Dining Out: Boston Burger Company

Last night I went with two of my former college roommates to check out the new burger joint in Davis Square in Somerville called Boston Burger Company. From the outside, you would expect the Boston Burger Company to have a counter against the window with stools, but serve mostly take out. When we walked in, I was surprised to see the place was sit down.

We were greeted by a hostess who sat us immediately at a comfy table for four. The restaurant has about 10 tables in all, with plenty of space between each, and a large aisle down the middle. For a small space, it actually feels quite roomy. The walls have black chalk boards that display the burger choices in brightly colored chalk, as well as flat screen TVs on both sides of the restaurant (its Boston, we have to see our sports teams at all times). In lieu of the traditional menu books, the menu is actually printed on the table place mats.

Our waitress was extremely friendly, and willing to answer questions about the menu and offer her personal recommendations. We started the evening with an appetizer of macaroni and cheese bites. These are balls of Kraft macaroni and cheese, battered and fried, and served with marinara sauce. Need I say more?

With over 20 types of burgers to choose from, we were a tad overwhelmed! I wound up choosing the Alpine Burger (mushrooms and swiss), while my dining companions ordered the Pilgrim (the entire Thanksgiving feast on the burger) and the Bruschetta (self explanatory). Each burger comes with house made potato chips and your choice of coleslaw or beans.

Since we were unaware that the burger came with two sides, we ordered sweet potato fries for the table. They were the perfect level of crispiness. When I asked our waitress for mustard, she replied, "Would you like spicy, honey, or classic yellow?" Well gee, gatekeeper to the land of opportunity, I just don't know! Three kinds of mustard? I think I've died and gone to condiment heaven.

All of the food we ordered was fantastic, the service was outstanding, and the furniture/decor was surprisingly upscale for a burger place in a college town. Adding to my emerging love affair, is the fact that any burger on the menu can be ordered as a turkey burger or a veggie burger! Calorie counters and vegetarians rejoice!

Look out McDonalds, because I'm lovin it.

NYC Prep: Secrets Revealed

This week on BRAVO's NYC Prep, the cast continued their tradition of upping the level of ridiculousness with each passing week. In this installment, we get a tiny window into the souls of these seemingly conscience-less teenagers.

For example, it is revealed that Kelli has other passions aside for playing second fiddle to Taylor and pretending her parents leaving her alone in the city doesn't bother her. In fact, she dreams of recording a demo and becoming a famous singer. Yes, I too went through this phase. The difference? Kelli decides to interview vocal coaches.

In a hilarious segment, Kelli interviews one weirdo after another, before finally settling on a blond, strict, "mother hen" type of coach. We actually get to hear Kelli sing, and shock of shocks, the girl's got pipes! I must say, I was impressed. Kelli's vocal coach thinks the next steps are for her to record a demo, get a stylist, and make her stage name KELLI! (yes, that's Kelli, with an exclamation point). Something about that feels very "Just Jack" to me.

This week we also discover that in addition to gymnastics, walking around the city aimlessly with Sebastian, and going on dates with Cole, Taylor also takes 309750375123381 dance classes at a studio called Steps. Apparently its her dream to dance in college and then become a superstar. Um. Two things. One, this is her third ambition so far this season, behind philosopher (which she told Sebastian on their first date) and elephant trainer (which she told PC at Camille's dinner party). Could you please make up your mind? And two, we all dream of becoming pop sensations, but she actually looked into the camera like she meant it. Good luck, honey.

Over at Casa de Make Out Slut, Sebastian has bounced back from his Taylor rejection by going out on a date with a senior (he is a sophomore). He planned to impress her (as he does with all the ladies) with his perfectly coiffed hair and his fluent French. Too bad Angel speaks French too! HA! Sebastian reveals he usually relies on his French to wow his lady friends. Plan B, Seb?

In the second half of the episode, Camille reveals her true colors when she is meeting with Jessie about Operation Smile, and she simply cannot help herself but to state that Jessie's school is easier than hers. Oh boy. Jessie, who was actually being nice for a change, immediately bared her fangs and ripped into Camille.

This week we also meet the best kept secret - Jessie's fabulous mother! Ultra supportive, while also being sensible, Jessie's mom helps her prep for the job hunt. Jessie goes on her first interview for a position at Charlotte Ronson (no big deal) and totally chokes. The girl can't articulate a single thought. But, at least the interviewer noticed she was wearing a Charlotte Ronson dress. Brownie points, J.

The final secret revealed, which we sort of already knew, is that PC is most definitely, 100% interested in men, sexually. He is working as an assistant on a Social Life Magazine shoot and he not only gets the phone number of the male stylist on the shoot, he kisses his hand when they say goodbye!

And oh yeah, he also happens to pose with his shirt off, with the photographer, in a homo-erotic shot, at the editor in chief's request. Recognize the editor, Devorah? You should, she is cross pollinating between BRAVO shows. She was also on the Real Housewives of New York City. She put Bethenny on the cover of the same magazine.

In previews for next week, we see Jessie and PC get in a fight over Kat taking PC's front row seat at Fashion Week, and Sebastian tries to woo Kelli now that Taylor is out of the picture. KELLI! refuses to be anyone's consolation prize. You go, girl!

Can't get enough NYC Prep? Read the hilarious (but slightly long) recap on Gawker.com.

The Bachelorette: Some Of The Men Tell All

Last night on the Bachelorette, it was the typical pre-finale special called "The Men Tell All". Although this year, not all of the men returned. In fact, two of the most important men were nowhere to be found!

Who am I talking about? Wes, the season's own demon spawn, and Reid, the most recently eliminated bachelor. I was really looking forward to the guys and the audience just ripping into Wes, and watching Reid try to finally articulate his feelings for Jillian, but alas, I was left with a void. Ever the optimistic and charming host, Chris Harrison nonchalantly ignores the blatant absences and tries to direct our attention to other matters.

Without the two key players, I found the two hour special incredibly boring, except for a few choice moments. Below is my list of Top 5 "Men Tell All" Gems:

1) The unseen footage of Jillian's ode to Pepperoni.
2) Mike's thank you to Jillian, for teaching him what he is looking for in a future wife. Awww. I am now thinking I want him to be the next bachelor!
3) The unseen footage of Ed's drunken conversation with Jillian. College flashback!
4) Mark going off on Jake. Mark, who knew you had a personality?
5) Dave trying to describe, then defend "man code".

Need more scoop on what you didn't see from the special? Like a strip tease? Check out host Chris Harrison's blog for more behind the scenes dish!

And next week, its the season finale! Who will Jillian choose? Kiptyn? Ed? Will Reid really return to finally confess his love?

Less than one week until the most dramatic season finale EVER!

Dining Out: Zaftigs

For those who have had the pleasure of viewing my online dating profile, you know one of the items listed under "Things I Can't Live Without" is brunch. It is by far my favorite meal of the week and has become the time my girlfriends and I look forward to for debriefing about the weekend's events.

My favorite brunch spot is S&S in Inman Square in Cambridge, but now that I live on the other side of the river (the Charles river, for those who are not familiar) I have been exploring some spots closer to my new zip code.

This past weekend I journeyed with a friend to Zaftigs on Harvard Street in Brookline, in the heart of Coolidge Corner. This neighborhood is home to many of my Boston favorites: Upper Crust Pizza, Party Favors Bakery, Rami's Falafel, Coolidge Corner Clubhouse, JP Licks and Brookline Booksmith.

Zaftigs has a casual feel. A mix of leather booths, and two or four person tables, it feels like a New York City Jewish deli. The walls are adorned with fantastic artwork and the waiters wear T-shirts with sayings like "Got Challah?"

The menu offers the usual Jewish deli fare, with some classic American sandwiches as well. Breakfast is served all day (always a bonus). Although I was tempted by the chocolate french toast served with raspberry sauce, I went with a healthier choice and got an omelet with tomatoes, broccoli and swiss cheese, served with home fries, wheat toast and a slice of watermelon.

My omelet had very fresh veggies and was a generous portion. The home fries were perfectly crispy, and I was given four pieces of toast! The watermelon slice was a nice, unexpected addition to the plate.

My brunch companion ordered the banana stuffed french toast, which came served with mixed berries on top. YUM-O.

The bill was incredibly reasonable and our waitress was speedy to bring our meals, as well as the check when we were finished.

Thanks to the delicious food and the fair price, if you arrive after 10:00am on Saturday or Sunday, you will surely be waiting in line, sometimes for over an hour.

Zaftig, which means "plump" in Yiddish, is exactly how you will look and feel if you dine here on a regular basis. Consider yourself warned.

New Discovery: 16 and Pregnant

When I first saw a preview for MTV's summer series "16 and Pregnant" I was completely horrified. I know MTV's "True Life" often explores controversial topics, and has graphic footage, but this seemed especially sad and exploitative to me. That is, until I actually saw an episode.

MTV's documentary-style series featuring young, high school girls coping with their pregnancy and caring for a newborn is nothing short of fascinating. After I saw one episode, I set my DVR to tape all the rest.

All the girls seem to have one thing in common - having a baby seems like an abstract idea, that will never significantly impact their lives. HELLO! Anyone take a health class in school? Anyone?

Where it becomes interesting is watching the girls deal with their families, their boyfriends (or lack there of), the gossip at school, and the changes they have to make in planning for their futures. A cheerleader leaves the squad, an aspiring Air Force member gives up on her dream, couples become engaged, couples move in together . . . its a whole lot of change, all at once.

The show is also captivating because each girl profiled comes from a different part of the country, has a different family situation, living situation, relationship status and level of education. You are never watching the same type of story twice.

My favorite episode centered around Whitney. A baby faced young girl living with her grandmother and her mother, who is also pregnant. Whitney has a wonderful, caring boyfriend, Weston, who has moved in as well and takes care of her, and eventually the baby with great love, care and attention. Did I mention they also have an adorable puppy named Chumpy?

As a twentysomething watching the show, I am well aware of the responsibilties that come with pregnancy and having a baby, but the show is a friendly reminder of the changes required when your life heads down the path toward parenting. For young girls watching the show, I say thank you MTV, for offering an honest and necessary view into what it is truly like to have a baby in high school.

I promise if you watch one episode of this show you will be completely enthralled.

The season finale of MTV's "16 and Pregnant" airs Thursday July 16th at 10:00pm Eastern Time. Miss the start to the season? Not to worry! MTV tends to replay episodes a few times each week.

NYC Prep: Awkward With A Side Of Uncomfortable

When NYC Prep first premiered on BRAVO I was unimpressed. In fact, I had vowed never to waste another hour of my life watching the show, until one of Bravo's producers Andy Cohen, announced via Twitter (@BravoAndy) that NYC Prep gets better with each episode, so don't give up on it. What Andy says, goes. I obeyed and this week I was rewarded.

This week's installment was pure bliss. A myriad of awkward moments, transporting the viewer right back to high school. Let's begin with the opening scene in which Sebastian and Gabe teach us two great lessons about life. One: long hair is in. Two: there is a distinct difference between public school girls and private school girls. Public school girls where juicy sweatsuits, are highly emotional, and put pictures on Facebook of themselves posing in office chairs with their boyfriend, while private school girls are Jewish, have a lot of money and don't care about having a man. The world according to Gabe. Fascinating.

Can we also take a moment to acknowledge that Taylor Momsen (who plays Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl) was at the same concert at Sebastian and Gabe?

At said concert Sebastian embarrasses himself trying to hit on an uninterested Taylor (of this cast, not GG), who unbeknownst to him, is back together with her ex boyfriend Cole. At the end of the night Sebastian tries to kiss Taylor and she turns and gives him the cheek! OUCH. To make it all the more painful, BRAVO shows an ESPN-like instant replay!

Also having boy problems is Camille. She wants a boyfriend, but no one seems to meet her criteria. While dining at Alice's Tea Cup (one of my favorite NYC spots) with her friend Maite, she expresses her frustration. I wish I could tell you what they resolved, but I was so distracted by Maite's annoying, ditsy, New York accent/voice that I was paralyzed.

Camille does decide to go on a date with Dan, another long haired imbecile. Dan rocks the man scarf, which let's face it, unless you are Chuck Bass or Harry Potter, is totally unacceptable in real life. Dan continues to ask "How is your night going? Are you having a good time?" so many times that Camille begins to out right make fun of him. Dan's long hair was impairing his ability to pick up on her ridicule.

Later in the episode Camille hosts a dinner party at a posh restaurant called Firebird. It turns into the PC show when he starts referring to everyone as "children", calls out Sebastian and Taylor's hook up in front of Cole, and then asks everyone in the room who is still a virgin. Classy, PC, real classy.

At dinner Taylor impresses PC by saying she wants to grow up to be an elephant trainer (she told Sebastian in episode one she wants to be a philosopher. Fickle teenagers). PC is also impressed by Taylor's vegetarianism. He says, "You are so sweet. If you were a veggie burger, I'd totally eat you." Awww, precious. Wait, WHAT?

At the end of the episode, PC and Jessie meet up for coffee, after PC stood her up for their last date. He claims he was too tired. Then Jessie lurches forward across the table and screams "Really? Because when I'm just tired, I CALL MY FRIENDSSSSSSSS!" Jessie's eyes bugged out of her head and I was actually scared. Whoa there, honey. This girl amazes me. She is mean, on a ridiculous power trip, and completely busted, yet people fear her. I am completely perplexed. I can't decide if I want to punch her, or give her standing ovation.

In previews for next week, PC takes part in a half naked photo shoot with another man (his fantasy realized) and he confides in his therapist that having sex with everyone is getting him nowhere. How deep. Jessie and Camille have new beef thanks to some comments Camille made about Jessie's school. Uh uh, don't you be talkin' about my prep school!

Need more dish? Check out Gawker's in depth, hilarious recap of last night's episode.

The Bachelorette: Fantasy Island

This week on the Bachelorette, Jillian and her final three suitors jetted off to Hawaii for more one-on-one dates. The first date was with Kiptyn, and he and Jillian took on a ropes course. This date is pretty much my worst nightmare. Every year at summer camp I always tried to feign illness to get out of the day of "group bonding" on the challenge course. Blech.

Jillian is petrified throughout the course, while Kiptyn sails across each element. Their final task is to complete a course element called the "leap of faith". Really, ABC? That's too literal, even for you!

At dinner, Jillian confronts Kiptyn about his perfection, demanding he admit a flaw. Jillian continues to show hesitation with Kiptyn, and has this bizarre idea that she is not good enough for him. He is on the show trying to prove he is good enough for YOU! Come on, girl! Their night together ends in the fantasy suite (finally!).

Date number two is with Reid (a.k.a. Matthew Perry). The two take a helicopter ride over the islands, and their flight captain reveals he is an ordained minister and can perform weddings. Jillian suggests they should just get married right there, in the air, and Reid lets out a horrified, nervous laugh as if to say "Ha ha ha, HELL NO!"

At dinner Jillian tries to get Reid to open up and share his feelings. Unfortunately Reid has won the award for the most inarticulate man in America! He literally cannot form a sentence when it comes to describing his feelings. His solution to avoiding tough questions? MAKE OUT!

Jillian asks Reid to join her in the fantasy suite and they take a bubble bath together, we're guessing naked. ABC, you are getting so risque!

On date number three, Jillian and Ed relax on a Catamaran. Rather than focus on their chemistry, most of America was staring at Ed's tiny, green shorts! Ed has gone European! That was shocking!

Once my eyes could look at something other than Ed's Larry Bird like swim trunks, it is revealed that Ed has flown his parents down to meet Jillian. Very thoughtful! Ed's dad cries when he talks to Jillian, and says all he wants is the best for the two of them. CUTE!

That night, Jillian and Ed retire to the fantasy suite (that's three for three, in case you're counting) and rub each other down with massage oil. ABC takes an HBO like turn, and shows a surprising amount of the massage/make out session!

Just when it seems it can't get any steamier . . . BOOM! The lights in the room turn back on and apparently Ed is having some performance issues. Its unclear if the show was implying he was having some dysfunction, or if he just passed out mid-massage, but clearly whatever happened, it upset and disappointed Jillian. Come on, Ed! You can make out in public fountains in Spain, but you can't seal the deal one-one-one in the freakin fantasy suite?

Before the rose ceremony Jillian talks with host Chris Harrison (who was mysteriously absent during last week's episode in Spain) and he gives her three video messages, one from each guy. In his, Ed states that he loves Jillian. Probably something better said in person, but a last ditch effort at redeeming himself.

At the rose ceremony, Jillian asks Ed to come chat with her for a minute. He does his best to reassure her, and then they rejoin the other two men. Jillian chooses Kiptyn first, and after an extremely long pause, does indeed go with Ed, sending Reid back to Philly.

Reid and Jillian have a tearful goodbye, and he has a very said exit interview in the limo, in which he admits he should have opened up sooner to Jillian. That he was falling in love with her, and she probably doesn't even know it. I felt badly for Reid. I thought they had a great connection, undeniable chemistry, his family loved her, she was willing to move to Philly, they had a blast in Spain . . . but, I guess someone has to go.

Next week is the much anticipated "Men Tell All" special! The dish from the men themselves. I am most looking forward to more foot fetish antics from Tanner, more drunken rages from Dave, and a confrontation between Jake (the next Bachelor) and Wes (the snake). I think there should be a separate, hour long special, just devoted to D-bag clips of Wes.

Then in two weeks, Jillian makes her final decision!

Need more scoop? Check out Kristen Baldwin's recap for Entertainment Weekly and host Chris Harrison's behind the scenes blog.

New Artist: Eric Hutchinson

This weekend I went up to Newburyport, MA with two of my college girlfriends for the Newburyport Riverfront Musical Festival. The free concert event was in the center of downtown Newburyport, from 2:00-7:00pm and was sponsored by 92.5 FM "The River", Boston's independent radio station. The main attraction for the day was an up and coming artist named Eric Hutchinson.

Eric is a graduate of Boston's Berklee College of Music, and he sounds like the lovechild of Gavin DeGraw and Jason Mraz, with Jamie Cullum's piano chops. How's that for talent? Did I mention he also plays acoustic and electric guitar?

Eric bares a strong resemblance to actor Jack McBrayer who plays "Kenneth" on NBC's "30 Rock". Despite his somewhat geeky appearance, his music is high energy and infectious, and he puts on a fantastic live show, feeding off of the audience and displaying his great sense of humor. This live concert was my first time hearing his music and I was already proclaiming my devotion by the end of the show.

Eric has released his first album called "Sounds Like This" and the album is available on iTunes. All ten tracks can be yours for the bargain price of $7.99! My favorite songs on the album:

1) Ok, It's Alright With Me
2) You Don't Have To Believe Me
3) Food Chain
4) Rock & Roll
5) Oh!

I'm not the only one screaming for Eric, so is Hollywood gossip blogger Perez Hilton. He has been promoting Eric and his music for over a year! Eric also recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Check out Eric's website for tour information, his biography, his blog and more!

Dining Out: B.Good, The Devotion Continues

Back in January, during the first month of Pop.Bop.Shop.'s existence, I wrote about one of my favorite local Boston spots - B.Good (read the original post). B.Good is a local chain owned by two best friends, Jon and Anthony, providing classic fast food made from fresh and natural ingredients. The junk food you crave, without the junk? Yes, please!

Over the past several months I have become nothing short of a B.Good devotee. Its true, there are two locations (of their four) less than 3 miles from my house, making it incredibly easy to stop by after work, on the way home from the beach, or an a lazy weekend afternoon or evening.

B.Good serves burgers in 6 signature styles. You can order a burger, turkey burger, veggie burger or grilled chicken, as the base for your specialty sandwich. My personal favorite is a veggie burger made as the "Adopted Luke" - mushrooms, caramelized onions, swiss cheese and BBQ sauce. I mean, really, when else can a vegetarian have BBQ sauce?

On my most recent trip, I ordered a veggie burger as the "Cousin Oliver" - lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles, with a side of french fries. Absolute perfection!

My dinner companion ordered a burger as the "El Guapo" - bacon, jalapeno ranch, lettuce, tomato and red onion, and a side of sweet potato fries.

To top off our already perfect meal, we had milkshakes made with frozen yogurt (another way to cut the calories and the guilt). I opted for Strawberry, while she went for Chocolate. They were the perfect consistency and a great, cool treat on a warm summer night.

We ate our whole meal outside, as the Brookline location has outdoor seating. If for some reason you can't make it to B.Good, they also deliver (jackpot!). Their delivery guy Marco is incredibly sweet (Yes, we are on a first name basis).

On top of great food, low prices, multiple locations AND delivery, B.Good also understands the concept of customer loyalty. They have an email list (which you should join immediately) in which they blast out special offers, coupons and invitations to special events and contests to their "family".

You can also follow them on Twitter @b_good_ to hear about special events and contests as they happen! In fact, for re-posting a few of their updates, the owners sent me vouchers for free burgers and fries! On one special occasion, they even delivered dinner to my house for free! Now that is what I call customer appreciation!

What are you waiting for? B.Good!

The Bachelorette: Make Out Edition

This week on The Bachelorette, Jillian and her suitors jetted to Spain for romantic one-on-one dates. I was particularly excited for this episode, as I studied for a semester in Cordoba, Spain and have traveled all over the country. I couldn't wait to see the date locations!

Kiptyn got the first date in Madrid, which included a Flamenco dancing lesson. Although neither Jillian nor Kip could seem to get the steps, they had fun learning the dance together. Kip was forced to wear some very tight Flamenco pants which left very little to the imagination. Sneak preview, Jillian?

All seemed to be going well with Kiptyn until he dropped a bomb. He thinks a proposal at the end of this journey would be "a bit premature". Ruh-roh. Jillian definitely has her eyes on the prize, and you could see her deflate when he made that comment.

When offered the key to the fantasy suite, Jillian declined, but offered to let Kip come back and cuddle. Tease.

Jillian seems to like Kiptyn, but has this weird feeling that she is not good enough for him. Will this continue to bother her?

On the second date Jillian met up with Reid (a.k.a. Matthew Perry) in Sevilla. Jillian and Reid have an undeniable connection. They are always laughing, and when they aren't chuckling, they are making out. Pretty solid ways to split your time.

Jillian seems hung up on two things: one, she doesn't think she and Reid have a lot in common, and two, she thinks he can't articulate how he feels. Reid gives it his best shot, and then the fantasy suite card comes into play. Jillian declines again! 0-2. I have never seen this before! She is really holding out.

Date number three is with Ed. Jillian and Ed spent 99% of their date making out. She does find out how he would have spent their hometown date, and that he wants kids in the next 2-3 years. Its also clear he wants her to move to Chicago. Ed charms his way into the fantasy suite after Jillian originally says no, but she gives in saying "Ok, but we are sleeping in our clothes".

The final date is with Wes in Barcelona. What a waste of an amazing city on a D-bag guy. From the start Wes is making fun of Jillian, not paying attention, interrupting her. Its a train wreck. At dinner he basically admits to having a girlfriend and that he only came on the show to boost his career, and Jillian has clearly had enough. When the fantasy suite card is awkwardly delivered by a man dressed in a soldier uniform (what?) Wes actually wants to use it! As if! Jillian swiftly puts him a cab.

At the rose ceremony the men are waiting for Jillian to arrive and Kiptyn says "Guys, if its me, keep it real," and Wes responds "Guys, if its me, know that I'll be home having lots of sex." WHAT? Disgusting! Reid even looks horrified.

Jillian enters wearing a fierce, black dress. Short, strapless, with a fringe skirt. She picks Reid, Ed and Kiptyn (in that order) and then walks Wes out to the limo. Not sure why she felt the need to walk him out. I would have pushed him down the stairs!

In the limo, Wes is drinking and says "Well, I am the first person on the Bachelorette to make it to the final four with a girlfriend." What an ass! Then he starts talking about how he is going to meet girls tonight and no one can stop him. Dear lord! Get this slime ball off of my television!

In the previews for next week, Jillian takes the men to Hawaii for more romantic one-on-one dates. Then we will see the "Men Tell All" special, followed by the two part season finale. The way the previews are edited, it makes it sound like Reid and Kiptyn are the final two guys. We shall see!

For more scoop, don't forget to check out Kristen Baldwin's recap for Entertainment Weekly and host Chris Harrison's blog.

Next week, the most dramatic Hawaiian vacation EVER!

Movie Musings: The Hangover

This weekend, about two weeks behind the rest of America, I finally saw "The Hangover". The buzz for this movie was so huge, I went in with extremely low expectations. Bromance movies are a bit hit or miss. Although I loved "Old School", "Wedding Crashers", and "I Love You, Man", there have been several movies in that same genre that have left me wanting my money back.

"The Hangover" not only met my expectations, it surpassed them. Let's begin with one of the stars of the movie - Bradley Cooper. Bradley is officially my personal breakout star of 2009. First, he turned up the sex appeal in "He's Just Not That Into You" as he had a secret, steamy affair with Scarlett Johansson, and now, he takes on Vegas in the black on black wardrobe combo (black shirt, black suit) leaving women across America pining. His sex appeal oozed off the screen and towards our seats.

The movie also stars Ed Helms (a.k.a. Andy from "The Office") who plays a similar character in this movie as he does in his sitcom - a man who is a bit of nerd, gets walked on by his girlfriend, and has a not-so-secret love for song. Did you enjoy his impromptu piano number in the Vegas hotel suite? It was almost as good as his a capella re-enactments on "The Office".

The biggest surprise of the movie was Zach Galifianakis, a virtual unknown who plays the bride's brother. His one liners deliver side splitting laughs and his kinship with an abandoned baby (who he names Carlos) is adorable and hysterical.

Other high notes including a cameo from Heather Graham (who has pretty much solidified her role as paid eye candy), a beautiful wedding ceremony, reception and dress envied by every girl in the audience, and a fantastic soundtrack including Kanye West, Rihanna, and of course, Baha Men's "Who Let the Dogs Out".

"The Hangover's" plot twists are unexpected, and the movie stays intriguing as you never get to see scenes from the actual night in question. That is, until the credits roll.

During the final moments of the movie, on the left side of the screen photos from the bachelor party pop up alongside the list of cast and crew. This is one of the best parts of the entire movie, and has you leaving the theater smiling and laughing.

Thank you, "The Hangover", for not overdoing the Vegas cliches, for keeping us guessing and howling in laughter, and for 90 minutes of Bradley Cooper.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

The Quest: A Perfect Trench Rain Coat

For as long as I can remember I've always worn an "outdoorsy" rain coat. The type you buy at L.L. Bean or E.M.S. designed to keep you dry in any type of rainy condition. Recently I decided it's time to upgrade to a "fashion" rain coat.

On the quest for the perfect outerwear, I headed straight to my favorite department store's website - Nordstrom.com. As anticipated, I was not disappointed!

I've found three excellent options, and need your opinion on which to choose!

The first, a Latte by Coffee Shop design, is grey with an adorable bow detail on the back:

The second, a brightly colored, beautifully tailored coat is from the Jessica Simpson clothing line. Shown here in yellow, it also comes in ivory, teal or fuchsia:

The final option, by Gallery Fit and Flare, has a pronounced collar and an extra long belt (to better accentuate the waist):

Which coat do you find most fabulous?