With my recent work days stretching heart-wrenchingly late into the evening, it's lovely to come home to some chicken tacos, a meal Jim prepared with a little help from Ortega (he likes the crispy shells and ketchup-like sauce) and this tangy lemon/limey recipe from Allrecipes (though he claims he didn't use any measuring devices and eyeballed the whole thing).

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Posted on October 5, 2009

It's pretty rare, but even in the world of network television, justice is occasionally served. I'm not sure if you're aware, but At the Movies recently underwent a tragically “hip” makeover when two morons replaced Ebert and Roper and I thought my lazy Sunday ritual of getting somewhat intelligent movie reviews were over… Out of desperation, I turned to the dumb Current channel to watch the frequently annoying Rotten Tomatoes Show to get my fix. (Which, to be fair, did grow on me)

Well, all is right with the world, (except for days when sports games run long and interrupt the show) and At the Movies now features reviews and commentary by two of the better guest reviewers who filled in for Roger Ebert: Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune and A.O. Scott from the New York Times. I'm thrilled.

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Posted on October 5, 2009

Special thanks to Ashleigh, for writing this post!

Every one knows the “forty whacks” story of the Borden family murders.?Lizzie Borden was acquitted, but ask any vox pop, and you will be assured of her incontrovertible guilt.?Now, thanks to the Lizzie Borden LLC, you can visit the actual crime scene, look at photographic evidence, witness a live reenactment, and decide for yourself.

Located in Fall River, the tomb of what was once one of the leading textile producers in the world, the Borden family house has been restored to its Victorian-era splendor and is open to the public.?Tours are given daily from 11:00-3:00 and many special events such as crime and trial reenactments by the Pear Essential Players are scheduled throughout the year.?Red Hatters are welcome for “Tea & Murder”!

The museum also doubles as a bed & breakfast.?You can rest your head and test your nerve in the room where Abby Durfee Borden was hatcheted to death.?The rooms are beautifully appointed in antique Queen Anne furniture, though the pieces are not original to the Borden family.?In case you get too comfortable lounging on the feather duvet, there is a large photograph on the nightstand of Mrs. Borden lying prostrate on the carpet, skull caved-in, gore abounding, in the very spot where you left your slippers before climbing into bed.

If you are ever in the Boston or Providence area, this place is well worth the 20-40 min ride.?The all-female staff of docents are wonderfully cheerful, exceedingly knowledgeable, and always dressed in sunshine and springtime-colored track suits.?There is a well-stocked gift shop where one can purchase Lizzie bobble-heads, hatchet earrings, and other essential Goth accouterments.?(By the way, Fall River is amazing.?You have not seen the real New England until you've driven over the Braga Bridge at dusk.)

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Posted on October 5, 2009

It's Oktoberfest Party time again, and it's always tons of fun to host your own. We took over the honors this year, and I feared that meant none of Mike's yummy home-made pretzels – but our good friend Johnny came to the rescue with an amazing dough recipe that yielded in superbly soft results.

We also had great luck at Marlow and Daughters (as always), scoring with a button of soft cow's milk that was a crowd favorite as well as a wonderfully tasty selection of sausages. Throw a little party game madness in the mix and lots (maybe too much for some of us) beer and you've got a great night on your hands.

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Posted on October 5, 2009

La Superior is a fairly new neighborhood cantina that offers an array of flavorful and delicious Mexican small plates – and believe it or not, the brain empandas we devoured were not the craziest thing on the menu. That honor goes to the bowl full of cheese and chorizo, which is meant to be smothered on chips. Absolutely great tasting, to be sure, but I'd share it among the table and enjoy a small fraction of the dish if you have the will power and/or foresight of what it might mean to your tummy later.

We split the ceviche trio and found it delightful, each flavor was distinct and it's a great lighter sharing item. I also highly recommend the tacos with poblano peppers and chicken chiptole. Don't pass up the aqua frescas either – they don't hold a candle to the ones I flipped over in California, but they wash the spices down nicely.

The space is artfully grungy in order to transport you to a hole in the wall beach side Mexican spot you might stumble across if you dared to venture off the beaten path on vacation. There are only a few tables, so there might be waits on more popular dining nights.

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Posted on October 5, 2009