osso buco for those who aren’t a fan of fish. Also, be sure to check out its extensive cocktail menu!

Be Aware:

Of nothing! We love it all!

Overall Grade: A+

6 Rockledge Avenue in Ossining

(914) 762-0051

www.goldfishdining.com

Oscar Review: Brooklyn and Katie's Cottage

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Domnhall Gleeson, Emory Cohen

In 250 Characters or Less:

Set in 1950s Ireland, Ellis embarks on a new life in the US. Homesick at first, she makes a life for herself and even falls in love. But, a visit back home reminds her of a life of comfort and familiarity, leaving her to choose between two futures.

What Works:

Brooklyn is a very quiet and simple film...the kind of film the Oscars love to nominate for Best Picture. It's heartwarming when it needs to be, and Saoirse Ronan is endearing as the young Eilis. She has a great innocence that will bring a tear to your eye as you watch her overcome her struggles. She builds a life for herself by going to school, finding a job as a bookkeeper and falling in love with a young Italian man, Tony (Emory Cohen). But her new life must be put on hold when her sister dies and she has to return back to Ireland to be with her mother. Left with no one else, Eilis feels guilty leaving her mother behind. During her month-long stay in Ireland, she begins to build a life there as well, with a bookkeeping job and a possible new love interest. As much as she’s starting to appreciate the life she’s building in Ireland, she agonizes over the life and love she left behind in Brooklyn.

It's the kind of story immigrants to this country can relate to and first generation Americans can smile at because it reminds them of things their parents or grandparents have said or done. I even found myself reminiscing about my own family as the woman in charge of the boarding house told her girls that giggling girls should be the eighth deadly sin, as they are most likely up to no good. I grew up listening to my mother and grandmother tell me not to laugh at night because that's not something good girls do...which of course only made me laugh more.

Be Aware:

Brooklyn is full of little moments which will make you appreciate the sweet simplicity of it all. It's not a film of mass appeal, and may not be as pretentious as some other Oscar nominated art house films, but those looking for a heartwarming film will be sure to enjoy it.

Overall Grade: A-

Katie’s Cottage

Courtesy of KatiesNY.com

In 250 Characters or Less:

This charming restaurant boasts a quaint setting that is both open and inviting. It serves traditional fare that will quickly transport you back to Ireland -- and in fact, its staff is actually predominantly from the Emerald Isle… much like our beloved Eilis.

What Works:

Katie’s Cottage prides itself on being the “friendliest” Irish restaurant in Yonkers. And it isn’t kidding. There are few, if any, restaurants that compete with the kind-hearted staff on board at this local establishment. This authentic Irish restaurant offers up classics like Shepherds Pie, Dublin Broil, and a Traditional Irish Breakfast. Not only that, but it also serves a smorgasbord of American comfort foods like mozzarella sticks and potato skins to ensure that all patrons are satisfied at the table -- whether it be brunch, lunch or dinner. While there aren’t any standout dishes, rest assured that you can expect an enjoyable and gratifying meal at Katie’s Cottage. 

Be Aware:

This is not a go-to for date nights and special occasions. Katie’s Cottage is super casual and would prefer to be known as a place welcoming anyone and everyone. This is and should be a bonus, but a heads up that this is not the place for a formal affair.  

Overall Grade: B+

521 Central Park Avenue in Yonkers

(914) 965-0422

www.katiesny.com

Oscar Review: Mad Max: Fury Road and Bayou

Cast: Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough

In 250 Characters or Less:

In a post apocalyptic world one woman escapes the rule of blood-drinking tyrant, Immortan Joe, to free herself and his five wives. Traveling the deserted wasteland, she has the help of a wanderer, Max, and an overly enthusiastic ex-follower of Joe.

What Works:

With very minimal dialogue, Mad Max: Fury Road is one giant car chase filled with spurts of explosions and Charlize Theron kicking ass. A woman on a mission, Theron is dauntless and ready to take down anyone who stands in her way...not someone to be trifled with. Helping Theron’s Furiosa is Max (Tom Hardy), a drifter who is haunted by the death of his family. Tom Hardy plays the strong, silent type. A man of very few words, he all about doing what needs to be done to survive, no matter who he’s fighting for or against.

Be Aware:

A big fan of car chases and all out brawls, we heard nothing but good things about Mad Max: Fury Road. But, from the first moment we began watching the film, we could tell the movie was going to be tedious. We love watching cars explode and random men playing fire-blazing guitars as much as the next guy, but at some point there needs to be a story in there somewhere...and not just randomly thrown together between action sequences. It’s all up to the audience to figure out what’s going on, as no real explanation is given throughout the film. You need to really pay attention to whatever words are spoken, as they are your main key to figuring out the plot. If all you’re looking for are giant explosions and fight scenes, then Mad Max is the movie for you. But, if you’re looking for a little more…or even any more, you may not find it here.

Overall Grade: C

Bayou

Menu Image as found on Yelp

In 250 Characters or Less:

Bayou’s eclectic cuisine spices up any night and certainly pairs well with an action-packed flick like Mad Max: Fury Road. This cajun restaurant serves up hot food and strong drinks -- and makes for an unforgettable night with fun live music.

What Works:

Atmosphere! Upon walking through its doors, you automatically feel as though you were magically transported to New Orleans. The live bands make for a fun night out, and the restaurant even hosts viewing parties for your favorite shows like The Walking Dead. And while there are many standout dishes such as its hot wings, mudbug mania crawfish, po’boy, bourbon street bbq ribs, fried oysters and deep fried pickles, our recommendation is to go with the macaroni and cheese spiced up with jalapenos.

Be Aware:

Be prepared to have lots of fun -- meaning don’t swing by for a glass of wine on a first date or come for a stodgy biz meeting after work. Bayou is more appropriate for a fun-filled Friday night with friends -- friends that don’t care about how their waistline will be affected in the morning.

Overall Grade: A

580 Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon

(914) 668-2634

www.bayourestaurantny.com