Somehow Emma Watson (famous for her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter films) went from little girl to a fashion fenom at age 17. I am wowed by her style these days and her dress choices (mostly Chanel) to red carpet events. Now I am sure this is partially due to her impending contract with Chanel - but it seems like she has style and grace on her own as well. And therefore here are some inspiring photos for you all.
After seeing a few of the films at the Los Angeles based Israel Film Festival this summer, I have been anxiously awaiting for New York debut. Spanning over two weeks, nearly every film I tried to see sold out unbelievably fast. I ventured out last night to see "Strangers" with other members of the self-proclaimed Foreign Film Club (NY Chapter.)
Strangers was described in the synopsis as a modern day romance of an Israeli "Romeo" and Palestinian "Juliet" who meet while traveling in Berlin during the 2006 World Cup. With a strong interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, enthusiasm for European travel and FIFA soccer, and an obvious weakness for love, I was thrilled to see this film.
I will start by saying that I had very high hopes for this movie, and aside from the smokin-hot lead, Liron Levo, I was somewhat disappointed. The story of impossible love was touching, however trying to use it as a representative tool for the greater Israeli-Palestinian conflict ended up as overkill and a made for a bit of a flat story line and loss of focus. The message and theme of the movie got lost in its attempt to incorporate too many stories into a one and a half hour time slot. However, I left the movie feeling hopeful and somewhat wooed.
There are only two more days of the festival, as it ends Thursday Novemeber 13 so hurry up and go see "Lost Islands" tomorrow night. According to the Foreign Film Club's West Village ambassador, Lady M, it is phenomenal!
Please find the trailer for Strangers below.
My first week in New York, I found a Malaysian restaurant tucked away on 104th Street and took a mental note of it in the hopes that I would return to eat there. Nearly four months later, I returned to the Malaysia Grill and sat down to an authentic meal.
After traveling in Southeast Asia two summers ago, I fell in love with Malaysian food. It incorporates spices and ingredients from Thai, Chinese, and Indian cooking. As a lifelong curry, peanut, and coconut lover, I find Malaysian food to truly be an intersection of food-gasmic flavors.
We ordered Roti Canai for an appetizer which has a naan-like bread which you top with a rich chicken curry. Mee Goreng is the Malaysian version of Pad thai, however has more of a curry infused flavor than the traditional Thai dish which has a strong sweet peanuty taste. Instead of traditional white rice found in most Asian cuisines, Malaysian rice has a subtle coconut flavor which is complemented very nicely by their rich stews and curries. My favorite dish was the Beef Rendang (pictured above), a coconut curry based dish that has paste of onions, chili, and lemongrass. This dish is also served with chicken.
Mee Goreng
Roti Canai
Aside from the wonderful array of flavors and the food coma I entered promply after finishing dinner, this meal was extremely reasonable! As an underpaid and overworked New Yorker, I am always looking for a good deal and this exceeded any of my expectations.
I am almost tempted NOT to post this because I don't want this hidden gem of a restaurant discovered by the masses. BUT because of my duty as a Culturista, I can't stop myself from informing our lovely readers about this restaurant: Colori Kitchen. Discreetly nestled in the heart of downtown LA, Colori Kitchen is a quaint Italian restaurant whose food is just like your grandmother used to make!! (If you had an Italian grandmother that is...) Otherwise imagine eating dinner in the heart of southern Italy. The family run restaurant boasts its chef Luigi Barducci Contessi who was also the longtime executive chef at Ca Brea.
The setting is like a Manhattan "dive" restaurant- small with brick walls. Wonderfully interesting and alternative photographs line the walls--which could keep you occupied for hours. As I said- the restaurant is family run- which adds to its charming appeal. When you sit you are greeted with fresh warm bread and a curious garbanzo bean "butter". It was unexpected and delicious. The dishes include, chicken parmigiana, chicken marsala, spaghetti bolognese or pesto and the like. There are also interesting specials- one of which was a sea bass with a sweet and sour sauce. Very unexpect at an Italian restaurant, but it was surprisingly delicious, delicate and subtle! Make sure you save room for dessert! While Colori has many of the go to italian desserts (canoli, tiramasu) but they have a wonderful bread pudding. Which you can see below:
And I didn't mention the best part: Inexpensive AND free corkage---so bring as many bottles of wine as you can and ENJOY this hidden gem.
This season I've been noticing a rising trend of women wearing above the knee boots. As a Culturista with a self-proclaimed boot obsession, I am dying for a pair. I like them paired with tights/leggings and a tunic, or alternatively with a dress or mini-skirt. If you are feeling a bit edgy, pair the boots with high waisted shorts and black opaque tights.
Love it or Hate it?
