Hot Town, Summer in the city; Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty; Been down, isn't it a pity; Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city

Hot Town, Summer in the city; Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty; Been down, isn't it a pity; Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city


Ok-those who know me know the drill. I hate the summer! The heat is oppressive, the sun causes cancer, and no one's hair behaves in high humidity. I think of myself as Dracula-sunlight is fatal and I am awake whilst others sleep.  So, here are some of my nighttime discoveries.


Television I have recently watched, am curriently viewing, or awaiting the debut:


Younger-Season 5. Geared towards a younger audience, but I love it. Sutton Foster, Hillary Duff, Debi Mazar. Single mom Liza reenters the working world at 40, but poses as a 26 year old. On TVLand.


Yellowstone-Season 1. Kevin Costner is the patriarch of the Dutton Family, owners of the largest ranch in the U.S. Costner is great and ages well-still so cute. On the Paramount Channel. Fabulous.


American Woman-Season 1.Alicia Silverstone and Mena Suvari star. Story about a woman who discovers her husband is cheating and she decides to leave the marriage. Takes place in the 70's. Inspired by Kyle Richards (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). On the Paramount Channel. Very Entertaining! A bit of a Valley of the Dolls vibe.


Animal Kingdom-Now in Season 3. Ellen Barkin is the matriarch of a crime family. A female Tony Soprano type. She is one bad ass, as are (all of) her terrigying sons.  Totally worth a watch. TNT on Tuesdays.


Queen Sugar-Season 3. Produced and directed by Oprah and Ava DuVernay, this series is exquisitely written and acted. The plot follows the three Bordelon siblings as they return to their family's sugarcane farm after the death of their father. On the Own network. 
Also, Look for Greenleaf which also starts its 3rd season on the Own network. Begins on August 28.


Patrick Melrose-5 part miniseries you can access on demand. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, who is 
extraordinary in this role and Jennifer Jason Leigh who plays his mother. Patrick is addicted to many things: heroin, cocaine, and self annihilation. Fascinating and engrossing. You will watch all 5 episodes in a sitting. Warning: it is hard to watch heroin scenes. On Showtime/on demand.


Sharp Objects-premiere's July 8 on HBO. From the Big Little Lies director. Amy Adams stars as reporter Camille Preaker. She returns to her hometown to investigate the murders of two preteen girls. Psychological thriller. Good Reviews.


Dietland-Season one. Comedy that looks at women's issues: unrealistic beauty standards, misogyny, war of the sexes in the workplace, etc. Sounds like it would be good, right? I hated it. Can't watch. Maybe you'll feel differently. On AMC 9pm Mondays.


Movies I want to see or I have seen:


Whitney-a documentary about Whitney Houston's life. Born in Newark and lived in East Orange, it follows her path to success and her downfall due to drugs. In theaters July 6th. Recently, I watched an excellent documentary on her on the Showcase channel. It was called 'Whitney: Can I be Me'. If you get a chance, watch that as well. It was quite interesting.


Crazy Rich Asians-coming out August 17th. Based on Kevin Kwan's novel about an Asian American
woman who goes to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's very wealthy parents.


Set It Up-On Netflix. Great reviews. About two underpaid/overworked employees who scheme to have their bosses go out with each other. Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs, and Zoey Deutch star. Looking forward to watching this on the next 103 degree day-tomorrow?


Come Inside My Mind-A documentary about Robin Williams' life, from childhood to his suicide in 2014. HBO July 16th. I've seen trailers and it looks amazing. So sad he's gone.


Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood-A documentary about Mr. Rodgers. I saw this a few weeks ago and loved it. I always thought he was a bit creepy until I saw this film. So relevant to today's issues and politics-a must. Really liked it. Yo Yo Ma was Fred Rodger's best friend and his son made this film.


Next Books to Read on My List:


What We Were Promised- by Lucy Tan. A former student of my friend ( Livingston High School-shout out to the best English Teacher out there-Susan R.). This debut novel is about a family living in Shanghai and what ensues after their son returns unexpectedly.  One of the 10 most anticipated novels this summer.


Crazy Rich Asians-by Kevin Kwan. Summer beachy read. Movie is coming in August as I mentioned.


A Place for Us-by Fatina Farheen Mirza. On the NY Times best seller list. Another first time author. About an  American Muslim family gathering to celebrate the eldest daughter's wedding.


The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. Chronicles the AIDS epidemic and the themes of loss, friendship and survival.


Food and Restaurants:


Farmers Market Schedules
Summit-Sundays 8am-1pm. Maple and Deforest St.
South Orange-Wednesdays 2pm-7pm. Sloan St. Lot across from train.
Millburn-Tuesdays 2pm-7pm. Corner of Essex and Main St.
Roseland-Fridays 12pm-6pm. Corner of Roseland and Harrison Ave.
Maplewood-Mondays 2pm-7pm. 1848 Springfield Ave between Yale and Oberlin Streets.
Montclair-Saturdays 8am-12pm. Walnut Street Station.


Restaurants
Chit Chat Diner-I am anxiously awaiting the opening of this diner. It will be my home away from home. With a view of NYC and good food, this will be a great addition to my town. And it will have a liquor license! 410 Eagle Rock Ave. West Orange


Marcel Bakery and Kitchen-631 1/2 Valley Road, Upper Montclair. Eggs all day, salads, smoothies, sandwiches, pizza, flatbreads, tartines, shakshuka bar, breads, grains, and bowls. Owner of Mish Mish which is really delish. Can't wait to try for breakfast, lunch or brunch.


Cucina Candela-706 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair. Brunch, Lunch, and dinner. Nuevo Latino Cuisine.
BYOB.


Orale-341 Grove Street. Jersey City. Jersey City is Happening! The restaurant is fun, young, classic Mexican and great tequila menu. Ask for their special salsa-It's not on the menu! We had a blast!




But at night it's a different world
Go out and find a girl
Come-on Come-on and dance all night
Despite the heat it'll be alright


And babe, don't you know it's a pity
That the days can't be like the nights
In the summer, in the city
In the summer, in the city


See you all at dusk-on b!