Must Do NYC: Coffee & Tea Festival
This past weekend I attended the Coffee & Tea Festival. This was the festival’s seventh year and the tickets were actually sold out! People from all over the world traveled to New York City to worship the wonderful coffee bean. I was able to watch the North East Regional Barista Competition, receive a teacup reading and taste the finest coffee roasts.
Here are a few pics and videos from the event.
Getting a Teacup Reading
Philip Search an espresso and coffee consultant for Dallis Brothers Coffee working against the clock
White coffee bean display
Katie Carguilo, winner of the Northeast Regional Barista Competition!
Got to watch a preview of Coffee The Musical!
Check out my interview with Robert Galinsky, the show’s creator.
A Few Clips…
Katie Carguilo who credits her extensive knowledge of coffee to Counter Intelligence, Counter Culture’s educational program. She explains coffee cherries the inspiration for her signature drink.
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Philip Search, an espresso and coffee consultant for Dallis Brothers Coffee makes soft serve ice cream on site for his signature drink. I really need to sign up to be a judge next year!
J*
For the best cafes in NYC check out Writer’s Retreat NYC
Books to Film: Oscar Snubs
2011 was a great year for books that were adapted into film, with The Help, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and Moneyball nominated for Oscars. But there were also some wonderfully written and bestselling novels that were lost in translation when they hit the theaters. There were also a few that were just as entertaining as their shelf dwelling counterparts. Here’s a list of a few films that were snubbed by the Oscars. Feel free to add your own picks to the list!
J*
Sci-fi! -Adjustment Bureau adapted from short story Adjustment Team by Philip K. Dick
This was a well scripted and action packed film that left me feeling a bit paranoid. Mission accomplished.
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
The characters in the book seemed less one dimensional, but I have to say Kate Hudson’s performance was a silver lining.
Water for Elephants based on the book by Sara Gruen
Beautiful cinematography, the scenes came to life, but the acting was subpar.
Soul Surfer based on the book by Bethany Hamilton, Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh
An inspirational book and film.
One Day based on the book by David Nicholls
The book was beautifully written, but the movie brought me to tears. Excellent performances by Anne and Jim, though Anne’s accent slipped every now and then.
Jane Eyre based on the book by Charlotte Brontë
I left before the movie was over.
We Need To Talk About Kevin based on the book by Lionel Shriver
Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly not only brought the characters to life but they also took the story to next level.
Black History Month:10 Not So Depressing Black Films
From wornjournal.com
Last week I received a text from a friend asking if I’ve seen this film about African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program that face segregation. I responded no and she replied “We have to support this movie!” I’m a big supporter of films that cast a large number of black actors, but historical films that are about the trials and tribulations of Black Americans, simply bum me out.
I know it’s a part of America’s history but I want something a little lighter especially now that I have to deal with the anxiety of 2012 elections. (It seriously feels like I’m running!) Oh and I watched The Help, it was a great movie, but I cried A LOT.
So in honor of the first day of Black History Month I came up with a list that will uplift and support black film makers, actors, and writers and the people who love them. Okay that last part didn’t really make any sense, but I wanted to be inclusive. Leave your own uplifting picks below.
J*
From culturetease.com
- Hollywood Shuffle (1987) Written, directed, and produced by Robert Townsend a well-executed satire about Blacks in Hollywood.
- Ray (2004) – Wonderful autobiographical film about Ray Charles and great performance by Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington.
- What’s Love Got To Do With It? (1993) Hellz Yeah.
- Cadillac Records (2008) musical biopic about the rise of Chess Records and the lives of its artists.
- Coming to America†(1988) Two words. Eddie. Murphy.
- Dreamgirls (2006) A bigger and sassier J. Hud
- Mahogany (1975) Okay really bad acting by D. Ross, but the costume design is amazing.
- Love & Basketball (2000) Basketball shorts sales skyrocketed in Piscataway, NJ after this was released in the box office.
- I Think I Love My Wife (2007) Chris Rock,duh.
Blade- ( JUST KIDDING)- Brown Sugar (2002)- Recently watched this again and considered contacting my childhood playmate, but then I saw his profile picture. Thank goodness we have Facebook.
Coo coo for Caffeine …
Ever wonder how they create that cute lil leafy design in your latte?
No? Well I posted this video, so you might as well just watch and learn.
J*
It’s Official. I’m Obsessed with Coffee Shops!
I often work while passively watching a Law & Order series marathon. Any will do, from UK to Criminal Intent. Tonight it’s Criminal Intent; this particular episode titled “Pas de Deux” aired in 2004, a year before the actor playing the villain, Charlie Rocket committed suicide out on his farm in CT. Sorry I often go off on tangents—get used to it.
Anyways the initial crime scene in this episode is what caught my attention. It was a coffee shop! So bright and spacious and their display cases; oh my. I had to find out where they were. Of course I went and completed a series of searches on Google (My own detective work.) And Voila! The scene was shot at Devon & Blakely. Not completely sure which one, since they have several midtown locations, but I will keep you updated. This case is not officially closed.
J*
