Dining Out: La Casa de Pedro

I was first introduced to the restaurant La Casa de Pedro when it occupied the space in between Not Your Average Joe's and Stellina in Watertown Square. My father, an architect, was helping Pedro look for a new space for his restaurant. A space that would allow for live music and dancing. Although my parents wound up relocating to Florida before Pedro found a new space, I had the privilege of dining in the new location last week.

The new La Casa de Pedro is located on Arsenal Street just one traffic light away from the Watertown and Arsenal malls. In the warm weather the restaurant has a large outdoor patio in the front. Inside the restaurant transports you to Pedro's home country - Venezuela. With lush green plants, warm paint colors on the walls and vibrant art work on display the space feels like a warm escape from the Boston cold.

We started our meal with a pineapple margarita and wild berry mojito which were both refreshing and delicious. We wanted to have the bean and cheese empanadas to start, but when our waiter informed us they took 17 minutes (yes, he said 17 exactly) we decided to ask for a recommendation for another starter.

He recommended the cheese arepa which is a corn cake grilled and filled with fresh, grated cheese. It is definitely an acquired taste and probably something I wouldn't order again. But I quickly forgave the misstep when my entree arrived.

I ordered the grilled vegetable quesadilla which was an enormous portion. The quesadilla itself came topped with fresh salsa, sour cream and guacamole. Accompanying the quesadilla on the plate was plantains, yuca, saffron rice and black beans and rice. Can you believe all of that fits on one plate? Well, it does and its supremely delicious.

As we were leaving, the band was setting up. Had we not been in a food coma, I would have loved to stay and hear the latin music.

In addition to the oasis environment, the extraordinary food (in quality and portion size), La Casa de Pedro is also very fairly priced. In fact, for the amount of food you receive, it feels like you are getting away with something.

If you can handle the trip to suburbia, La Casa de Pedro is 100 percent worth the trip.

Rental Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

Thanks to the great people of American Airlines, this weekend I was able to watch "The Time Traveler's Wife." I tried reading the book about two years ago, but it felt so repetitive that I had to stop. It is very rare that I don't finish a book, but I had to give up on this story. Something told me that despite losing interest in the book, I might like the movie.

I was right! When trying to read the book I felt the story went around in circles, but in the film version each scene serves a distinct purpose for moving the story line forward. Bravo, screenplay writers! The film tells the story of the love affair between Henry and Claire, played by Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams. For me, McAdams is the star of this film by leaps and bounds. Her ability to show both sides of Claire, a side madly in love with her dream man, and a side tormented by her tricky and uncontrollable situation, is masterful.

I will admit, at the end of the film I had tears in my eyes (quite embarrassing while on a plane full of strangers). If you are looking for a classic, sappy chick flick, bump this to the top of your list.

Read: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

Over a year ago my mother gave me a stack of books she had finished and wanted me to read. One of those books "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" had been collecting dust on my book shelf for quite some time when I decided to bring it on my trip to Miami for Thanksgiving. I picked it because it was paperback and short (220 pages). I've made the mistake of carrying large, hard cover books on the plane and your back lets you know how little it appreciates that decision.

I read the book in less than three hours. I couldn't put it down. Author Mark Haddon writes from the point of view of a fifteen year old boy, Christopher, who has autism as he tries to solve the mystery of who murdered his neighbor's dog. Although I have not personally worked with a child with autism, several of my friends and family have and from what they have described, Mark Haddon captures those particular behaviors, thought processes and fascinations perfectly.

Mark Haddon's biography at the front of the book includes a sentence that reads, "As a young man, Haddon worked with autistic individuals," which explains his ability to capture this type of mind and behaviors so realistically. The book reads like an autobiography.

In addition to amazing way Haddon writes as if inside Christopher's mind, he also writes two incredibly poignant story lines for each of Christopher's parents. While you are getting the story via a fifteen year old brain, Christopher is processing very adult issues.

Its impossible for me to articulate the magnitude of Mark Haddon's talent which manifests itself in this book. Are you ready to get a copy yet? Go!

Movie Musings: This Is It

Back in June after Michael Jackson's death, I wrote about the impact his music had on my life. When I heard Sony would be releasing a feature film comprised of the dress rehearsals for Michael's intended final concert tour, I couldn't wait to buy my ticket. I couldn't get any of my Boston friends to see the movie, so over Thanksgiving weekend I went with my mother, the person who first introduced me to the Jackson 5.

The movie titled "This Is It" is raw footage from Michael's rehearsals for his final tour. It also includes interviews with the show's director Kenny Ortega (of High School Musical fame), the choreographers, dancers, band members and tech crew.

As a huge MJ fan I knew each song that was about to be performed after one or two notes. It was incredibly fun to see how they planned to jazz up each number with costumes, choreography, special effects, mini films, additional vocals and new vocal arrangements.

Now matter how you felt about Michael Jackson's personal life, when you watch this movie, it is undeniable that he was a creative genius. From his voice, to his dance moves, to his focus on delivering a superb, one of kind performance, his talent is awe inspiring.

I found myself singing along to every song, tapping my feet, clapping my hands or snapping my fingers. My mother was so energized by "Man in the Mirror" she actually stood up and danced!

The film also introduced us to an amazing female guitarist, Orianthi. She absolutely shredded it on her guitar solos. I think this film may have been her "a star is born" moment.

If you love Michael Jackson's music, "This Is It" gives you a final chance to see him perform all of your favorites. If you'd like to be able to watch the performances any time you like, you can pre-order the DVD here.

Rental Review: Duplicity

Several months ago I wrote about seeing a preview for "Duplicity" and being excited to see Julia Roberts and Clive Owen's chemistry on screen. This week I finally saw the film (via Netflix of course) and was incredibly disappointed! Julia and Clive lacked any believable connection, the plot moved at a tortoise pace, and what should have been an engaging, suspenseful spy movie just fell flat. How can two actors who are so stupendous in their own right lack star power together?

Skip "Duplicity" and rent "Closer" a film also starring these two heavyweights, but one that packs more punch.

Read: The Blind Side

During the spring semester of my junior in college I studied abroad in Cordoba, Spain. I lived in a dorm that had one television in the common room and my fellow Americans and I could never seem to get control of the remote from our Spanish dorm-mates. After about a week we gave up and turned to reading. We swapped books almost every other day. We eventually ran out of new material and wound up having our parents ship us more and bring back ups when they came to visit.

One of my fellow travelers shared my same taste in books and about two years ago she recommended that I pick up "The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis, the same author who wrote another one of her favorite sports books "Moneyball" (which I also picked up at her recommendation, but have yet to read). So I did go get "The Blind Side" but wound up shelving it.

Then I saw a preview for "The Blind Side" the movie! I realized it was the same story as the book she recommended and I frantically finished the book I had been reading so I could get cracking before the movie release date.

"The Blind Side" is 40% the story of Michael Oher (which you see in the movie previews) and 60% football theory. Michael's life story is used as a human example of the newly focused attention on the position of left tackle on professional football teams.

The author Michael Lewis spends a great deal of time explaining how the position of left tackle on an offense has become highly valued and critical to the success of a professional football team. He spoke to players, coaches, agents, scouts and sports historians to give a detailed evolution of the game of football and how the focus has shifted over time in terms of a running game versus a passing game, and giving the most cash to the quarterback versus offensive lineman.

When he isn't talking sports theory and highlighting key games in NFL history he is telling the story of Michael Oher. Michael was born to a crack addicted mother and suffered through a very painful and dark childhood to emerge at the Briarcrest Christian School where he eventually is adopted by a loving, supportive family, the Tuhoys (who are played in the film by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw). I discovered in reading the author's note at the close of the book that Michael Lewis and Sean Tuhoy were actually elementary school classmates!

Michael's story is incredibly inspiring and generates a great deal of hope in the reader. Thankfully, once finished with the book, the reader does not have to be finished with Michael Oher as he now plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Fan inspired by this book and the subsequent movie can continue to cheer for Michael in real life.

Michael Lewis has a superb writing style that is intelligent, well informed and often times humorous. This book appeals to both males and females, sports fans and non-football enthusiasts alike. In these tough times, "The Blind Side" offers an injection of happiness and hope. And hey, you might even learn something.

Movie Musings: New Moon

It was just over a year ago that a friend of mine who is an avid reader (as well as an author) highly recommended that I hop aboard the Twilight bandwagon and begin reading Stephanie Meyer's cult favorite book series.

I quickly read Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and finally Breaking Dawn. When I finished Twilight, the first book, the movie was coming out in a just a few days. I was giddy waiting to see how the story would translate onto the screen. As every detail of the book was still fresh in my mind, I found myself incredibly disappointed in the film. I felt characters were miscast, special effects were not as I pictured them and key moments were left out.

Needless to say, although I was excited for New Moon to hit theaters, my expectations were low. Those low expectations were met by equally unflattering reviews in all the major newspapers and magazines. None the less, my girlfriends and I decided to see the movie Saturday morning (it came out Thursday at midnight) and bought our tickets three weeks in advance to ensure we got great seats.

I have to say . . . I LOVED IT! Since I knew what to expect from the characters and where the story line was going, I could simply enjoy how it came to life on camera. This installment was much more action packed and gave some of the supporting cast a chance to shine.

For me, Jessica, Bella's high school classmate, stole the show. Her self centered ways were hilarious and she had the best lines in the film.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the movie theater scene where Mike Newton gets sick and has to excuse himself. A perfect peak to his geeky crush on Bella.

I was also pleased to see Bella's father, Charlie, with more screen time. He was endearing and at times, even funny. In the books, his relationship with Bella is awkward at best, but in the films, their exchanges are heart warming.

Of course I loved the new and improved Jacob Black! After putting on 40 pounds of muscle, young actor Taylor Lautner does not disappoint with his several shirtless scenes. His undying and unwavering devotion to Bella is also swoon worthy.

Throughout the movie I also kept thinking, "Wow, a boy might actually like this!" From the amazing special effects that exploded the werewolves onto the screen, to the action packed fight with the Volturi, there were plenty of man-friendly moments.

I was incredibly impressed by the Italy scenes as well. The amazing power of the sea of red cloaks, the frightening personalities of the Volturi royalty and the screams of the unsuspecting vampire dinner guests were all great contributions to the film and stayed true to the spirit of the book.

New Moon ends on a highly dramatic note that sets the viewer up perfectly to die of anticipation waiting for the next film. Thankfully, Eclipse has already wrapped and is set for a June 2010 release.

This morning's paper reported that New Moon had the third highest grossing weekend of any film in HISTORY only behind the Dark Knight and Spiderman 3. It feels good to know my movie ticket contributed to showing executives in the film industry that women have just as much power at the box office as men.

Until June, GO TEAM JACOB!

Grey's Anatomy: Off The Wagon

At the close of last week's episode of Grey's Anatomy we discovered via a shocking montage that the Chief has been drinking again! This week that story line continued only this time we see the Chief wasted and dancing by himself to the jukebox at Joe's bar. Oh boy.

We were treated to another surprise this week, Mark has a pregnant 18 year old daughter, and he knew about her. He gave her mother a few hundred dollars and bolted. Nice. It seems she is going to sticking around, which makes me nervous for the future of Mark and Lexi.

I was also worried about the future of Hunt and Cristina after Teddy's arrival and this week I was on high alert again. Hunt pulls Teddy into a room and seems to be confessing his love to her only to forcefully state he is in love with Cristina. This proclamation is followed be a steamy make out with Cristina in which he pushes her up against the outside wall of the hospital. Oh. Yes.

There was also a touching story line with Dr. Bailey and her father which included a very well written Christmas dinner speech.

Since this episode was supposed to take place from Thanksgiving through New Years and there were no previews at the end of the hour, its unclear when the next new episode will be.

Need more dirt while we wait it out? Check out the Grey's Anatomy writer's blog.

Rental Review: The Proposal

About six months ago I swore off of romantic comedy movies. As a single, 25 year old girl on fruitless quest to find my dream man I find their plot lines offensively unrealistic and full of false hope. However, in the midst of my boycott, several girlfriends saw the movie "The Proposal" and promised me it wasn't as cheesy and formulaic as other rom-coms. I decided to test their judgement and add it to my Netflix queue.

"The Proposal" was everything you expect from a romantic comedy - two people who initially dislike each other or have a major obstacle that keeps them from getting together, a touching moment that helps them realize their potential, the honeymoon period of love and affection, a major blow out fight about 3/4 of the way through the movie, followed by a passionate make up and subsequent happy ending. Not even Ryan Reynold's abs could spice up this plot.

There were a few highlights including: the beautiful scenery of Sitka, Alaska, the adorable white puppy dog, and some one liners from the grandma, played by Betty White.

Overall, "The Proposal" was unoriginal and uninspiring. I am hoping Sandra Bullock can redeem herself in this month's release "The Blind Side."

90210: Tisk, Tisk Jasper

Since last Tuesday I have been looking forward to this week's episode of 90210 which I dubbed "Jasper Meets the Family." As expected, Jasper's creeper vibe was not overlooked by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and they demanded that Annie stop seeing him. But it's "me and him against the world!" Oh we know, Annie, we know. We're not sure which demise is more fun, you finding out he's a drug dealer or him finding out you killed his uncle on prom night. Tough call.

Jasper decides to get even with Navid for starting the "rumor" that he is a drug dealer by pushing Navid down a flight of stairs. That was an honest to goodness O.C. type of moment! I felt like we switched shows for a minute there! Navid's fall was pretty gruesome and seeing him laying still with his eyes closed was grimace inducing.

Silver and Kelly spend the episode in the hospital with their mother. When Jackie gets moved to a private room, Kelly thinks she has passed away and has a breakdown alone in the hallway. When she finds out the real scenario and finally decides to see her mom she tells Jackie she forgives her for all the bad blood between them. Naturally, by the end of the episode Jackie flat lines.

Now I am hoping that Teddy, who was completely absent this episode, swoops in like the knight in shining armor he is to serve as Silver's rock during this hard time. I love the idea of them together.

But I will tell you who I hate together - Jen and Ryan. Although she comes around to camping and comes clean about her finances and her husband, she still neglects to address the Liam issue.

Meanwhile, Liam finally gets the chance to confront Naomi and tells her "I wish I could take back what happened last year. I think about it every day." Naomi is visibly moved by his honesty and in the end, winds up breaking things off with hottie, football-playing, CU-going Jamie for a chance with Liam. Too bad she doesn't seem to know about Ivy . . .

The closing scenes of the episode were set to one of my favorite covers, Ryan Adams singing Oasis' "Wonderwall." Beautiful.

In the next episode, the gang helps Liam formulate a plan to take down Jen. She's a formidable opponent, we'll see how they stack up against her.

Gossip Girl: The Aftermath

This week when we returned the Upper East Side Dan was busy high fiving strangers post-threesome while his two ladies duked it out to mark Dan as their territory. The show tries to suggest that Dan has a crush on Vanessa that he has been suppressing. AS IF! I will never stop boo-ing and hissing if Dan and Vanessa become a couple.

Speaking of disasters, Jenny Humphrey, what is wrong with you? When you discover the Belgian is a drug dealer, you find an exit and never look back. You don't text him asking when you can hang out again! I don't care how sexy he is, this cannot end well.

Amongst other things that cannot end well, we find the affair of Serena and Tripp. Poor Nate is pouring his heart out to Serena and confessing his true love when Tripp walks in and Serena forgets all about her drinking buddy. Serena and Tripp close the episode with a passionate kiss which is surely the first of many. Too bad his wife hopped an earlier plane to get brunch in Washington. Apparently Tripp is on today's menu.

The hour ended with a performance by Lady Gaga. While I enjoyed the performance of her new hit song "Bad Romance" it felt like the entire Tish/fairytale story line was created just so it could end with the Gaga performance. Not cohesive at all. Although I did enjoy Dan is his green and black checkered scarf.

The best line of the night was absolutely Chuck to the Belgian, "Dude, I'm Chuck Bass. Even Europeans know what that means." ZING! And since we are on the topic of Chuck, could he and his gorgeous suits get some more screen time please? Less Duff, more Chuck!

Which brings me to another important question, where is Dorota? Although she has been referenced in the last few episodes, she has been visibly absent. Blair needs her scheming partner in crime.

I would also like to know what Lily did with that letter from Serena's father. Why end on that cliff hanger last week and then give us nothing? The letter does seem to come up in the next episode (which will not air until Monday November 30th).

Also next week, Tripp's wife discovers his affair and Serena must choose between Tripp and Nate. The threesome drama just keeps on rolling!

Need more dish? Read the recap on New York Magazine's Daily Intel.

Perfect 10: Nikki Reed

At last night's Los Angeles premiere of New Moon one fashion star shined brighter than all the rest: Nikki Reed who plays Rosalie Cullen in the Twilight saga. Sporting a short, silver, silk dress she accessorized briliantly with a brown leather belt, brown and gray peep toe pumps and gorgeous coral and diamond drop earrings.

Adding to the perfect ensemble, Nikki wore her hair in an up do with soft waves framing her face and had just the right amount of make up to add a natural glow to her smiling face.

While many other stars were not dressed age appropriately, Nikki knocked it out of the park. You can see more red carpet photos here.

New Moon premieres Thursday November 19th at midnight.

90210: Knight in Shining Teddy Armor

This week's episode of 90210 had one of the sweetest, most touching story lines yet. As Teddy and Silver's relationship grows, so does his commitment to brightening her world. In addition to befriending Silver's mother, Jackie, and offering to sit with her while Silver run errands, he helps Jackie decorate the entire house in party themes Silver always wanted as a kid.

In one of the final scenes, when Silver and Jackie are enjoying their fake camping, Silver says, "I thought you would die and I wouldn't have a single positive memory." Awww! My heart is aching.

If only that story line didn't come crashing down with Silver waking up in the morning to her unconscious mother! Hopefully she is going to wake up!

Three cheers for Teddy for one of the most thoughtful gestures I have ever seen. Made more thoughtful by the fact that he wasn't even there to take credit for it. He just let Silver and her mom have their moment. See, he is more than rock hard abs.

Some great drama with Dixon this episode, lashing out at his mother for keeping Sasha's secret. He went so far as to say, "It's not like you're my real mother!" Oh snap!

Now many of my fellow fans have told me that they think Liam confiding in his surf team friends about Jen Clarke and their subsequent willingness to help him take her down is cute. I have to say, I respectfully disagree. I think its lame and very elementary school. Plus, Jen Clarke is not human. It's going to take more than the West Bev surf team to make her disappear.

Also this episode Annie tells Jasper she loves him. GAG! She also says she wants him to be her "first." Now, correct me if I am wrong, but didn't she already sleep with that Mark kid? The one with the "sext" of her? Producers, anyone want to clarify here, because it seemed obvious at the time. In previews for next week, Annie brings Jasper home to meet the parents. OH YES! I cannot wait for the awkwardness that is about to ensue. I'm giddy at the thought!

I hope next week we see more of Naomi's new flame Jamie. He is quite yummy. I am also still waiting to see what is under that tarp in Liam's garage. Perhaps something that will help with the "eliminate Jen" master plan?

High five Season 2 for another fantastic installment!

Gossip Girl: Queen Bees and Threes

This week's Gossip Girl had so many delicious moments its hard to decide where to begin!

How about with Serena and Tripp! Am I the only one rooting for this hook up? So what if he's married, they have chemistry! His wife lied to him, her boyfriend got shipped off to an oil rig to repay his debts, they can lick each other's wounds. Plus, what government official doesn't have a romance scandal during his term?

Thrilled that Chuck master minded the reunion of S & B. He also had the best quote of the night: "Cotillion without Blair Waldorf is like the Tour de France without Lance." Touche Bass, touche.

This episode I wanted to reach through the TV and punch Jenny in the face! Queen Bee status has taken over her once humane spirit and she is now unrecognizable. What was going on with her half gloves? Does she not know having Nate Archibald as her escort is so VERY last year? And I am LOVING Eric turning against her. After yogurt parfait decorated his head, its about time he decided to strike back!

Hated every minute of the Olivia/Dan/Vanessa story line. The threesome was a horrible idea. Vanessa's love for Dan will be rekindled, Olivia's movie falling apart will keep her on campus and in the midst of the awkwardness and Lonely Boy will revert to his old self and hide in Brooklyn. Bad, bad, bad!

May I also ask, where is Dorota? And where is Tripp's sneaky wife? And the most important question, will Lily open the letter from Serena's dad? Will she read it? Will she give it to Serena? I like this cliffhanger!

Lots to look forward to next week - the letter from Papa Van der Woodsen, the aftermath of the threesome and Lady GaGa's cameo!

Need more Upper East side dish? Read the recap from NY Mag's Daily Intel.