For those of us who are insomniacs, Summer reruns can cause havoc. There's absolutely nothing on television Monday through Sunday, so I scramble to watch all the recommendations I get throughout the year. It's a perfect season to binge watch, especially if the rain in the Northeast continues at the rate it has been coming. Occasionally, you might want to turn off the t.v. and read, go out to eat, or catch a movie. I will include those recommendations too.
TELEVISION
Ramy-Hulu. Ramy is the son of an Egyptian immigrant , living in New Jersey and navigating his life in a Muslim Community after 911. I loved this series. Well done.
Shtisel-Netflix. Ultra Orthodox family in Jerusalem and the trials and tribulations of their daily life.
Subtitles. Quite good.
The Night Manager-Amazon Prime. Based on John Le Carre's novel. Crime, intrique, sex. All good. Especially Tom Hiddleston, who is extremely easy on the eyes. (shout out to Barbara and Evan for suggesting this!)
Animal Kingdom-TNT. Season 4 begins May 28. Story about a crime family led by the matriarch, Ellen Barkin. I am into it, but not for everyone. A bit like the Sopranos, but less charm.
The Act-Hulu. Season one was based on the true story of a mom and her daughter, who has a barrage of medical issues. Patricia Arquette is super creepy as the mom. Joey King is sensational as her daughter. Beware-not an easy series to watch. Not for the squeamish.
Best Room Wins-Bravo. For all of you that love interior design, this is a fun show. Two designers are selected each week to design a room for their clients. Each week the host, Genevieve Gorder, different famous designers, and Whitney Robinson, Editor of ELLE Décor, get to judge who designed the better room. It's interesting, educational, and provides a fresh, new twist on boring home shows.
Dead to Me-Netflix. Christina Applegate stars as a recent widow and the woman she befriends at a grief support meeting. Intriguing.
Perpetual Grace-Epix. premiers on June 2. Starring Ben Kingsley. This about a mysterious grifter and a shady Pastor and his wife.
BOOKS
When Breath Becomes Air-by Paul Kalanithi. Idealist young neurosurgeon faced with cancer answers what makes life worth living.
Normal People-by Sally Rooney. Book of the Year. Coming of Age Love Story.
There's A Word For That-by Sloane Tanen. Dysfunctional aging celebrity and her opioid addicted husband deal with familial and societal obligations.
Trust Exercise-by Susan Choi. Supposedly, beautifully written novel that follows three stories of a group of theater students that attended a magnet school in the 80's.
What I Told My Daughter by Nina Tassler. A Collection of stories from highly accomplished women.
A Ladder To The Sky by John Boyne. Story about an author's manipulative path to literary stardom.
(shout out to Laurie)
MOVIES
Wine Country-Netflix. Saturday Night Live famed cast go on a girl's trip. Cute, Light, and good for a rainy night at home.
Beach Bum-Matthew McConaughey stars as Moondog. A fun loving druggy trying to finish his great American novel. Horrible (unless you are able to see it on demand) and you may think it's funny if you are stoned.
Yesterday-in theaters on June 28. A much awaited film about the Beatles. Interesting Cast.
Amazing Grace-singer Aretha Franklin Performs gospel at a Baptist Church in L.A. She is beyond fabulous.
Us-Jordan Peele's. Another haunting and scary movie that has you grabbing the person next to you. You have to enjoy this genre! And have a bucket of popcorn...
RESTAURANTS
Mandara-40 Clinton Ave. West Caldwell. Southern Italian.
Fauborg-544 Bloomfield Ave. French, Wine Cellar, Private rooms. Daniel Boulud alums. Coming soon.
Luna Stella-5 Highland Place Maplewood. Supposedly opening soon. Family Italian and liquor license. Owned by the chef of Lorena's.
Osteria Giotta-Midland Ave. Montclair. Former owner reopening in same location. Delicious Italian. Hopefully, opening soon. BYO.
Allegro-58 Kossuth St. Newark. Seafood, Paella, Music, Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Casa Vasca-141 Elm St. Newark. Delicious Shrimp, and other seafood. Try the garlic shrimp.
Café Espresso Italia-Newark. All the cops come here for lunch. A local favorite. Get there before noon and order their subs. There's a line out the door. Nothing extraordinary, but fresh and prepared by 3 cute, little, old women.
With Pro Choice and Roe vs. Wade being challenged; tariffs about to make the prices of our food, appliances, etc. go through the roof; Boeing lying to the public; another threat of imminent war with Iran; and North Korea firing short range missiles: WE NEED DISTRACTIONS! So go read, watch television and go out to eat and drink!
To quote lyrics of one of my favorite songs by the New Radicals (who??!)
"But when the night is falling
You cannot find the light
You feel your dreams are dying
HOLD TIGHT
The world is GONNA pull through
Don't give up
You've got a reason to live
Can't forget...."
PEACE OUT-ONE B
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