Find a Parisian-inspired bistro, tacos that evoke Mexico City or somewhere to host your private party in NYC – there are plenty of choices, with new spots deserving their place on your list.
Whenever there is a consistent theme in negative reviews (for instance, salty meat) consider taking note and making adjustments accordingly.
Excuse My French
Excuse My French by Egyptian filmmaker Amr Salama offers a humorous yet subtle take on religious segregation, social integration and acceptance that will appeal to both adult moviegoers and school children. While the family comedy may lack some of the stunning shots and emotional resonance found in Asmaa, Salama still manages to deliver an engaging experience with less complex narrative.
The film begins with long, TV ad-like perfection shots that introduce Hany’s ideal family life, but this quickly gets disturbed by chaotic and fast-paced school scenes that depict Hany’s journey to fit into his new school while keeping his Christian faith intact. These scenes give the film its unique and funny charm as they show his struggle against acceptance of newcomers to keep his beliefs intact while at the same time remaining true to himself and keeping faith intact.
French Montana stands as an exceptional example of this, remaining unflappable despite his own mistakes and failures. His flow combines loopy rapping with off-key singing and an irreverent sense of absurdity that’s both entertaining and self-aware.
Yummy Burgers & Brews
At this restaurant with an inviting ambience and friendly and attentive service staff, the food is consistently delicious. Mainstay clientele for this eatery is locals who appreciate its low prices and delicious fare such as western burgers, grilled chicken, sweet fries and draft beer, cider or lemonade.
Michael Symon of Yummy Burgers & Brews is on a quest to discover all-American spots serving mouthwatering cheeseburgers and succulent barbecue dishes, along with refreshing beers that pair perfectly. He visits hip joints in New Orleans where chefs use all-natural Niman Ranch beef; then heads westward to Kansas City where Texas-style BBQ joints combine their meat with local beers for an amazing dining experience.
The Grill
After years of hard work, more than $32 million and approval by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, an iconic New York spot has been revived. Thanks to Major Food Group (Carbone, Parm) and Seagram Building landlord Aby Rosen – with restaurateurs Mario Carbone and Jeff Zalaznick at its helm – The Grill has emerged from its mausoleum-like condition into an exhilarating chophouse dining experience while Pool Room now provides sedate seafood service.
This legendary space still exudes big-city power, with its burnished French walnut walls and rippling aluminum curtains. But its food that really stands out: an indulgence that transports diners back to an era when Henry Kissinger and Jackie Kennedy Onassis frequented its plush banquettes. Parker House rolls are light yet buttery; smartly revived avocado crab Louis salad is made with warm Dungeness crab; Creekstone Farms prime rib is perfectly smoked to succulent perfection while tableside service adds pizzazz, such as peach Melba or duck breast with shatteringly crisp skin skewers juggled between tables!
Lunch is the ideal time to visit, when tables are easier to come by and noise levels in the great cathedral space are at their lowest level. Even price points become more accommodating and indulgences such as silken thin-sliced smoked salmon or an impressive yet expensive cheeseburger are worth investing in.
The Bar
At the bar, dark opulence meets rugged aesthetics and vibrant New York flair. Here, guests sip craft cocktails under a stunning Baccarat crystal chandelier while taking in its atmosphere of crimson velvet walls, merlot-colored leather seats on checkerboard floors, fine art displayed salon-style and fine arts stacked salon-style. Whether quiet and convivial or loud and lively – The Bar offers the ideal spot to unwind before attending a show or celebrate ending a day’s work!
At Berlin, Spanish competition entry Alex de la Iglesia’s black comedy set almost entirely within a Madrid bar (with some scenes shot down in its sewers) plays out like an intimate and insightful conversation between Sergio and Andres which gives a hint of what could have been had his filmmaking skills been as developed as his cast were. Unfortunately, The Bar devolves into an extremely shouty, vulgar, gutter-thrashing affair featuring impressive camera work by Angel Amoros that will only appeal to viewers with an affinity for trashy Euro fare.