Labor Day, Captain Phillips, The Art Forger, Killing Jesus, and more!

As all of you know, with the exception of my family in Palm Desert, it is STILL winter, and rather than complain, it's time to see some movies, read books, and go out to dinner! Here are some quick reviews of recent picks:

Labor Day:** just released last weekend and if you saw the previews, then you basically saw the movie. Although parts were touching, I had a really hard time believing that I would be baking a peach pie with a criminal 24 hours after he entered my home. Also, what was up with the main character playing the boy somehow morphing in to Tobey Maguire? They looked nothing alike!... I'm giving it two stars...a good girl movie matinee but I wouldn't waste good money on it until it comes out on video.

Captain Phillips: ****never got around to seeing this in the theater, so CT dad and I rented it on Amazon. Although I was a little worried about becoming sea sick (since CTM gets sick driving to the grocery store), it really didn't bother me. I liked the story and have since read some reviews reflecting that the captain was not much of a "hero". Make up your own mind and rent it! Love anything that shows our Navy Seals kicking butt!

The Art Forger: ****my new book club book was an easy read and also an interesting take on the art world and a recent heist involving several pieces. I enjoyed it and give it 4 stars because I love books loosely based on current events.

Killing Jesus: **** Bill O'Reilly takes his most recent historical non-fiction novel and brings to life the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth. It is amazing to me how something I have spent my life studying (I have a long way to go!) can be put into book that helps the reader enter that time in history. I recommend it!

OAK on 14th:****Being a resident of Boulder and empty nesters has given us the time to investigate so many new restaurants in the area. We are not true foodies who appreciate something like, "bergamot orange frisée salad with roasted duck canapés and caper lime vinaigrette "... (Ok...I made that up) BUT, there is something to be said of a good meal...something you would never make for yourself at home.
We had the MOST amazing shrimp and grits with Tabasco as an appetizer. Once combined with a glass of white wine and bread, I was done. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I had ordered salad and soup for dinner. The salad was big enough to split, but at $15 it made sense. The lightly dressed spinach with blue cheese and pecans was yummy. The squash soup was good with the caramelized marshmallow. Ok...before you get freaked out, I felt like I was on an episode of "Chopped" when I said to CTD, "This soup is neither creamy nor sweet, but when eating with a very small piece of the marshmallow the flavors blend well". I know, I know...we are so cultured! Great meal!

Fate Brewing Happy Hour: not on the typical Pearl street corridor, Fate is located on Arapahoe Road. Only offered M-F 3:30-5:30 but it was worth it! Excellent full sized food such as a yummy grilled asparagus, fig hummus on a big platter of veggies, and bruschetta. We each had a drink and split 4 "apps" amongst 4 ladies and each owed $7.50. We will be going again ASAP!

Here's to a wonderful, sunny, and (getting) warmer week!

CoffeeTalkMom