Tag Archives: dinner & a movie

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Dinner & A Movie: New Cinderella a Fairytale Retold

129598_oriBy Teri Bayus

“Have courage and be kind, because kindness is powerful and magical.” This is the kind of corny sentiment that can ruin a movie, but fortunately, Cinderella’s syrupy sweetness is so hopelessly romantic in its sincerity, it swept me off me feet, often tumbling me to tears.
It’s the kind of old-fashioned filmmaking we need, one that hearkens to the days when movies helped us forget our troubles instead of pointing them out. If you’ve seen any version of Cinderella, this one is not that different. I would take a small child who has not seen the story and watch it thru their eyes. Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: New Cinderella a Fairytale Retold

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Dinner & A Movie: Goodbye to a Friend

teri useBy Teri Bayus

I am saddened to announce my friend and restaurant owner Mike Lee of the Cracked Crab has passed on to that big crab pot in the sky.
He was my pal, a fellow foodie and a good guy to grab a drink with guarantying a giggle at the end of a long, hard day. He was a Renaissance man who lived a passionate life and touched all that knew him. He trained his staff well and most have been with him for years, SONY DSCso the restaurant is successively remaining.
I went in to dine and honor a man who changed the food scene in Pismo Beach. Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: Goodbye to a Friend

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Dinner and a Movie: Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel a Fun Romp

122056_oriBy Teri Bayus

In an industry that values car chases, explosions, gratuitous sex and pandering to a younger demographic, it is wonderful to encounter a film that speaks to the spark of life no matter what your age.
Through vibrant images, magnificent acting and exceptional storytelling, “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” reminds that life is an adventure, regardless of your age and the only limits are the ones we place on them. Continue reading Dinner and a Movie: Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel a Fun Romp

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Dinner and a Movie: Naked Truth? Naked Fish a New Favorite Sushi Bar

teri useBy Teri Bayus

If you listen to what your body tells you after eating sushi, you would eat it every night.
Even if you over-indulge and leave uncomfortably full, in a short time you feel a vital energy burst that does not weigh you down like many other foods.
I was in search of a new, favorite sushi bar, when I found the Naked Fish in downtown San Luis Obispo. I grilled the sushi chef before I sat down, as I am a very picky sushi connoisseur.
His sign out front said that he had the “freshest fish” and I asked, NakedFish2“What makes your fresh fish better than other fresh fish?”
He explained with a gentle smile and a sharp knife, “It comes down to handling. From the moment a fish is taken from the ocean, it starts a time clock on its lifespan of quality. The better a fish is handled, the better the quality will be when it makes it to your plate. We use one of the highest quality suppliers in the country, and I typically pick them up every day, as FedEx does not know how to handle fish.”
I was already a fan of this chef’s passion, now I wanted to see what he could do next to impress me. Continue reading Dinner and a Movie: Naked Truth? Naked Fish a New Favorite Sushi Bar

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Dinner & a Movie: McFarland, USA an Inspiration

teri useBy Teri Bayus

I love underdog sports movies. The emotional journey is always a rollercoaster ride, and there is forever a light at the end of the tunnel (that isn’t a train). The film “McFarland, USA” reaches into our California consciousness even deeper, as we all travel past the migrant workers picking in the fields every day.
I am taken by the sight and have written pages of prose about it, but being a spoiled white woman, I knew nothing of their plight. This movie gives us a heart-wrenching and honest view of their lives.
Director Niki Caro tells the true story of Jim White. His well-assembled cast of new comers, anchored by Kevin Coaster, makes for a compelling telling of his tale.
128720_oriWhite is a washed up high school football coach, who is at a career low point. After losing his job following a ridiculous outburst, he moves his family to a cracker-box house, in a poor neighborhood in California’s San Joaquin Valley.   Continue reading Dinner & a Movie: McFarland, USA an Inspiration

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Dinner & a Movie: Sailing on a Sea of Epicurean Delight

teri useBy Teri Bayus

My life has been completely blessed with high points that made me squeal with glee and low points that guided me to learn to appreciate love and beauty.
My newest discovery is a culinary master and adventure travel package that came wrapped together. I found “Envision Charters,” which has a 42-foot catamaran — the Tunnel Vision” — that is not only taking people out of Avila Beach on sunset cruises and other exciting sailing adventures, but I arranged for a new chef to come on board and prepare an inspiring meal that was as beautiful as the sun setting on the sea.
-3With six passengers, a captain and a culinary crew of three, we set out into the sunset and the ocean rocked us into Heaven.
On board, the size of the galley (kitchen) resembled a space only Keebler elves could navigate. Chef and crew prevailed bringing up the spectacular bounty in 20-minute increments, which served the sailing, tacking and whale watching well. Continue reading Dinner & a Movie: Sailing on a Sea of Epicurean Delight

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Fifty Shades of Lousy

teri useBy Teri Bayus

This week’s movie is “50 Shades of Grey” (Yes, I am going there). I read the book, although everyone told me it would just make me mad, which it accomplished in spades. With ridiculous grammar pontificating about how a man that tells you to eat, then ties you up, is the thing best for a young girl.
I cringed and yelled through all three books. Many people liked it and I had hopes for a better movie than the prose, so I thought it would be smart to go with 200 strangers to watch a sex show in the dark (I did bring wine).
I went with an open mind, but when the last elevator door closed 128535_galafter what felt like four hours and the guy behind me blurted out, “Please let this be the end,” I laughed at the great cosmic joke Universal Pictures had just played on all of us. Continue reading Fifty Shades of Lousy

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Eureka! Comfort Food and Much More

teri useBy Teri Bayus

“In wine there is wisdom, beer there is freedom and water there is bacteria” stated wisely by Benjamin Franklin and used with other bits of wisdom at Eureka Burger in San Luis Obispo.
Following their mantra of “Eureka,” used as an exclamation of triumph at a discovery, I agree. I had avoided this place because of the long waits and burger centric meals, but I became a fan on the first night, a convert on the second meal.
There is a talent to creating a menu that will sustain and intrigue the college crowd, yet make the locals and the grownups come back again and again. Eureka has accomplished this with full and unique -5drink items and delectable food staples. Those like me that truly appreciate great food, craft beer and artisan liquor are discovering a better restaurant experience at Eureka in Downtown San Luis Obispo.
Our first night there we sat at the bar and received some of the best service I have had at a casual restaurant. The bartender made Mr. Bayus an old fashioned that loosened his retrieve and made him swear to come here every night. Continue reading Eureka! Comfort Food and Much More

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American Sniper, Another Eastwood Masterpiece

By Teri Bayus
128005_galI didn’t know the story behind Chris Kyle (the most lethal sniper in US history) until that final one liner played across the screen following the last frame of the movie “American Sniper.”
Bradley Cooper plays Kyle and I was struck by just how good this actor is getting. The three-time, three-years running Oscar nominee is now part of an ensemble of 10 actors to ever have achieved such adoration. Continue reading American Sniper, Another Eastwood Masterpiece

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Eclectic Selections at Meze Wine Bar

By Teri Bayus

teri useThe best part of my job is tasting wine and fine food in the middle of the day. We were invited to taste some rare and wonderful Greek and Slovenian wines at Meze Wine Bar in San Luis Obispo.
No one can tell me it’s wicked when the food is this respectable and the wine is so unique.
Michael Pavlidis, vice president of a San Diego-based importer, World Vines, offered us elixirs that speak to the people and culture of Mediterranean lands — the wines of old. Continue reading Eclectic Selections at Meze Wine Bar