Grey's Anatomy: McDreamy Goes Rogue

Grey's Anatomy always begin with the voice of a narrator. Its usually Meredith, but we have seen episodes where the narrator is Izzie or Alex and this week it was Derek. He begins by talking about why people go into surgery as their medical field. We soon discover he was attracted to the silence of the operating room.

This week Derek had almost two full days of silence as her tried to operate on a massive spine tumor. He was approached by another member of the hospital staff, Isaac, asking for his help with what other doctor's said was untreatable. The actor who plays Isaac was absolutely superb. He had a kindness and a warmth that was magnetic, he inspired Derek to be the best, most innovative surgeon he could be, and he had a moving monologue about his life before he moved to the United States. If this man doesn't win an Emmy for this guest spot, I'll have to write a letter of complaint to the academy.

In trying to determine the best way to operate, there is an adorable scene where Derek moves his and Meredith's bed, so he can draw the tumor and spine on the wall and ask for her opinion. He just so happens to be sketching under a picture frame housing their marriage post-it. CUTE!

The Derek story line continued to surprise me, first when he threw up in the operating room (gruesome!) and in the final scene where the chief fires him! Derek tells the chief, "sleep on it, we can talk about it tomorrow." Excellent cliff hanger, Shonda!

Aside from the Derek plot, the most hilarious moment came from an exchange between Lexi and Cristina. Knowing she would be in surgery for almost a full day, Lexi ponders wearing an adult diaper. Cristina catches her mulling it over and demands she put it on, saying, "that is so hard core!" Cristina is pretty cold to everyone, especially Lexi since she hates her cheery disposition, so it was fun to see them bond over a love for difficult, demanding surgeries. And you know, fun to watch them waddle down the hall.

In the previews for next week Cristina defies Dr. Hunt's orders in the operating room, a conflict which will surely spill over into their romantic relationship. I wonder what Owen's therapist will have to say about this . . .

Want more behind-the-scenes intel? Check out the Grey's Anatomy Writer's blog.

Top Chef: Revenge of the Vegetarian

This week on Top Chef the beautiful and talented actress Natalie Portman arrived in Las Vegas to serve as the guest judge for this week's challenge. At the start of the day the chefs were told they would be cooking in Tom's restaurant CraftSteak. They were rummaging through the kitchen grabbing steak, lobster, and other goodies when Natalie arrived to give further details on the elimination challenge.

They would be preparing a dinner for her and her guests. She described her eating habits as "open" and "adventurous," with one, tiny limitation. She's a vegetarian.

I was immediately giddy for two reasons - one, I know chefs hate vegetarians (if you need proof of this, please consult one of my favorite books, "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain) and two, I have been a vegetarian for the last 12 years, so I was curious to see what the chefs could come up with.

One of the biggest struggles for vegetarians is finding something to eat at a fine dining restaurant (further proving that chefs hate to cook vegetarian food). Natalie tasked the remaining chefs to each prepare a filling meal for the evening's upcoming dinner party.

Michael Voltaggio soared, and one of the diners even called him the "Picasso of food." That is no small compliment! Kevin's dish wow-ed and left the diners feeling very satisfied (which can be hard with no protein in a dish).

Robin faltered (shocking) as did my early favorite Jen, who seems to be falling apart at the seams more severely each week. Mike Isabella also left the guests wanting more.

In the end Kevin was victorious (he won the quick fire challenge too) and Mike got the boot! I had no problem seeing him go, as I always thought he was arrogant.

This episode was already fantastic with Natalie as guest judge, my solidarity with her vegetarianism, and the chefs scrambling, but it was elevated to another level by the dinner conversation amongst Natalie and the judges! Never before I have I heard sexual comments at a Top Chef dinner! We were a millisecond away from a "that's what she said." I couldn't believe it!

Now we are down to six chefs and the pressure is on! I can't wait to see what's thrown at them next!

The City: Why, Freddie, Why?

Relatable is not a word one would typically use to describe MTV's show "The City." A 30 minute reality show (a spin off of The Hills, which is a spin off of Laguna Beach) that documents the life of Whitney Port, an L.A. transplant trying to make her way in the cut throat world of New York City fashion.

But last night, while Whitney and her friend Roxy were getting ready for a party in their lounge-around clothes they tried to teach themselves the dance from the Beyonce "Single Ladies" video and I screamed at the TV, "I do that!" Never before have I seen something on this show that seemed at all in touch with reality. Naturally, Beyonce would bring us together.

That was pretty much where the relatable moments ended in last night's high drama episode. First Whitney goes on a second date with Freddie and SURPRISE! He has invited his father to join them. What? Freddie, I don't know what planet you are living on, but here on Earth, we typically try to keep people we like away from our parents for as long as possible. Freddie Fail.

The feud between Erin and Olivia is heating up at ELLE. Not only does Olivia have no tolerance for Erin's catty behavior, but she is starting to trivialize every task Erin gives her. To retaliate, Erin belittles and embarrasses Olivia every chance she gets. God I love a heated rivalry!

In a small, brief scene Whitney sees Jay again for some final closure on their relationship. Jay busts her chops about Freddie and eventually gets up and walks out on Whit. Welp. There ya have it.

Last night I also noticed that almost all of the girls are fond of this hair do where its a tight, slicked back look in the front, and a messy, frizzy bun in the back. Am I missing something here? This is not cute. Is Kelly Cutrone's tattered look rubbing off on all the girls?

Looking forward to next week's episode and hopefully more Freddie! (and less of Freddie's dad). I love his preppy look, his hair and his smile! So dreamy. He's like a living Ken doll. Whit just has to decide if she wants to be his Barbie.

Need more dish? Check out the hilarious recaps on NY Mag's The Cut blog and Gawker.com.

Rental Review: A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints

Last night I watched my most recent arrival from Netflix, "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints." Yes, it is a long title for a movie.

I am not sure how this film wound up on my Netflix queue. I may have read about it in Entertainment Weekly, I may have noticed Channing Tatum showing off his abs on the movie poster, or Netflix may have listed it as "Movies We Think You'll Enjoy." No matter, it arrived and I popped it into the DVD player.

After 98 minutes (that felt like 3 hours) the film ended and I wanted to scream! How could I have just wasted the last hour and a half on such a piece of garbage? The film was frenetic, lacking a clear direction, extremely raw, gritty and violent, and had a resolution that left me feeling depressed.

Rather than give up on the DVD completely, I decided to check out the special features. As my loyal readers know, my mother is obsessed with watching DVD special features, and her habit has rubbed off on me.

Never have I been happier that I watched the special features! In the 30 minute "Making Of" feature, the producers, writer and director, and most of the actors share their experiences working on the film. Through the "Making Of" interviews I learned that the film is based on the real life experiences of Dito Montiel, a man who grew up on the crime ridden streets of Astoria, Queens, fighting for his life and struggling to maintain a relationship with his parents.

Dito wrote about his life in a book called "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints." A collection of stories describing the people that protected him during the most dangerous years of his childhood. In real life, Dito met actor Robert Downey Jr., who was moved by the story and encouraged him to make it into a film.

Trudie Styler, also known as Sting's wife, came on as a producer. She too was moved by Dito's story. The team tried to help Dito turn his short stories into a linear, well planned, movie script. What they discovered was, they couldn't tell the story cleanly and wrap it up with a bow at the end. Dito's real life experience was messy, ugly and disjointed.

In the film Shia LaBeouf plays the young Dito. I am not a Shia fan, so I was annoyed with him most of the movie. However, during the special features I learned Dito didn't want to cast him either! Hurrah, we agree! But he said Shia begged him to let him submit an audition tape, and he was actually rather impressed.

Dito wrote and directed the movie, helping the actors to channel the characters of his past. My favorite is Dito's childhood friend Scottish Mike. He seems to be the bright spot in Dito's otherwise dark and stormy life. In the special features you learn he was actually Irish Mike, but Trudie Styler pushed for a great, young Scottish actor to play him and Dito agreed and made the change.

After listening to all the cast and crew interviews I found myself viewing the film in a completely different light. Now that I understood the vision, where the story came from and how they decided to bring it to life on camera, I actually found it kind of beautiful. There is something about exposing people's raw emotion, just as it is, no air brushing or manipulating that is both painful and exquisite.

If you can handle the in-your-face truth, I recommend renting the film and learning from Dito's story.

Dining Out: Johnny's Luncheonette

Growing up in Newton, MA my family, friends and I frequented several spots in the neighborhood called Newton Centre. There was chinese at Jumbo Seafood (Grammy's favorite), ice cream sundaes at JP Licks (Mom's obsession), pizza at Sweet Tomatoes, patio dining at Union Street, and our staple for any meal of the day - Johnny's Luncheonette.

Johnny's is in the heart of Newton Centre on Langley Road. It is a classic diner with a large counter up front and 20-30 booths seating anywhere for two to eight people. In the nice weather they also have tables outdoors.

The Johnny's decor is classic 50s diner, including framed black and white photos on the walls of class pictures from the Newton middle and high schools.

In true diner fashion Johnny's serves breakfast all day with generous portions of eggs, omelets, pancakes and waffles. Personally, I love to go for lunch or dinner. My favorite menu items include - grilled cheese and tomato on challah, the garden city sandwich, the vegetarian chili and the macaroni and cheese.

The item that keeps me coming back is the sweet potato fries! Cut into large wedges and baked to perfection, the fries come with a delicious spicy mustard and will have you craving more once the plate is licked clean.

Johnny's also offers classic diner fare on its beverage list. They serve Dr. Browns cream soda and black cherry soda, raspberry lime rickeys, egg creams and milk shakes.

Johnny's is a local favorite and attracts families, high school students as well as BC college students. If you are planning to go for weekend brunch or dinner on Friday or Saturday, leave yourself about 30 minutes time to wait upon arriving. Also pay attention to the daily specials on the front of the menu, they often offer seasonal or gluttonous items that are not to be missed.

If you can handle the trip to the 'burbs, Johnny's is well worth the travel.

Shop: Disney Princess Inspired Engagement Rings

In the last six months several of my close family and friends have become engaged. A big part of the decision to propose is selecting a ring. Boys - if your lady has a Disney princess obsession (perhaps a tattoo of her favorite?) then designer Kristie Kelly has come to your rescue with a new line of Disney princess inspired bling.

I must say, I actually think the Sleeping Beauty inspired ring is quite beautiful. Can you hear her singing, "Some day my prince will come . . . "

Ladies - would you ever wear a ring inspired by a Disney princess? Or are these designs reserved for the type of girl who dreams of booking her wedding at Disney World's Magic Castle?

Perfect 10: Madonna

Last night Perez Hilton posted photos of Madonna leaving a dinner date in London with her bestie, Stella McCartney (note his signature white writing on the photo above). Typically photos of Madonna show her post-gym or yoga session where her freakishly buff, yet aging body irks me and I have to look away. This time however, my reaction was, "Damn, material girl! You've still got it!"

Madonna rocks a fitted leather jacket, gray pencil skirt, gray tights and a gray pump with black trim. She is also carrying a gorgeous, black hand bag.

It's official, I am overcome with fashion envy. Bravo, Madge.

90210: Surprise, Surprise

90210, you did it again! Another phenomenal episode! I think I am in love.

This week there is a new addition to the West Bev surf team and her name is Ivy. Why we need another new character is unclear to me. There is plenty of drama as is, and while setting up a story line for Ivy, regulars such as Jen, Ryan and Navid saw no screen time.

Ivy gets introduced to the crew after hitting Liam's car. It seems the writers have some sexual tension brewing between the two, but I don't really care. I am still wait for Liam to expose Naomi's sister Jen for the liar she is. Can I hit an eject button for Ivy?

This episode Annie seems smitten with creeper Jasper and even agrees to be in his movie. When Jasper asks Annie to steal a luxury car as part of the filming at first she resists, and then ultimately gives in after Jasper gushes, "you're my muse, babe." One, gag me, and two, hey Annie - did it not occur to you that you already killed a man (who happens to be Jasper's uncle, can't wait until that truth is revealed), had a naked "sext" of you sent around the entire school and alienated all of your family and friends? Does stealing a car really seem like something you need to add to that list?

Annie's brother Dixon is still hiding his relationship with Sasha inside the walls of her apartment. When Dixon decides to break up with Sasha to focus on "just being a kid", Sasha shows up at the Halloween party and tells Dixon she is pregnant. WHAT? Either this is true and Dixon's life as we know it is over, or she is lying and trying to trap him. Either story line has great potential, and I for one cannot wait to see where this goes.

Then we come to an unlike pair, Silver and Teddy! When Teddy learns that Silver's mother has cancer, he reaches out to her because he lost his own mother to cancer. He takes Silver up to the roof of a building to hit tennis balls. He claims its the best way to release the frustration. And I think we have a new couple!

While a new couple is forming, it seems another sturdy couple is starting to crack. Harry and Deb have been fighting because Deb is concerned Kelly is moving in on her man. Last week, Harry called Deb "Kelly" while hungover (whoops) and this week Harry cancelled lunch on Deb to have lunch with Kelly. Naturally, Deb showed up, saw the duo dining together, and bolted. Oh Harry, how will you get out of this one? Do you even want to repair this marriage if a relationship with Kelly is a possibility? I think Annie would spiral out of control if her parents broke up and let's be honest, she is almost at the bottom of the downward spiral. There isn't much further down to go.

And now, the best story line for last - the love triangle of Naomi, Richard and Jamie! Naomi cozied up to Richard a few weeks ago in an attempt to get closer to his mother, the dean of admissions at CU. While she pretends to care about "going green" she meets his football player roommate Jamie, who comes on pretty strong. By the end of this episode, Naomi has broken things off with Richard and is open to exploring whatever comes next with Jamie. I would be too after seeing him in just a towel!

In photos from an upcoming episode, the West Bev gang attends winter formal. Teddy and Silver apparently dance and smooch, and Annie arrives with Jasper. At least we know he hasn't chopped her to bits yet.

Thank you, season 2, for bring your A game. We can't wait for the next round!

Gossip Girl: To Scheme Or Not To Scheme

Since the official coronation of Chuck and Blair I have been waiting for the other shoe to drop. As thrilled as I was for the two to commit to each other and become a recognized item, I knew the drama of the Upper East Side would eventually come between them.

Last night the shoe started to slip. Blair, obsessed with giving a speech at the freshman dinner, plotted and schemed until she got her way - including tricking Chuck into kissing a dude! Well, a man. When the truth is revealed to Chuck he is less than thrilled. In previews for next week it seems Chuck is finally opening his club and a one Blair Waldorf is noticeably absent from the guest list. Ouch.

This week Serena also tried to salvage her rocky romance with Carter. Moments away from being shipped off to an oil rig to pay his debts, Serena tries to pay off Carter's deficit in a high stakes game of poker, orchestrated by Nate. Turns out, Nate was only trying to sabotage the Buckleys and had no interest in helping Carter or Serena. Nate, who knew you could have such a manipulative side? Not I.

Despite Serena's best efforts, Carter still left her. Awww, S. Alone again.

Back on campus Dan continues to court Olivia who has a bit of a freak out about meeting Rufus and Lily. She acts out of character and winds up needing an extra take to get it right.

Speaking of parents, Vanessa's mother comes to the city to hear her give her speech at the freshman dinner. How has it not come up that Vanessa's mother is black and she is biracial? In the entire series thus far, I don't believe this has ever been mentioned. I must admit, I was a bit stunned. Vanessa clearly has a tumultuous relationship with her parents and she did have us feeling a little sad for her. Until she wore that offensive blue outfit with the turquoise necklace. Ick!

On a side note, what was with the "Welcome Back Kotter" mugs? I mean, is there a point to mentioning them 300 times? Also, where was Dorota? Shouldn't she have been a part of Blair's master plan? I much prefer Dorota to the NYU minions.

Next week it seems the gang is headed to the opening of Chuck's new club and the theme is 20s revival. I am excited by the costumes alone!

Can't get enough Gossip Girl? Read the side-splitting recap from New York Magazine's Daily Intel.

Grey's Anatomy: The Orange Invasion

Last season I wrote about Grey's Anatomy after each week's episode, but so far this new season has left a little something to be desired. And, let's face it, I am still mourning the loss of George. That final scene of last year's season finale still gives me goose bumps and makes my heart pound.

This week's episode felt like the Grey's of old. The show that made us laugh, made us cry and left us itching to discuss our favorite moments with fellow fans the following morning. As Seattle Grace merges with Mercy West, everyone is afraid of the next round of lay offs.

Cristina has reached the breaking point. With no cardio specialist to mentor her, she has lost her way and she finally breaks down to Meredith. Cristina sobs and chokes out her words about her lack of direction. Meredith doesn't respond verbally, but instead motions for Cristina to come lay next to her. She snuggles Cristina nice and close and just turns on the trash TV. It was the perfect "dark and twisty" scene between the two unlikely best friends.

Lexi gets a great story line this episode where she is pitted against a nervous Mercy West resident. Lexi's patient takes a liking to her and helps her get ahead by stealing the other resident's notebook. Goody goody Lexi plays dirty and its fun to watch. Her boyfriend, Sloan, was MIA this episode, but I barely noticed.

Izzie is working with a Mercy West resident named Charlie for the day who seems to be the only good guy in orange scrubs. Turns out he is using Izzie for all the inside information. Did not see that one coming!

In the wake of the merger the chief decides to let Izzie go. She is too much of a liability given her past (hello, Denny) and her current medical condition. When the chief is explaining his reasons to Izzie, he starts to say, "And Karev said," and then Izzie cuts him off and storms out. Izzie assumes Alex told the chief she isn't strong enough, but really he told him Izzie has nothing else in her life but this job. YIKES! Izzie winds up leaving Alex a note saying she's going and not coming back. Oh boy.

There was a lot of great drama this week, but the best scene was between Arizona and Callie's dad. Callie's dad came to Seattle with their family priest to try and convince her its not right to be gay. Arizona winds up talking to him one-on-one and giving one of the best speeches in Grey's history. Bravo, Shonda Rhimes!

It seems the addition of the Mercy West crew has breathed some new life into our Thursday nights and I'm looking forward to seeing the two sets of staff continue to duke it out. In the words of Pat Benatar, "hit me with your best shot!"

Want to learn more about each Grey's episode? Read the writer's blog on ABC.com.

Top Chef: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

As my loyal readers know, I watch many reality television competitions shows. With the start of each new season, I like to pick my winner during the first episode. I just like to see if I can spot the champion during the first round. A few weeks ago after the premiere of Bravo's Top Chef, I called Jennifer as my winner. Well, this week it seems, her stock may be dropping.

Chef Charlie Palmer was the guest judge during this week's episode. He invited the contestants to cook for his event called "Pigs and Pinot" (my vegetarianism had me slightly gagging). Not only was there pressure to impress the Chef and his guests, but BOTH the Voltaggio brothers had worked for Charlie Palmer in the past and were determined to show their mentor who much they've grown, even if it was at the other's expense.

Although the Voltaggio brother smackdown was highly entertaining (and kind of hot), it was not the only drama. Robin, the oldest remaining contestant, griped for the entire hour about how she's been ousted by the "cool kids." Wah wah, cry me a river. Cook great food and they'll get off your back!

This week Eli won the quick fire challenge and all of sudden popped onto my radar as a potential contender. Kevin won the elimination challenge (for what seems like the 100th time) and made me begin to question my pick of Jennifer as the ultimate Top Chef. It seems Kevin's stock is rising.

Ash was eliminated this episode (finally!). I don't think he has ever been in the top three. I was thrilled to see him go and also wished he could pack Laurin up with him. I had forgotten she was even still around until the camera cut to a shot of her during prep time.

Now with only 8 chefs remaining the show is about to get fun. All the chefs are exhausted, but it has whittled down to some of the most fierce competitors and if you want to stick around, you have to keep stepping up your game. Unpack your knives and go get it!

Need more Top Chef dish? Check out the blogs, including thoughts from past season's contestants, video recaps and an interview with the eliminated chef.

90210: Pitching Curve Balls

I know I sound like a broken record, but I have to say, 90210 season 2 is annihilating season 1. Each week the writers, producers and stylists continue to knock it out of the park.

The theme of this week's episode could best be described as "expected the unexpected." Let's begin with Adriana, who breaks up with Navid (first mistake) to romp around with Teddy. While in the midst of a gorgeous beach day with her new beau she discovers he isn't looking to be her boyfriend, but really just looking to make out, sans guilt. Uh oh. After a good cry, Adriana returns to Navid to beg for his forgiveness and he shoots her down. No hesitation. Oh snap!

Naomi believes another one of her sister Jen's ridiculous lies and writes her a check for $100,000 dollars. Yes, even after she bought their house and is paying all the expenses. I know, I know, I'm shaking my head too. Jen claims the money is for divorce proceedings with her ex in France, but blows the money on a race horse. I cannot wait for Naomi's reaction when this truth comes to light.

Annie, who had been spending all her time with Jasper, stupidly agrees to go out with Mark again (yes, the guy who sent the naked text) after Mark makes a comment about Jasper's creep factor. Mark winds up forcing himself on Annie (surprise, surprise) and Jasper comes to rescue. Annie gives Jasper hero treatment and seems to be ignoring the fact that he followed her out on her date! Hello! Earth to Annie! Do you not watch horror movies? Jasper caps off his night of creepdom by slashing Mark's tires. Unoriginal, but golf claps for punishing the jerk.

The biggest shock of the night came from Silver's family drama. Silver moved in with her older sister Kelly last season after her alcoholic mother pushed her to the brink. Now that Silver has learned her mother has cancer, she has agreed to Jackie's request and has moved back in with her! Oh man, this is going to get good! For those who watched the original 90210, you know Jackie is a former model who is fond of booze, pills, drugs, and men. Toss in having cancer and living with your bi-polar, 17 year old. . . . oh boy.

This episode had a few sub plots that were equally intriguing. Sasha and Dixon are apparently still hooking up. Liam is hiding something under that tarp in his garage, and Harry's feelings for Kelly slip when he's hungover and calls his wife by the wrong name. Whoops!

Next week its Halloween in Beverly Hills and things always seem to get spookier when people can hide behind masks. Break open that bag of candy corn and grab a seat, things are about to get spoooooooky!