The Bachelorette: Mamas and Man Dramas

This week on the Bachelorette Jillian went home to meet the Mamas! Its everyone's favorite episode - hometown dates!

The first date was in Philadelphia with Reid. Normally, I can't pay attention to anything Reid says because I am distracted by his likeness to Matthew Perry (of FRIENDS fame), but this week, the chemistry between he and Jillian was undeniable. According to Reid's family, he is still single because he always seeks approval from others. Uh oh, fatal flaw.

At casa de Michael, its revealed he is a twin! Michael and his brother try to pull the switcharoo, but Jillian doesn't fall for it. It seems Jillian views Michael the way a female camp counselor views her favorite male camper - he is super cute, you know he'll grow up to be hot and make someone so happy, but you feel its just wrong to go after him yourself.

Back in California at Kiptyn's house, Kip's mom grills Jillian. YIKES! It was hard to watch their conversation and made Kip's stock drop a bit.

With Jesse's family, Jillian felt completely comfortable and welcomed. Jesse's brother Jacob is clearly jaded about women, and watching his and Jesse's heart-to-heart was a bit like watching a scene from "Dude, Where's My Car?".

Just as Jillian wraps up the first part of her date with Wes in Austin, TX, Jake shows up. Dressed in his pilot's uniform and looking quite serious (you will likely see this footage again in the opening credits when he is cast as the next Bachelor) he wants to talk to Jillian about Wes.

It takes Jake what seems like an ETERNITY to spit out that Wes has a girlfriend (named Laurel apparently). Jillian is so upset, starts crying, cursing and just generally falling apart at the seams. After he leaves her, Jake cries alone in the hotel hallway. Hello, scripted.

Jillian and Wes do discuss the issue and he denies, denies, denies. When Jillian meets Wes's mother, his mother gives her a speech about Wes that seems so rehearsed and insincere. Wes's sisters also provide him with an unnecessary ego boost, by saying people are always jealous of him. Oh yeah? Like who?

Just when you didn't think the show could get more high drama than the Wes/Jake confrontation, Jillian gets a second knock on her door and who is it? Ed! But of course! Ed tells Jillian he made a huge mistake leaving the show, he can't stop thinking about her, and he wants another chance. Jillian, totally confused but still highly attracted, asks him to come to the rose ceremony and she will decide then.

At the ceremony Jillian chooses Reid and Kiptyn (the clear front runners), then Ed (eeek!) and then . . . wait for it . . . Wes! Women across the nation screamed in unison "Noooooooo! You idiot!" How Jillian doesn't see Wes for the snake that he is is beyond me. I cannot wait until his true colors are revealed.

When Jesse says goodbye to Jillian he just hugs her and doesn't say a word. Michael wishes her the best, and then asks the camera, "I straight up loved the girl, didn't I?" Yes, Michael, you did. And this episode, you won us over so much, we might even recommend YOU to be the next Bachelor! Hang in there, young grasshopper.

In the previews for next week, Jillian takes the four remaining men to Spain! She commends Ed on his "ballsiness" in coming back, and she confronts Wes (again) about why Jake would accuse him of having a girlfriend. It looks like things are get interesting!

Need more scoop before next Monday's trip to Espana? Check out Kristen Baldwin's recap for Entertainment Weekly, as well as host Chris Harrison's blog, which is particularly funny this week.

Stay tuned for the most dramatic trip to Spain EVER!

Dining Out: Aegean Restaurant

In the suburb of Watertown, on Arsenal Street is a little gem called the Aegean Restaurant. Just beyond the Watertown and Arsenal Malls, and across the street from Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, the Aegean serves delicious Greek food at an affordable price.

Twentysomethings, be forewarned, the average age of an Aegean diner is roughly . . . 65 years old. Don't let the elderly crowd scare you aware because the food is fantastic.

The restaurant itself is large, with plenty of space between each table. The place sports the usual Greek colors - white and blue. White table cloths, blue napkins. While you decide what to order, you'll nosh on crusty bread and pita bread, served with olive oil and feta cheese.

Start your meal with the chicken, lemon soup or a Greek salad. The salad comes with a generous heaping of feta cheese and house made salad dressing. The dressing is served in a beautiful, blue, glass bottle, which is available to be purchased. You can even bring it back for refills!

The entree menu is extensive. You will find all the Greek favorites, with an extra large selection of seafood plates. This particular night (dining with my mother and grandmother) my mother ordered the tuna steak. It was served with green beans and a side of potatoes and rice pilaf.

I ordered an excellent vegetarian choice - one spinach pie, one cheese pie, green beans and rice pilaf. The two pies were perfectly toasted and the sides were piping hot and delicious! A perfect plate!

We didn't have room for dessert, but we did have coffee. My grandmother, who drinks 3-4 cups of coffee a day said, "Now this, this, is a great cup of coffee." You shouldn't leave without having a cup.

The Aegean is perfect for a large or small group because the restaurant is spacious, the prices are great, and the food is excellent and generous in portion size. Its easy to get to and has its own free parking lot (you know how I love the free parking).

You may not be able to afford a vacation to the Greek Isles, but you can certainly afford to eat like you're in Greece! OPA!

Remembering An Icon

Yesterday afternoon the world lost its King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I had been sitting at my desk at work, wrapping up my final projects for the day, when a strange update popped up in my Twitter feed. For those who are unaware, Twitter is a free micro-blogging site, that allows users to post messages in 140 characters or less, that can be seen be the entire Twitter community. Many celebrities and news outlets user Twitter to communicate breaking news.

At around 5:15pm eastern time a message popped into my feed from the Today Show (@todayshow) that said "911 called. Michael Jackson rushed to LA hospital. Suffered a heart attack." I was immediately taken a back, but hoping for the best.

Less than 30 minutes later, the Today Show posted again, this time to say "TMZ reports Michael Jackson has died". I was in shock. The bewilderment was on two levels - first, he was only 50 years old, and second, he was one of, if not the greatest, entertainers who ever lived.

I was first introduced to Michael Jackson's music by my parents. Huge Motown fans, my parents exposed my sister and I to Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and of course, the Jackson 5. I always loved to sing along to "ABC" and "Back to Your Heart".

In nursery school, my music class sang along to "Rockin Robin". In first grade, I had a sleepover with my two older cousins, and we danced around their bedroom to "Black or White". I remember being so proud of myself when I finally learned the words to the rap in that song!

When I finally got my own boom box, one of my first cassette tapes was Michael's "Dangerous". I remember loving the artwork on the album cover. Most of my memories of Michael come from this part of his career - when "Dangerous" was climbing the charts, and stadiums around the globe were packed with people screaming for this incredible singer, dancer and performer.

Around this same time, the Broadway cast of the musical "The Wiz" came to Boston. Michael played the part of the scarecrow in the film version, and after seeing the show, I couldn't get "Ease on Down the Road' out of my head! To this day, that is still one of my favorite sing along songs.

As I got older, Michael's body of work became a reference to "the past" in new pop culture creations. In Adam's Sandler's film "The Wedding Singer" his best friend wears a red, Thriller, knock-off jacket to try and attract ladies. In the dance film "Center Stage" the final number has the three lead dancers grooving to "The Way You Make Me Feel".

In Jennifer Garner's coming of age film "13 Going On 30" she revives a corporate party by asking the DJ to play "Thriller" and nailing every step of the choreography in front of the crowd (they all eventually join in).

Just a few weeks ago on American Idol the contestants performed several of Michael's hits, including a superb performance of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) by Danny Gokey.

In the last 10 years Michael has been at the center of several controversies. A child molestation case, his decision to wear masks in public, as well as putting masks on his three, young children, and his change from a young, black boy and teenager, to a deformed looking, white man. My 11 year old cousin, was actually unaware Michael Jackson was ever black, until my mother showed him some old video clips.

Despite all of the drama in his personal life, Michael was still considered a living legend. In fact, he was about to launch his final concert tour with several shows in London, England. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in his music, his unique style, and his transformation of the pop music and dance landscapes. Michael paved the way for current singer/dancer superstars such as Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown.

If you are feeling nostalgic, check out Rolling Stone magazine's "Michael Jackson: the Essential Playlist", which you can listen to for free, right on the website. Their playlist reminded me how much I love "Scream" and "In the Closet", two not-so-obvious favorites.

Over the past 24 hours, as every radio station has been playing exclusively Michael Jackson songs, I have been reminded of exactly how brilliant he really was.

Thank you, Michael, for sharing your talent with us. Rest in peace.

Sweet Tooth Alert: BoYo Arrives in Boston

It all started in Los Angeles with a chain called Pinkberry. A dessert shop selling one thing - frozen breakfast yogurt, with the option to add toppings such as fresh fruit, dry cereal and candy. Pinkberry gave way to Red Mango, Berry Wild and a host of other impostors. Each of these wannabes migrated with Pinkberry from L.A. to New York City.

With the "frozen breakfast yogurt as dessert" movement taking the country by storm, it was only a matter of time before one of these shops opened in Boston. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you - BoYo!

BoYo is Boston's first Pinkberry knock-off. Its located in the Charles River Plaza in Beacon Hill, next to the Whole Foods. The decor looks like the inside of a gum ball machine. The colors are bright and cheerful, the staff wears neon green and pink T-shirts, and the display cases are lit by cool light fixtures that look like meringues.

You can order the yogurt in original, berry or banana flavors. Currently customers are voting for the next flavor to replace banana. Choices include: peach, mango, honey, and coconut. BoYo offers multiple toppings - fruit, dry cereal, candy and sprinkles. They also offer about 12 flavors of gelato if you are afraid to try the signature offering.

The first time I had Pinkberry, I hated it. But once I realized that it was meant to taste like frozen breakfast yogurt and not ice cream, I started to get it. Then next time I went I actually loved it. Since Pinkberry itself hasn't made its way to Boston, BoYo was an exhilarating discovery! Its easy to get to, the shop itself is adorable, the selection is great and they serve regular sized chocolate chips, not the mini chips like Pinkberry. The more chocolate, the better, I always say.

Find a night to make your way to BoYo. The staff is great about letting you taste flavors. If you think you'll be back (and I guarantee you will) ask for a frequent flyer card. Receive enough stamps and your next cup is on them!

Go, go to BoYo!

Premiere: NYC Prep

Last night BRAVO premiered its new Tuesday night reality treat - NYC Prep. The show, which is being called "the real life Gossip Girl", follows the lives of six Upper East (and West) side teenagers. I was unimpressed by the previews leading up to the first episode, but was curious if the producers had cast kids as counter parts to the Gossip Girl characters, or if they just picked the kids with the most potential for drama.

The only direct comparisons I would make between Gossip Girl characters and NYC Prep kids are PC and Camille. PC is the real life Chuck Bass. Arrogant, flirtatious, fashion forward (note the scarf!) and always accompanied by his driver (of course). Camille is a living, breathing Blair Waldorf. With her headbands, her social climbing and her eyes set on the Ivy league, its clear she has been taking notes on Monday night's resident Queen Bee.

Then we have Sebastian. A young boy who claims to hook up with 2-3 girls per night when he parties. If it were not for Sebastian's perfect hair and his fluent French, he'd not even make a blip on anyone's radar. If Sebastian thinks this show is going to help his game, he is severely mistaken.

Kelli lives alone in an apartment with her older brother while her parents party it up in the Hamptons. Hello, future therapy bills!

Jessie is PC's best friend and former girlfriend. They do everything together despite Jessie harping on him constantly. Jessie is cross eyed, overweight (by NYC standards) and has one hell of a bitchy attitude. Clearly the producers cast her for the drama factor, not the eye candy quota.

Lastly we have Taylor, who goes to public school (gasp!) and lives with her younger brother and single mother. Can't you just hear the song, "Which one of these things is not like the other?" Not quite sure how Taylor made the cut, but hopefully the producers have some great surprises in store with her.

This episode also taught viewers that on the Upper East and Upper West side parental guidance is at a minimum, a blackberry is mandatory and "partying" equals dinner at posh restaurants. Are you taking notes? One misstep and these kids will eat you alive.

Overall I felt like watching NYC Prep was a bit like passing a bad car accident on the highway - its awful, but you just can't turn away.

Although I already loathe each and every one of these kids, I will continue to DVR the show on the off chance their immature antics yield an entertaining moment or two after a long day at work.

Read the hilarious episode recap at Gawker.com.

NYC Prep airs Tuesdays at 10:00pm Eastern on BRAVO.

Dining Out: Biagio

Earlier this week I checked out a new place in Waltham called Biagio. Biagio is at the far end of Moody Street, just beyond the main drag (past Margarita's and over the bridge). The restaurant has its own, free parking lot (major bonus points), a large bar, a spacious dining room, a second floor lounge which can be reserved for private parties, and . . . wait for it . . . a roofdeck!

The restaurant has a traditional Italian feel. Dark wood, warm lighting, and flowers and herbs accenting each room. The wine list is extensive with great selections of wine by the glass. We tried a Sauvignon Blanc that was perfectly fruity and light.

The meal begins with a basket of warm foccaccia bread. The bread is doughy and topped with the perfect combination of herbs. It comes with two dipping sauces - a tomato and basil hummus and olive oil with balsamic vinegar and garlic cloves.

We started our meal with the Caesar salad which was a generous portion size and had the perfect amount of dressing. Caesar is alwasy a gamble because you can get soggy, dressing covered lettuce. Ick.

Impressed with the bread and the salad, I was wow-ed completely when my meal arrived. As a vegetarian it can be hard to find entrees with no meat, poultry or fish, especially in a nicer restaurant, let alone entrees that actually sound appetizing! I ordered the grilled summer vegetable plate which came with asparagus, portabella mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots over a tomato and artichoke risotto. Absolute heaven!

My dining companions ordered the salmon (served with spinach and garlic mashed potatoes) and an eggplant dish (eggplant rolled with ricotta cheese, covered in marinara sauce). Everyone was practically licking their plates by the end!

The restaurant does have dessert, but we were too stuffed to test it out. I will absolutely go back for another meal, for wine and dessert, or for a private party upstairs. You can't beat free parking and the food was exceptional. Although the rain kept us off the roofdeck, I am sure that's fantastic as well.

Bravo, Biagio!

The Bachelorette: Come On, Ride The Train

This week on the Bachelorette, Jillian and her suitors traveled across Canada by train. At first I thought - come on, Bachelorette! Up the ante! But actually, the scenery was incredibly beautiful. Lush green trees and shimmering, blue lakes, set against enormous, snow capped mountains that were huge, yet peacefully quiet at the same time. It gave me pause.

Jillian had her first date on the train. A one on one with Robby a.k.a. "the young one". Robby is cute and has boyish charm, but he is lacking any depth. He is also painfully inarticulate. I was ready to yank him off the screen myself! After a day alone together, Jillian does decide he's not husband material and he gets off the train in the middle of nowhere, while the remaining guys wave goodbye to him from inside the train. Brutal.

On the group date the gang goes snow shoeing and then has dinner and drinks at a beautiful lodge. Jake clams up and can't tell Jillian how he feels, Tanner is obsessed with rubbing her feet, Jesse begs to stick around for another week (and gets some serious smooches) and Kiptyn scores major points again with adorable banter and a steamy make out sesh.

Meanwhile, back on the train, Reid is all by himself (waiting for tomorrow's one on one date) and decides to talk to the staff on the train to pass the time. He shares a bottle of wine with a conductor, and then asks a female staffer if he should go glasses or no glasses on his date. Hilarious!

On the one on one date with Reid, Jillian discovers Reid cannot snow board to save his life and fondue creeps him out. She also discovers that despite not having much in common, she still feels a great chemistry with him, and gives him a rose.

At some point before the rose ceremony Wes admits to the guys that he only came on the show to help his singing career and at this point, he feels he has gotten what he wants out of the show. Um, anyone want to clue in Jillian?

When it comes time to hand out the roses, Jillian is still conflicted. Its clear Tanner is toast, but who else will go home? Jillian does a last minute gut check and takes Michael aside for a chat. He assures her he is ready to get married (despite being 25) and to start a family with the woman of his dreams.

His words resonate with her, and she eliminates Tanner (duh) and Jake! Perfect Jake! When he says goodbye he asks "why?" and she says "it just wasn't right". My very astute, SUPER fan friend who was watching with me said " . . . And Jake is going to be the next Bachelor!" I think you're probably right! He has the looks, the charm, the sexy job. He's a shoe in!

The remaining men - Wes (snake), Michael, Jesse, Reid and Kiptyn will take Jillian home to meet their families next week. It also seems Jake will return (in his pilot uniform) to tell Jillian Wes has a girlfriend! This is like the return of crazy Trish to the bachelor Jesse Palmer.

It also seems that Jillian will travel to Spain, Hawaii and other exotic locales for the final one on one dates. We are still waiting to see who has performance issues in the fantasy suite!

We also see shots from the finale, where Jillian (in a white dress) says "I think I may have made a mistake!" Oh boy! The previews also imply someone unexpected returns. Could it be Ed? Jason Mesnick? Who? Tell us!

ABC, you got me good! I am totally hooked! As always, check out Kristen Baldwin's recap for Entertainment Weekly and host Chris Harrison's blog for more behind the scenes scoop!

This might actually be the most dramatic season EVER!

New Discovery: Friday Night Lights

In 1990 H.G. Bissinger, a sports writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, wrote a novel called "Friday Night Lights" about the Permian High School Panthers football team of Odessa, TX as they chased the national title. In 2004 that book inspired a movie by the same name starring Billy Bob Thorton as the coach of the Panthers. I saw the movie with my family and was incredibly disappointed.

First, Billy Bob Thorton has zero sex appeal. Second, the film was mostly silent shots of the wide open fields of Texas with a bit of football sprinkled in here and there. The movie ran far past two hours and had little meat.

When NBC decided to launch at television series based off the book and the movie, I couldn't have been less interested. I already had several shows I watched faithfully, and the thought of adding another to the list, and one I was sure would bore me, was hardly a top priority.

Three years later, after the pleading of several girlfriends, and even a recommendation from my grandmother, I decided to rent the first season.

I will admit, right here, in writing: I was wrong. NBC's take on Friday Night Lights is nothing short of brilliant. Each one hour episode has you on the edge of your seat asking - will the team win this week? Will they make it to the playoffs? Will they win the state championship? Will the coach keep his job? What will be the straw that breaks the camel's back and causes the coach's wife to fly off the handle? You are always guessing, and each show ends with a cliff hanger! Every week!

Even more compelling than the high drama and unexpected plots twists, are the beautifully written, perfectly cast characters who have such depth and substance, you can't help but be drawn in. Below, just a few of my favorites:

Tami Taylor - The coach's wife is not only beautiful and charming, but she speaks with the sweetest southern accent that could convince you to do just about anything. She is highly committed to her husband and her daughters, while also having a passion for the students at Dillon High where she works as a guidance counselor and then becomes principal.

Jason Street - In the first episode, Jason, the star quarterback, is severely injured in an event that will alert the course of the rest of his life. Despite the adversity he faces, Jason remains humble, kind, sincere and determined to make something of himself.

Matt Saracen - After Jason's tragic accident, Matt is thrust into the spotlight as starting quarterback for the team. Matt walks the fine line between awkward and endearing and becomes a man in learning to lead his team. Matt's mother left when he was young, his father is in Iraq and he lives with grandmother, caring for her as her dementia worsens each day. Matt begins a relationship with the coach's daughter that is surprising and heartwarming.

Grandma Saracen - Matt's grandmother may be losing her mind, but she always remembers to watch her grandson on Friday night. Her love for Matt, juxtaposed with her ailing health makes for a heartbreaking story line.

Tim Riggins - Tim's parents are nowhere to be found and he lives with his older brother who can't keep a job for more than a week. With no role model, Tim drinks, sleeps around, ditches school and relies on his good looks and football skills to get by. As the seasons progress, you learn more about Tim, and it becomes hard not to root for him.

Landry Clarke - Landry is a supporting character in the cast, but was chosen so perfectly by the casting directors. He is Matt's best friend, and a geeky, social outcast. He falls for one of the most popular girls in school and they begin a shockingly symbiotic relationship. Landry eventually joins the football team, but never loses his bookworm reputation.

I could go on about each and every one of the main (and supporting) characters because they are all fantastic. On top of the drama and the perfect cast, the show also has a great backdrop - Dillon, TX. There is the high school, the Applebees, the Alamo Freeze, the Landing Strip, Garrity Motors and several other local spots that make the town authentic. The set designers transport the viewer straight to Dillon each week with ease.

Not convinced? Rent the first season and I guarantee you'll become a believer. In May Friday Night Lights wrapped its third season, and it has already been greenlighted for a fourth and a fifth round. The shows airs, quite appropriately, on Friday nights on NBC.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!

Coming Soon: Real World

If the summer TV schedule has left you with a deep void on week nights, and the Netflix envelopes just aren't arriving fast enough, have no fear - its coming. What, you may ask? The newest installment of MTV's the Real World, and something tells me this season could be the most wild season yet.

Let's start with the location. For its 22nd season, MTV has chosen Cancun, Mexico to host its story of seven strangers. As the Spring Break capital of the world, that factor alone is sure to bring a new level of drama, antics and of course, slutty girls.

The gang will be working for StudentCity.com planning Spring Break trips for college co-eds wanting to visit Cancun for their week off. Doesn't sound like much work to me!

In addition to the location and the job, this group seems to have upped the baggage factor as compared to casts from past seasons. There is a young, blond boy covered in tattoos who has been expelled from two high schools. A girl who grew up in foster care and has been on her own since age 18. A former college boxer. A current NFL free agent who claims he'd be religious if it wasn't for his sex drive. A Rihanna look-a-like who arrives with a boyfriend and swears she won't be tempted while she is away.

Two castmates are bartenders in the same bar back home. There is also a castmate who was voted onto the show by MTV fans at MTV.com. You may remember this is how Greg, a.k.a. "the chosen one", made his way onto the Real World Hollywood (Season 20).

MTV seems to be sticking with the same casting strategy as last season (Brooklyn) in the sense that for the second time they will have eight cast members, instead of the signature seven.

Did I mention one of the boys looks like an Abercombie and Fitch model? No big deal.

Tune in this Wednesday, June 24th at 10:00pm Eastern for the true story of these eight strangers. Check out a sneak peak of the premiere, cast bios, photos and more at MTV.com.

VIVA MEXICO!

Real Housewives of New Jersey: Finale Throwdown

This week we said goodbye to the first season of the Real Housewives of New Jersey. The shortest season in the franchise by far, I was surprised the final episode came so soon.

At the start of the final hour Dina and Lexie come over to check out Teresa's massive new dream house. As Teresa gives the tour, Dina says "I shouldn't be surprised I love Teresa's new house. She has great style. I always love what she wears." Meanwhile, Teresa is giving the house tour in a kids, red t-shirt and cut off, ripped jean shorts. Oh yeah, real stylish Dina.

Over at Casa de Vegas, Jacqueline's parents are in town and convince her its ok to give Ashley a car, but with conditions. When Jacqueline and Chris present Ashley with her new car she freaks out and keeps saying "Thank you, Dad!" Kind of cute that she calls Chris "Dad". Really cute, actually.

The majority of the episode featured Teresa's dinner party to which each of the housewives, their spouses and children were invited. Dina and Caroline's husbands were MIA, but the rest of the crew was present.

Teresa begins the dinner conversation by talking about how often her husband likes to have sex. Classy. She explains even when he was driving her home from her boob job, he wanted to pull over to the side of the road. I believe we call that an overshare.

Just as everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves, the theme song from Jaws kicks in, and Danielle pulls out . . . wait for it . . . THE BOOK! And just gentley puts it on the table. Oh no, she didn't!

Oh yes, she did and no one is happy about it. Let the cat fight begin! Everyone is yelling. Danielle is accusing Dina, Caroline is coming to Dina's defense, Jacqueline calls everyone liars and then Teresa, wanting to join in the fun, calls Danielle a "prostitution whore" and tries to throw the table over!

But she couldn't just leave it at that, Teresa lungs at Danielle, causing Teresa's husband Joe and Dina to drag her away and cover her mouth. Oh boy. Don't get too crazy, T. Wouldn't want to harm the new bubbies.

The best part of the whole dinner debaucle was when Teresa asked a nanny (or who we assume is a nanny) to take her daughters outside before the adults begin discussing the book. She had no problem discussing her sex life in front of them, but they can't hear Danielle defend herself? Hm.

This dinner argument also reveals the source of the ever popular sound bite "Let me tell you something about my family, we are as thick as thieves." Finally we learn the origin of Caroline's mantra that has been in every preview for this season's epsiodes!

At the close of the episode, we learn that Teresa is expecting baby number four! Please let it be another girl so they can name her Sofia, Adriana or Carmella. You know, another name that rhymes with Gia, Gabriella and Milania.

We also learn that Jacqueline and Chris are expecting! Yay! I am genuinely happy for our peacemaker, Vegas girl. As it turns out, her husband is a peacemaker too. He was the only one with a level head and a sense perspective at Teresa's dinner party.

Should the girls return for another season, I would like Dina's husband to show his face, and for Danielle to be replaced by a new housewife. Her sketchy past took up too much time this season. Perhaps with the Jacqueline and Teresa's new additions, there could be a spin off - the Real Babies of New Jersey! They'd be just as noisy as their moms, but in cuter outfits.

While the regular casts are on hiatus, a new crop of women are being cast and filmed - the Real Housewives of Washington D.C.! Now this, I am excited to watch! In Washington D.C. its not just about money, its also about power, and that is a dangerous combination. Bring on the politicians, the affairs with interns, and the black tie galas!

Still digging for more dirt on the New Jersey finale? Read the complete wrap up at Gawker.com

The Bachelorette: Whoa Is Me In Whistler

This week on the Bachelorette, Jillian and her suitors headed to Whistler for some snow bunny fun. Michael, the goofy breaker dancer, got the first date - a one on one. Michael is like your 13 year old cousin, before the ritalin prescription. Although he is clearly into Jillian, his child like behavior will soon get old. I mean, she hasn't even kissed him yet!

The other one on one date belonged to Jesse, who let's face it, is pretty to look at, but there isn't much depth there. J & J had a romantic date on a private glacier (I must admit, it was really amazing) and then had a steamy moment in the hot tub. Good for you, buddy. Both Michael and Jesse received roses on their dates, securing them another week in the competition.

The group date started out as rides on snowmobiles! I never knew I wanted to ride a snowmobile until I saw this episode. It looks incredibly fun and surprisingly, not dangerous. Jillian takes Robby for a ride on the back of her 'mobile and they have a short conversation in which I was distracted completely by the red marks on Robby's forehead, left behind by an obviously too tight helmet!

Jillian also had one on one time in the snow with Wes, whose creep factor continues to intensify. At this point I don't even care whether or not he has a girlfriend, I am more concerned with the fact that he admits, while away from Jillian, that he only cares about lasting six episodes, which he deems long enough to gain exposure for his music career. Anyone else want to see Wes a victim or an adventure date accident? Too bad Dave's not around anymore to rough him up in another one of his drunken rage fests.

During the group date Jillian is noticeably drunk toward the end, and cannot even form complete sentences by the time she gets to her one on one time with Kiptyn. Kip is still the guy to beat if you ask me, proven by their make out session! Hello, tongue!

Jillian also seems to like Reid, and appears to be tolerating Tanner. Oh Tanner, you never should have squealed. If you are going to throw someone under the bus, commit!

Towards the end of the group date came the tragic news that Bachelorette fans across the country can't stop talking about - Ed. Ed confides in Jillian that his boss has asked him to come back to work. If he doesn't, he will lose his job. Ed seems genuinely conflicted, and to help ease his mind, Jillian gives him the rose on the group date. There was very cute moment where Jillian was comforting Ed, running her hands through his hair, and they looked like a real couple.

In the end, Ed decided he needed to return home, leaving Jillian in tears. In a strange move, Ed tells Jillian he is going to keep his rose because he doesn't think anyone else should have it. Hmm. Interesting. Are the producers setting us up to have Ed return? Oh pretty please!

At the rose ceremony Mark the pizza shop owner gets the boot (which is ok, we weren't really all that attached to him anyway). If you read host Chris Harrison's blog on Entertainment Weekly, you know that Jillian shared with Chris that she wished she sent Mike AND Mark home last week in Vancouver. If you aren't following Chris's blog, you are missing all kinds of behind the scenes scoop!

In the previews for next week it appears someone is having performance issues in the fantasy suite! GASP! I can hardly contain my excitement!

Need more Bachelorette? Read Kristen Baldwin's hilarious recap for Entertainment Weekly. I dare you not to laugh out loud after the first two sentences. Seriously, I dare you.

Perfect 10: Ed Westwick

As my loyal readers know, I am madly in love with Gossip Girl's resident villain (and sometimes lover) Chuck Bass. I have a difficult time separating Chuck Bass from the actor who plays him, Britain's Ed Westwick. In fact, if I were ever lucky enough to bump into him on the streets of New York, I am pretty sure I would begin flailing and screaming "Chuck! Chuck Bass! I love you!"

In the new GQ magazine, Chuck/Ed models some of Fall's emerging fashions for men.

All I have to say is, H-O-T, hot. Just when I thought he couldn't get any sexier, he calls my bluff again.

Come on, Chuck. You know you love me. XOXO.

Dining Out: Cambridge 1

On Church Street in Harvard Square, across the street from the always busy Border Cafe, and behind an unassuming brick store front, lies a hidden jewel of the Boston dining scene - Cambridge 1.

If you haven't been let in on the secret, its pretty easy to stroll right past this extraordinary spot. In the space next to door to Lizzy's ice cream, Cambridge 1 serves only five things - wine, beer, thin crust pizza, salad, and Toscanini's tiramisu ice cream.

Cambridge 1 is of the philosophy that you should pick one thing and do it right. Their specialty of choice: pizza and salad. The restaurant menu offers 5 kinds of salad and 13 varieties of their signature thin crust pizza. On this trip, I ordered the bibb lettuce salad and my dinner date ordered the iceberg wedge. The bibb lettuce salad comes with cherry tomatoes, gorganzola cheese, a bit of cilantro and is dressed in a tangy lemon vinegarette. Yum-o!

The great thing about the dining style of Cambridge 1 is, they know you won't be able to choose just one kind of pizza, so you can order a half size. If you try two varieties, they will bring both half orders on one plate! Its like putting a topping on only one half of the pizza, without having to worry that the toppings you don't want are spilling onto your half. Come on, you know what I'm talking about.

This time at dinner we tried the roasted onion pizza and the potato pizza. Now I know what you're thinking, potato on a pizza? Sounds too carb heavy, right? Wrong! The potatoes are so thinly sliced, and placed on top of a white pizza, that it actually seems light somehow. And the combination of cheeses, plus the rosemary accent makes for a surprisingly delicious, warm, and well seasoned treat!

While feasting on these one of kind flavor combinations, you'll enjoy the modern look of Cambridge 1. With concrete floors, black table tops, chrome chairs, and wood paneled walls, it feels like you are in a restaurant in New York City's meat packing district. The restaurant has a bar with stools for food/drinks, booths down the middle, tables at the back, and another bar with stools across the front windows so you can people watch while you wait to be seated.

There are two special booths along the right wall, set into the wall itself, where birthday parties are often seated. I have yet to sit there myself, but its on my list of dining to-do's.

Most pizza leaves you feeling stuffed and ashamed while the Cambridge 1 pizza leaves you feeling satisfied and already devising a plan for which two pizzas you'll try next.

So the next time the line at Border Cafe or Fire and Ice is too long to bare, sneak on over to Cambridge 1. Your taste buds will be so happy you did.