Welcome To The Pan Am Experience!

Get ready to see some of the greatest videos and pictures from the amazing Pan Am Experience! A great company has re-created a first class dining experience in a converted airplane, and the result is incredible!

I read about this “Pan Am Experience” and posted something last year, but I got the chance to actually do it with my wife Alex, and I want to share this memorable experience with you!

Here’s how it all began. As their website states:

“On October 18, 2014, the Pan Am Experience officially launched with thirty-two guests in attendance, many who flew in from all over the country – from Chicago, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco to participate in the maiden “voyage”. Many of our guests shed tears as they boarded the airplane and described how it felt to “breathe new life” into the iconic airline that we all cherished so deeply.”

“Since our opening night, we have sold out every seat in the house, many of which have been filled by former Pan Am employees who have shared countless memories and contributed in kind to the experience. Sharing in the nostalgia and excitement of former Pan Am crew members when they board our airplane is quite an honor for us all. In this way, we feel uniquely connected to the history of Pan Am, and we hope that our service delights our guests as much as the airline delighted generations of passengers before us.”

Co-founder of the Pan Am Experience restaurant, Anthony Toth poses with waitresses dressed in vintage airline uniforms that recreates the experience of flying with Pan Am World Airways in the 1970s in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on May 20, 2017. REUTERS/Jane Ross

As you can see from this photo by Reuters, the retro experience begins the moment you arrive – as you can see, a very stylish crew is ready to greet you!

Here we are: ready to head into this experience! When you arrive, you are taken into a “check in” area where you can look at vintage posters, and view classic Pan Am items, like this meal service setup and classic Pan Am matches!

What A Great Pre-boarding Process!

Forget about flying coach – this Pan Am experience is “Clipper Class” all the way – because while you are looking at all of the iconic Pan Am items, you can have a pre-flight drink and then head over to get your boarding passes!

Time To Take Off!

After announcing an “overbooked” situation and offering $25 to anyone willing to take a later flight, the “Stewardesses” parade past to board the aircraft, dressed in vintage Pan Am outfits – some designed by the legendary Edith Head!

Alex stopped to get a photo with the “Pilots”, who were funny, upbeat and a couple were actual pilots!

This is a shot of “Clipper class”, two different areas where your food is presented on the fold out tables like a real flight…we were in “Upper Class” first class, so we climbed the stairs and saw this:

After settling in – and given another drink, highballs of course, the Stewardess came out to give us the pre-flight safety information – and it’s hilarious:

Time For Caviar!

Next up, a steaming bowl of hot towels are brought out for you to refresh yourself for the meal to come:

That’s right, a bag of peanuts are offered up, before your tuxedoed Maitre’D arrives with your menu, followed by the caviar cart!

The caviar course is followed by more mixed drinks of course, and then a great grilled shrimp salad – or you can also have caprese salad as well:

Now, it was time for the big fashion show – as these “Stewardesses” modeled vintage outfits with a ton of sass and flair!

Bravo to the talent involved! One of the greatest things about the night is that EVERYONE involved is having a blast as well!

Yes, they really DO offer you another highball AND a cigarette next! The fake cigarettes release smoke if you push a bit of air through them! Next up, dinner!

Bring On The Chateaubriand For Two!

As you can see, the dinner cart comes rolling up with a beautiful Chateaubriand, plus vegetables and horseradish cream! You can also order roast chicken or a vegetarian pasta, but we opted to go “all-in!”

The food is really delicious, and wine is offered next, along with more drinks – they really give you a lot of food and drink for the price, and there’s no “add ons” – like the ones you sometimes get at restaurants to jack up the bill.

Guess what? Time for one more fashion show, as they model classic Stewardess outfits from Pan Am’s rich history! Every single model who took part was terrific – take a look!

Need more proof? Listen to the funny commentary inspired by SNL – it adds just the right amount of levity to what is a fun look back at some of the greatest outfits to ever fly first class!

A cheese course and dessert follow, then a hilarious final touch: in-flight shopping! That’s right, you can buy some vintage perfumes right from he cart – so of course we did!

We Go Home Winners!

We ended up winning great big Pan Am luggage tags – Alex for winning the trivia challenge, me for posting this Instagram photo, which was judged best use of social media!

Everyone, this is an amazingly fun evening – which goes for 4 full hours but never feels long – and they are simply the greatest people to interact with – it’s a great experience for a couple or a bunch of friends!

Thanks so much to the entire team at The Pan Am Experience – to learn more, here is the link to the website to learn more about this incredibly fun adventure:

http://panamexperience.com/our-story/

Let me know what you think!

“Bond…James Bond.”

With those three words, one of the world’s greatest movie franchises was launched – on October 5, 1962!

The world’s great Secret Agent has stayed popular for more than five decades, with six different Actors putting on the tuxedo…but no one will ever be more iconic that the first Bond – Sean Connery…

Let’s begin the celebration with the original trailer, which introduced movie audiences to the coolest secret agent of all time:

Look at this shot: Producer Cubby Broccoli, Sean Connery, 007 Creator/Author Ian Fleming, and Producer Harry Saltzman…I wonder if they could have imagined what was ahead!

So how did Connery get cast?

According to wikipedia, Producers Broccoli and Saltzman originally sought Cary Grant for the role! However, Grant wouldn’t agree to more than one, so they held auditions and landed on the very virile Sean Connery, who had the looks And the rough edges they were looking for!

This terrific archive photo is from James Bond 007 magazine, which is full of incredible trivia about 007!

On Oct. 5 1962, “Dr. No” had its worldwide premiere at the London Pavilion. However, in those days films opened over the course of months, so it didn’t actually hit the US until six months later, in May 1963.

In the UK, “Dr. No” ended up as the fifth most popular movie of 1962. The final worldwide grows was $59.6 million worldwide.

Of course, the series also introduced an iconic opening sequence with the rifle scope, as Bond walks into frame and then shoots the audience…

Here is some trivia: “Dr. No” currently has a 96% rating at Rotten Tomatoes, and is considered a great introduction of the character – as one review stated:

“Featuring plenty of the humor, action, and escapist thrills the series would become known for, Dr. No kicks off the Bond franchise in style.”

Of course, it also offered one other popular choice:

The Iconic “Bond Girls!”

That’s right, the very first Bond film offered up an iconic “Bond girl” Honey Ryder, played by sex kitten Ursula Andress.

In 2003, the scene of her emerging from the water in a bikini topped England Channel 4’s list of one hundred sexiest scenes of film history!

Oh, and did you know that her nickname was “Ursula UNDRESS?”

Andress was the first of many incredible “Bond Girls” who have starred alongside 007, here is more about this iconic sex kitten, including that notorious nickname:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/28/ursula-andress-or-undress-007s-first-bond-girl-60s-sex-kitten-frolicked-with-nature/

There will always be arguments over who are the best “Bond Girls” – there have been many, and some clearly stood out:

You can click here to see some of my favorites:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/07/00-7-great-bond-girls-brains-brawn-beauty-oh-james/

I love this film series, which you can dissect by “Bond Girls”, and theme songs as well!

Adele wowed everyone with her “Skyfall” theme sone, but some have been less successful…here is a list of my best and worst 007 themes:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/05/rock-on-007-the-best-and-worst-james-bond-theme-songs/

There are those who even want to judge the Bonds themselves!

This documentary looks a the entire Bond phenomenon, and I weighed in on my “best” and “Worst” Bonds, which you can read here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/24/his-name-is-bond-james-bond-the-best-007-ever-the-worst-film-fight-club-begins-now/

Congrats and happy birthday 007!

Smile! Withnail Has Something Special For You!

Richard E. Grant can’t stop smiling, since this list of films will make everyone deliriously happy!

For this edition of “Movies A-Z”, I wanted to make sure I offered a mix of the popular and the obscure.

When it comes to the letter “W”, there are SO many great movies that I didn’t have room for “When Harry Met Sally”, “What About Bob”, “Whiplash” or “War Of The Roses”…but I have ten great choices across a number of genres, so let’s get going!

10 – “Withnail & I”

The funniest British comedy ever, this 1987 comedy is the story of two struggling Actors in London at the end of the 60’s…here is the trailer:

The late, great actor Richard Griffiths is terrific as “Uncle Monty”, who has a thing for Withnail. Director Bruce Robinson based the story on his own life – see more great trivia about his hilarious film – and Richard E. Grant’s great autobiography here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/10/withnail-i-30th-anniversary-classic-80s-cult-comedy-richard-e-grant-tell-all-book-with-nails/

From the profane to the surreal, one of the greatest family films of all time:

9 – “Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory”

Forget the remake. Gene Wilder IS Willy Wonka, and this movie is one of the most inventive and surreal musical comedies of all time. Here is the trailer:

Gene Wilder brought the perfect blend of comedy and chaos to the role. He was a brilliant Actor – here is a look at some of his best work:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/29/rip-gene-wilder-iconic-willy-wonka-richard-pryor-partnership-mel-brooks-frankenstein/

In 1973, one of the strangest horror films was released with one of the most shocking endings ever:

8 – “The Wicker Man”

It starts out so ordinary: a British Police Detective heads to a remote island to search for a missing girl…but that’s the last ordinary thing about the film. Here is the trailer:

Christopher Lee in Robin HardyÕs THE WICKER MAN (1973). Courtesy: Rialto Pictures/ Studiocanal

Horror legend Christopher Lee stars as the cult leader who can’t let Detective Edward Woodward uncover the mystery of the island, and Britt Eckland does a nude dance that will never be forgotten! You can see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/06/23/burning-man-inspiration-the-wicker-man-naked-cult-horror/

The ending of “The Wicker Man” is one of cinema’s best. At the same time in movies, “old lady horror” was also a trend, and here is one of the campiest examples:

7 – “What’s The Matter With Helen?”

Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters had a blast making this campy horror film – check out the trailer:

In the early 70’s, several of these films were released, pairing up two Hollywood legends in a horror situation….see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/28/bloody-grannies-epic-hollywood-feud-camp-old-lady-horror-classics/

For fans of “The Deuce” on HBO, you will know that 42nd Street in New York was full of movie theaters showing films like this:

6 – “Wide Open”

The “Queen Of Artsploitation” was Sweden’s Christina Lindberg, who starred in a number of provocative european art films that were hugely successful in the US – partly because of the “relaxation” of obscenity laws in the early 70’s.

Lindberg inspired a character in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” movies, and she continues to have legions of fans today. See all of her movies here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

Also in the 70’s was one of my favorite sci-fi films:

5 – “Westworld”

This isn’t the HBO series, this is the original thriller starring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin and James Brolin. Here is the trailer:

The tagline for this movie was classic:

“Westworld. Where nothing can possibly go W-O-R-N-G!”

Robots who begin to disobey and turn on humans….sound like the world today? This is a great film, and now an HBO series – read more about that here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/30/j-j-abrams-goes-to-westworld-new-sci-fi-franchise-classic-cult-film/

Burt Reynolds was one of the biggest stars in the 70’s, and this next film is a good reason why:

4 – “White Lightning”

Reynolds had a string of big hits in the 70’s, like “The Longest Yard”, “Gator”, and this film – here is the trailer:

Reynolds made great “hicksploitation” action films, with lots of redneck cops, fast cars and sexy women. The genre worked well for awhile – here are some of the others:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/22/suck-down-some-white-lightning-hicksploitation-burt-reynolds-gator-good-ol-boy-action-classics/

Next up is a fascinating documentary about some of the world’s most dangerous jobs:

3 – “Workingman’s Death”

The late Director Michael Glawogger turned his cameras on some of the most shocking jobs you could have.

Here is the trailer:

The film is composed of six differently titled chapters. The first five depict hazardous conditions of hard laborers around the world and the sixth shows contrasting scenes of youths in a former German industrial complex which had been converted into a leisure park – this is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. See more of this Directors work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/22/searing-expose-docs-workingmans-death-whores-glory-brilliant-documentaries-showcase-life-on-the-edge/

OK, let’s lighten up with some Billy Idol, OK?

2 – “The Wedding Singer”

In 1998, Adam Sandler made one of his best movies, about a wedding singer who falls in love with Drew Barrymore – and yes, Billy Idol is in it too!

Here is the trailer:

This is a great “feel good” comedy, with Sandler giving one of his most effortless performances, and Billy Idol is hilarious in his cameo. Idol has had a well-deserved resurgence lately – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/02/billy-idols-rebel-yell-adam-sandlers-wedding-singer-cameo-why-billy-idol-matters/

Finally, one of the greatest films ever made ends the list:

1 – “The Wild Bunch”

Director Sam Peckinpah depicted the wild west as never before in this brilliant 1969 film starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Warren Oates and Robert Ryan. Here is the trailer:

The film showed more bloodshed than any movie before, and set a new standard for the depiction of violence on the screen. But it was also an homage to the wild west, and the desperados who wandered it…

It is a masterpiece – and you can see more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/05/the-wild-bunch-billy-the-kid-sam-packinpahs-soup-tossing/

So there you have it, ten films with a “W” that stand the test of time – even Withnail agrees!

This “did you know” image led me to one of the world’s most beautiful locations: a “glass beach” in Russia!

A Real “Glass Beach!”

This is why I love social media: there are so many amazing places in the world, and pics like this help me find out all about them.

These pieces of colored glass started out as garbage that washed ashore, and nature has turned them into a thing of beauty…

Ussuri Bay is located in Eastern Russia. According to wikipedia, because of the ocean’s tidal action:

“waves have pounded glass bottles that had washed up to the shore or been dumped there by nearby glass and porcelain factories into rounded glass pebbles. Rather than a danger, the glass on the beach is reported to be safe, according to the Siberian Times.”

I am such a fan of exploring the world, and experiencing natural beauty – or in this case, nature fighting back and turning garbage into glory!

I have shared a number of travel adventures before, like Paul Theroux’s amazing journey by train to the top of the world!

This is in Tibet, known as the “roof of the world”! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/09/a-train-to-the-roof-of-the-world-fascinating-paul-theroux-book-incredible-tibetan-pictures/

Here in the US, there is a hiking trail in Hawaii known as the “stairway to heaven!”

While officially closed to the public, there are still many adventurists hiking it – see more pics here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/15/hawaiis-amazing-stairway-to-heaven-incredible-and-illegal-hiking-trail/

I will never get to “Ussuri Bay”, so these amazing pictures will have to do!

Where Did Darth Vader’s Look Come From? A Jess Franco Film?

OK, here’s how this radical thought began: the new “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” trailer aired, and I happened to be watching this 1974 cult exploitation film by Jess Franco:

A Naked “Most Dangerous Game!”

The film is vintage Jess Franco: his unique filming style include a meandering camera, lots of b-roll with fast zooms and pan – and tons of nudity, sex and violence – mostly involving his wife, the legendary Actress Lina Romay!

The film is a “naked” retelling of the classic “most dangerous game” story – a wealthy couple who live on a deserted island invite beautiful women over – and then hunt them!

Of course, because it’s Franco, they are hunted naked – the great Actress Alice Arno plays the Countess!

It’s a great example of Franco, and I encourage you to look for it – in fact, here is a link to a story I posted about a new blu-ray that includes two separate versions of the film, plus another Romay movie as a bonus!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/30/sexy-nature-the-notorious-francofriday-cut-of-countess-perverse-with-lina-romay/

So how did this lead me to the original Darth Vader?

Don’t shake your head at me – there is a reason! First, here is a great summation of the origin of Darth Vader.

According the the terrific “Star Wars” website called “Force Material”:

The name ‘Darth Vader’ goes all the way back to George Lucas’ rough draft summary of The Star Wars, completed in May of 1974. In fact, elements of Vader can be found in four separate characters from that draft.

General Darth Vader, of the Royal Space Fleet, was a “tall, grim looking humanoid”. Lucas has indulged in a little bit of self-mythologising and revisionist history over the years, claiming that he always intended Vader to be Luke Skywalker’s father and that the name meant ‘Dark Father’.

At the time, Lucas said the name “sort of appeared in my head one day. I had lots of Darth this and Darth that, and Dark Lord of the Sith. The early name was actually Dark Water. Then I added lots of last names, Vaders and Wilsons and Smiths, and I just came up with the combination of Darth and Vader.”

I got this information from the “Force Material” website, and here is the link – terrific insight:

http://www.forcematerial.com/home/2016/12/01/the-origin-of-darth-vader-the-name

So, time to show you how this all came together….first, here is a shot of Vader again:

Now, look at this shot of the island house where the couple lives in “Countess Perverse”:

OK?

I mean, they show people walking up the stairs to the house over and over and over again – remember what I said about Franco’s tendency to meander a bit – but after the fifth time I saw an outline of Vader’s helmet!

In fact, even in the wide shots as a boat is moving closer to the island, you can see a Vader-esque shape in the house:

Whether Lucas ever saw this film or not, the resemblance is there in my opinion – and if not, so what? It’s just a post about my love of movies…in fact, I also posted the story of the origin of the Han Solo character – it was THIS GUY!

That’s right, George Lucas wanted to make “Flash Gordon” but couldn’t get the rights – so he created his own world instead – and that turned out pretty well for him, didn’t it?

See the whole story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/05/how-flash-gordon-created-star-wars-sam-jones-the-original-han-solo/

Let me know if you agree that Lina Romay was stalked in Darth Vader’s helmet house!

First, let me say that the accusations against Movie Mogul Harvey Weinstein are vile – I had the chance to interact with him throughout the 90’s, and he was belligerent, crass and known to be a bully towards journalists and filmmakers alike. However, I never heard about the sexual harassment allegations: that was something that was happening away from the awards/film festival spotlight I saw him in.

That said, one of the most important conversations coming out of this scandal involves Actresses who have come forward to discuss the “culture of harassment” that exists in the entertainment industry in general – and for generations.

Bravo Tippi Hedren!

Legendary Actress Tippi Hedren, star of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” AND Melanie Griffith’s mother, has stepped out to reiterate what she has stated publicly in the past: Hollywood itself is the problem.

Here is what Hedren posted on Twitter:

Destroying The “Casting Couch Culture!”

Bravo to Hedren for joining the chorus of women who are challenging the reprehensible “culture of harassment” that exists the entertainment industry, which has allowed successful men to prey on those who are trying to break into the business – the idea of the “casting couch” is ingrained in Hollywood, and it’s time to end it.

Hedren has a terrific memoir that recounts her battles in Hollywood – a great book – and if you haven’t heard of this film she made, it’s a “must see” as well!

“ROAR” is an amazing movie – Hedren and her husband filmed in Africa among wild animals, and this incredible film documents the dangerous filming conditions…read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/30/the-shocking-madness-of-roar-melanie-griffith-mauled-by-lions-movie-the-most-dangerous-film-ever-made/

Hitchcock fans are rushing to his defense, and Hedren’s upcoming book will provide more on this subject. If you like this Director, one of his later films was quite the vicious thriller:

You can see more of this 70’s film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/09/frenzy-drowning-alfred-hitchcock-classic-movie-shocks/

Bravo to Tippi Hedren for adding her voice to this important issue!

Celebrating The Power Of Cinema!

I love movies, and have had a blast lately sharing some of my favorites on a special series of lists that celebrated the unique, obscure, offbeat and just plain strange films that we can all enjoy.

Time to wrap up my “Movies from A-Z” series with ten films that cross over the last three letters of the alphabet – the “X,Y & Z” of it all – and guess what? That’s the name of our first film as well!

10 – X, Y & Zee

This amazingly obscure 1972 British film starred Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Caine as a middle-aged, bickering couple whose marriage is on its last legs, and Susannah York as the woman who comes between them.

Here is the trailer:

Michael Caine has a great movie career, and made such classics as “Get Carter” and “Sleuth” in the 70’s, but this one is never mentioned!

Next up, another film that wasn’t enjoyed, but boy did you all love the theme song!

9 – Xanadu

In 1980, move audiences were bewildered by this romatanic musical fantasy starring Olivia Newton-John. The title is a reference to the nightclub in the film, which takes its name from Xanadu, the summer capital of Kublai Khan’s Yuan Dynasty in China.

But forget all that – the title track was written by Jeff Lynne of ELO!

Here is the #1 single from the movie, with Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly!

Yes, I admit to owning this movie, because sometimes “camp” can be so much fun! The ELO song is great – they are under-appreciated – see more of their musical legacy here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/25/elo-rocks-the-grammy-awards-brilliant-70s-orchestra-rock-jeff-lynnes-beatles-love/

Next up is the first in a long list of superhero movies:

8 – X-Men

In 2000, the first “X-Men” film came out, and is still the best, in my opinion. We meet the characters and set up the story of these mutants…each film afterwards has struggled to maintain the focus…here is the trailer:

I worked with Olivia Munn and she joined the cast for the last film – here’s to many more to come!

Now, let’s head back to the 70’s, and one of a movie legend’s last roles:

7 – The Yakuza

In 1974, legendary Director Sydney Pollack made this action thriller about the japanese underworld, and he had the legendary Robert Mitchum as the star – here is the trailer:

Mitchum was the perfect “anti-hero” – a renegade who lived by his own rules. In 1973 he starred in a terrific film called “The Friends Of Eddie Coyle” – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/12/29/everyday-goodfellas-donnie-brasco-and-eddie-coyle-great-mob-movies/

From tough guys to the fab four, time now for a musical adventure with the greatest band of all time:

6 – Yellow Submarine

In 1968, The Beatles “starred” in the animated musical “Yellow Submarine” – a unique, charming film that has stood the test of time…here is the trailer:

If you’ve seen the movie, you know that the boys only show up onscreen at the very end to lead a singalong of “All Together Now!”

They were the greatest musical artists of our time, but didn’t always make the smartest movie choices:

Ever heard of this film? A documentary of World War II footage covered by Beatles songs – sung by other Artists? Oh my! OH NO! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/20/the-beatles-worlds-best-music-worst-movie-choices/

From the Beatles to Bond, James Bond – one of my favorites:

5 – You Only Live Twice

The fifth Bond movie mixed it up by sending 007 to Japan – and added the biggest threat to the world ever! Here is the trailer:

“Little Nell” was just one of the fun gadgets that Sean Connery got to play with – of course, he left the series after this movie, but did you know that it was 55 years ago that James Bond was born? See the “beginning of Bond” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/10/05/happy-birthday-007-james-bond-was-born-55-years-ago-with-dr-no/

Next up is what for me is one of the 3 funniest films of all time!

4 – Young Frankenstein

The story of Doctor Frankenstein, as only Mel Brooks could tell, with Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Teri Garr, Madeline Kahn and Peter Boyle as “the monster.” Here is the trailer:

Legendary Actor Gene Hackman shows his gift for comedy in one scene as well. This movie is brilliant in every way – and if you like Hackman, here are my ten favorite films by the Actor:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/30/happy-birthday-gene-hackman-ten-roles-that-defined-a-hollywood-legend/

Next up is an obscure film that takes you back to the height of the political protests during the Vietnam War:

3 – Zabriskie Point

As this film’s trailer says ominously:

“How you get there depends are where you’re at…”

In 1970, it was the height of the counter-culture movement, and studios were trying to capture that sense of unrest with cult films like “Easy Rider” and “Zabriskie Point”. Director Michelangelo Antonioni tells the story of a young couple who are involved in violent anti-war protests…check out the trailer:

This is a fascinating “time capsule”, especially when held up to the protests that have happened in the last few years…

Of course, I have to include my next choice for one reason alone: this photo!

2 – Zardoz

Wha-wha-WHAT?!?!?!?!

Yes, that’s James Bond 007 wearing a red diaper! Here is why:

Yes, that is actual dialogue from the movie, spoken by a giant rock head that floats over the english countryside…this movie has to be seen to be believed!

See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/01/suspiria-caligula-zardoz-wacky-one-word-movie-wonders/

Finally, I leave you with one of the most entertaining comic horror films of the last decade:

1 – Zombieland

This terrific 2009 film has a great cast – all in search of a safe place to hide when zombies take over the world.

Here is the trailer:

So many things to love about this movie, but Bill Murray’s cameo is certainly a highlight. A fun movie that holds up on multiple viewings…

There you have it: 240 films across the 26 letters of the alphabet…feel free to click on my home page and “movies” and see them all…Sean Connery says thanks for reading!

Time To bite Down On The Best French Dip In Los Angeles!

You are looking at a legendary “French Dipped Sandwich”, thanks to the iconic LA restaurant “Philippe The Original!”

As a fan of classic eateries, I always wanted to make my way to Philippe’s, which is located about a mile from downtown LA’s Union Station, where LA’s subways and Amtrak trains depart. Since I had a meeting downtown, I decided to finally try one of Philippe’s legendary sandwiches.

More Than One Hundred Years Dipping!

Philippe The Original has a long history feeding Los Angeles. As their website explains:

“Philippe The Original is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Southern California. Philippe’s was established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed the distinction of having created the “French Dipped Sandwich.” One day in 1918, while making a sandwich, Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. And so was born the “French Dipped Sandwich,” so called either because of Mathieu’s French heritage, the French roll the sandwich is made on or because the officer’s name was French. The answer is lost to history.”

They also have pork dip, ham dip, turkey dip, even lamb dip sandwiches!

This is a beautiful picture of a lamb dip from LA Weekly – but I decided to order up a traditional “beef dip” – so I got in line and perused the menu:

Along with your choice of meat, you have to decide if you want a “single dip”, a “double dip”, or order it “wet.”

I got the “double dipped” beef, which means that both toasted buns are dipped in au jus sauce…a single dip would just be the bottom bun, and “wet” is to put th entire bun and sandwich in!

I just might go “wet” next time, because the au jus is delicious! I got a side of macaroni salad, literally a $1.70 – as you can see the sandwiches are very inexpensive as well – and very filling!

I got some swiss cheese on it, and ordered it on a french roll, and it was a great tasting meal!

If you want to know more about the history of the great restaurant, you can read all about Philippe’s at their website:

https://www.philippes.com

I also went to New York last year and had the chance to visit the incredible Katz’s Delicatessan:

Yes, the pastrami on rye is as large as the legend – see the entire menu here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/26/katzs-deli-my-first-pastrami-at-nycs-legendary-deli-when-harry-met-sally-there-great-movie-food-scenes/

I hope this post made you hungry, and bravo to Philippe’s The Original – may you serve forever!

I was glad to see Philippe’s busy – so many of LA’s classic restaurants are closing down, like Dominick’s in West Hollywood did a few years back:

Here is a look at the fight to save some of LA’s greatest institutions:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/15/destroying-hollywoods-soul-goodbye-dominicks-vintage-los-angeles-alison-martino-fights-to-save-tinseltowns-iconic-past/

Time For Some Live Tears For Fears!

There is nothing better than a live performance: the energy of the crowd, the musicianship onstage – here is another great example: Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, Tears For Fears, playing all of their hits to a sold-out Staples Center crowd in Los Angeles in September!

My wife and I saw the band perform with Daryl Hall & John Oates, and the reviews stated the obvious: they sounded amazing!

My wife remarked that she forgot just how many great songs they had, such as the song they opened with, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” Here’s how great they sounded:

That classic song came from their second album “Songs from the Big Chair”, released in 1985, which was a worldwide smash. It was number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, and “Rule” won the Brit Award for Best British Single in 1986.

As you heard, they sound perfect. Not only that, but Curt Smith and especially Roland Orzabal looked like they were having a blast…as evidenced by the incredibly great vocal for “Mad World”, the iconic hit from their debut album, “The Hurting”, which was released in 1983, and went to #1 in the UK.

Here is their live performance of the song:

Roland and Curt broke up after the release of their third album, the masterpiece “Sowing The Seeds Of Love”…while Orzabal continues to record under the TFF name, Curt Smith released solo music.

They got back together and released a new album in 2004, and have been performing and writing together since then.

Now, time to listen to the pop rock majesty of “Sowing The Seeds Of Love”:

The band played for ninety minutes, a nonstop collection of great songs and one cover: Radiohead’s “Creep”, which they also nailed.

Special mention must be made of the backup singer, who was due to be induced two days after the show, but still gave a great performance!

If you love what you have heard, the band is playing London’s Royal Albert Hall on Oct. 27, 2017.

There is also new greatest hits package called “Rule The World” coming soon, and it will include two new songs!

See more information, and all the latest on Roland and Curt, by clicking here:

http://tearsforfears.com

Tears For Fears played in concert with Daryl Hall & John Oates, who also gave a spirited performance, and it reminded me of some of their best “album tracks”…check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/30/hall-oates-classic-music-great-hooks-the-greatest-hall-oates-album-cuts-2/

Bravo to Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith for their spirited, flawless performance!

Paul McCartney’s Secret Soundtracks!

OK, you might see that Paul isn’t looking too “Paul” in this picture, but I’ll explain why in a moment.

I love finding interesting trivia about Paul McCartney and Wings, and here are two songs that were “secret” to me until now!

In the 70’s, Wings released hit albums and toured the world many times over – but they also had time to write some songs for other people, in this case a “hidden” song on the great movie “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School!”

“Rock n’ Roll High School”

This raucous comedy from 1979 has a soundtrack that includes classic songs from The Ramones, Todd Rundgren, Devo and Alice Cooper – but it also includes a Wings song!

The romantic theme song heard under the credits, “Did We Meet Somewhere Before?” is sung by Paul McCartney and Wings.

According to wikipedia:

“McCartney wrote it as the theme to ‘Heaven Can Wait’ (1978), but Warren Beatty decided not to use it. Allan Arkush, the director, then swung a deal whereby he was able to use the song for only $500 provided McCartney did not receive screen credit.”

See the track listed above on Paul’s never-released “Hot Hits Cold Kutz” outtakes compilation? Some of these songs have turned up on compilations and special edition releases, and even on these bootleg “cold cuts” compilations, but I’d never heard of this one until now.

Here is an audio-only track:

There are many of these “Cold Cut” compilations, but I’ve never come across any of them – but I did post a story about some of the songs that exist in this “bootleg” world – and the story of Paul’s plans to release this collection in the past – you can see those videos and story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/12/paul-mccartneys-cold-cuts-classic-macca-one-beatles-legendary-single-gems/

I also recently heard another Wings song – used as a plot point in a film!

“Love Take Me Down” From “Role Models”!

Did you know that this great 2008 comedy has a Wings song in it?

A running gag in the film is a song entitled “Love Take Me Down (to the Streets)”, which is claimed by a camp counselor to be one of the many hit songs by Paul McCartney and Wings.

In the film, Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott meet a Counselor at the support group “Sturdy Wings” – you can see the logo…remind you of anything?

“Role Models” Obsession With Wings!

I love this movie, because it takes Paul McCartney and Wings and turns it into a running gag in the film. The counselor they meet starts singing a song as they wait for the meeting to begin – the song is called “Love Take Me Down (To The Streets)”.

Rudd immediately corrects him that it’s not a Paul McCartney and Wings song – “it’s not anyone’s song” he says, but he is ignored – here is a clip of that first scene, then a followup when they are all at camp and the Wings gag plays again:

I love that the movie has fun with a Wings song the guys know so well.

During the credits, the song is played again – and listed on the film soundtrack as being performed by “Not Wings.” The song was written by Charles Gansa, a composer who worked on the film, and A. D. Miles, who plays Martin in the film.

It was written to imitate the style of Wings – and is actually performed by Joey Curatolo, a Paul McCartney “soundalike” from the Beatles tribute band Rain.

So there you go, an obscure Wings song – and one that’s “fake Macca”.

I have also posted about a lot of songs written by Paul that were given to other Artists:

Some were minor pop tunes, a few classic songs – see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/27/lost-beatles-demo-mccartneys-cilla-black-demo-found-the-songs-the-beatles-gave-away/

Let me know if you’ve seen these Wings songs on the silver screen!

Wings, the pop group formed by ex-Beatle Paul McCartney are at Abbey Road Studio, London, for the release of their new album ‘Back To The Egg’. On the front row, left to right are: Steve Holly, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney (1941 – 1998). Paul McCartney and Laurence Juber are standing at the back. Original Publication: People Disc – HK0487 (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

Time To Celebrate British Actress Judy Matheson On Shocktober Day #24!

As we count down our #31daysofhalloween, I had the chance for a fun “twitter” conversation with the great cult film Actress Judy Matheson!

First, the quick backstory: as part of my #31daysofhorror #shocktober countdown of horror films, I shared a look at the classic Hammer horror trilogy that included “Lust For A Vampire”, “The Vampire Lovers” and “Twins Of Evil”…

These are great early 70’s gothic horror films, and if you want to see the original movie trailers, you can see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/13/bloody-vampires-lesbian-lovers-naked-halloween-horror-classic-erotic-hammer-time/

I shared this link on Twitter, and got this response from Judy….read the conversation from the bottom up!

“Er, Excuse Me?” Judy Jarvis Speaks Out!

Yes, Judy Jarvis IS Judy Matheson, and after I posted my link to the story, reminded me nicely that she was in two of the films! She was gracious and funny in our interaction, but it made me want to share more of her story!

Judy Matheson has been in some great cult films: she got her start working in a variety of British TV shows before landing some great movie roles in the 60’s and 70’s:

Her first film was “The Chairman” with the legendary Gregory Peck. She also starred in “The Exquisite Cadaver” with Capucine, which was the Spanish entry at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

What I failed to notice, was that in the early ’70s, she appeared in the classic Hammer Horror films “Lust for a Vampire” and “Twins of Evil.”

These are two great Hammer horror films, as the studio was trying to “modernize” their approach to horror with more nudity and bloody violence, while still adhering to the gothic approach to their films.

Here is the trailer for “Lust For A Vampire”:

She followed her role up with “Twins Of Evil”, the last film in the trilogy…another great gothic horror film from Hammer:

It didn’t end well for July in “Twins Of Evil”, unfortunately – as you can see, she didn’t fare well at the end of the movie:

Matheson went on to star in a number of cult classics from the 70’s, including “The Flesh and Blood Show”, “The House that Vanished”, “Crucible of Terror”, and “Confessions of a Window Cleaner.”

If you don’t know these “Confessions Of…” films, they are certainly “of their time.” See more about them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/30/confessions-of-the-sex-obsessed-british-70s-cult-sex-comedies-are-back/

According to wikipedia, in 1981 Matheson became a TV continuity announcer for TVS (ITV for the South of England) and in 1990 she was part of the launch team for British Satellite Broadcasting, later to become BSkyB. She also worked as a continuity announcer for Carlton Television and London Weekend Television!

While she now goes by the name Judy Jarvis, she still attends film conventions and Hammer Film events, so fans can meet her and hear stories from her career.

She has recently taken part, with fellow Hammer actress Caroline Munro, in a short spoof horror film ‘Frankula’ produced by The Misty Moon Film Society, of which she is an Honorary Patron.

What a great double bill! Caroline Munro has also had a great career! If you want to know more about Munro – who was a Bond girl as well, see her story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/19/caroline-munro-from-sex-kitten-to-vincent-price-to-bond-girl-a-maniac-too/

So kudos to Judy Matheson, now Judy Jarvis…what a great collection of films!

if you are in the mood for more classic horror, then nothing beats this:

Yes, the film that made Frank Sinatra divorce Mia Farrow! Check out the story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

It’s been a full “Shocktober” already, and if you missed any, head to my home page to find all of them, like this subtle shocker:

Yes, one of the cinema’s most shocking films – with very little blood! Read the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/01/shocktober-is-here-31-days-of-horror-day-1-slices-up-the-texas-chainsaw-massacre/

There are more subtle films as well, still effective horror films, like this one:

Legendary Actor George C. Scott brings gravitas to this great horror film, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/

If you want something more shocking, I’ve got a good for you as well:

Try this great modern horror film, “High Tension”, by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/23/shoctober-day-23-stabs-you-with-high-tension-and-a-switchblade-romance/

I love #31daysofhalloween!

The Satanict Mystery Of Jayne Mansfield!

Jayne Mansfield was one of Hollywood’s most fascinating sex kittens, an Actress who seemed to make bigger headlines off-screen than on!

She hung out with Beatles, acted in sexy 60’s comedies that showed off her body as much as personality, and was generally seen as one of Hollywood’s sexist stars…

A New Documentary Focused On “Mansfield 66/67”!

A brand new documentary focuses on the last two years of the Actress’s life, and her shocking death…

Here is the trailer:

As you can see from the trailer and this classic newspaper headline from the time, her death was shrouded in rumors and gossip – and this documentary takes an in-depth look at the facts surrounding the scandal!

There are tons of great new interviews populating the film, including Director John Water, Actress Tippi Hedren, “Mysteries & Scandals” Host AJ Benza, Kenneth Anger, Ann Magnuson, Mary Woronov and many more!

Many of those stars will be at a special screening on October 25 in Beverly Hills, and it opens at the Laemmle Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills on October 27 – with another star-studded event planned – if you are in LA, this is a must see!

Click here for more details:

https://www.laemmle.com/films/42844

The film will also be shown across the country, so look for it in your city as well!

Vanity Fair just gave the film a great review – here is a link to that article:

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/10/jayne-mansfield-death-satan-documentary

My friend Alison Martino is an Associate Producer on the film – here’s what she told me about working on this project:

“Producing a movie on Jane Mansfield is a Vintage Los Angeles dream come true! I grew up not too far from the pink palace and dined in her favorite restaurants. I always felt her presence close by. But the best part about producing this movie is I know that the world is going to fall in love with up Jane Mansfield again and want to see every single one of her films!”

Alison knows what she’s talking about – she has worked hard to keep Hollywood’s history alive with her terrific website “VintageLosAngeles” – and of course, Alison’s dad was one of the best singers in entertainment – the legendary Al Martino – of course, you may also know him as Johnny Fontaine in “The Godfather!”

Check out Alison’s website for great stories of Hollywood – and Mansfield was certainly one of those!

Here is the link:

http://alisonmartino.com

As Hollywood’s history continues to be dismantled, Alison has done a great job making sure these stories live on…

Jayne Mansfield was one of Hollywood’s most seductive sex kittens – you can read more about her amazing life here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/28/jayne-mansfield-the-tragic-life-of-hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten/

Bravo to Directors David Ebersole and Todd Hughes on their great new film, and bravo as well to my friend Alison!

First, look at the dish above. This is NOT a winterscape –

IT IS A PLATE OF FOOD.

So is this:

Now, here is the “statement of purpose” from the restaurant that serves them:

“Vespertine is a gastronomical experiment seeking to disrupt the course of the modern restaurant.”

And boy, does it! Acclaimed Food Critic Jonathan Gold’s “101 Best LA Restaurants” list came out, and he picks Vespertine as #1 – a choice that has sparked much debate in the food world….why? Well, it all begins here, in this unique building that houses the restaurant – AND ONLY THE RESTAURANT.

YES, this entire structure is Vespertine! That’s my wife Alex posing in front before We headed in for dinner. What is Vespertine exactly?

Well, as Vespertine’s website states:

“VESPERTINE IS THE VISION OF CHEF JORDAN KAHN. THE PROJECT WAS FORMED THROUGH A COLLABORATION WITH ARCHITECT ERIC OWEN MOSS, AND A GROUP OF RENOWNED ARTISTS TO RE-IMAGINE AND EXPLORE THE EXPERIENCE OF DINING. THE CONVERGENCE OF FOOD, ART, ARCHITECTURE, MUSIC, AND SCULPTURE IS WOVEN THROUGHOUT TO CREATE AN IMMERSIVE, MULTI-SENSORY EVENT.”

My wife and I went there for our anniversary last month – and there are almost no words to describe the wild food wizardry on display – but we took pics of all of it, so here goes!

We began with a gin-based drink served to every table – a welcoming taste with a unique look…just the tip of the iceberg for what was to come – like this “water spinach” dish that was sprinkled with a colorful array of herbs, spices and “pike roe”:

It was slightly crunchy, full of flavor, and it led right back into the water, with this “dried kelp” chip – yes, the rounded “crisp” in the center of this orb was dried kelp, which you were to break off and dredge through the uzu-infused cream and herbs to the left!

The dried kelp was briny like the sea, crisp like a thin potato chip, and utterly delicious…I think you get the idea: each dish was going to be presented as a piece of edible art…impossible to describe the ingredients, other than to say next up was this:

This is actually delivered in two pieces – which are split apart to be served to each of us. Inside this dark volcanic rock is a “burnt onion and black currant” bite – a bit like “taffy meets fruit rollup” – and delicious!

The restaurant was happy to have us take pictures of each dish – just no flash photography so as not to disturb the other diners – next up, a flavorful slice of mango – served embedded in redwood!

What’s Next? Who Knows!

I have to tell you that many of pictures to come are going to be “unidentified” – even with a menu, the composition of the dish is so unique that I cannot be sure I am identifying each one correctly….for example, here are a couple of dishes that followed next:

This one I remember: the green disk covered what was a snap pea dish – and using your spoon, a sharp tap reveals this underneath:

The disk was ice cold, but the warm pudding-like snap pea underneath was a terrific contrast. And speaking of contrasts, what about this scallop dish:

A Bone Marrow Forest!

Yes, it’s herb forest surrounding slivers of bone marrow covering a plump scallop…each “tree” in the forest held in place by an uzu cream!

Folks, we aren’t done yet – this “tasting menu” lasted almost three hours – dish after dish of amazing creativity and flavor – like this!

Find The Caviar!

Yes, this bowl has slivers of endive lining the inner wall, and another frozen disk on the bottom – but when you crack the disk, there is your caviar!

And the next dish came with very specific instructions:

“DON’T LOOK INSIDE!”

First of all, I’m not kidding. We were asked NOT to look inside, but just put our spoon in there, close our eyes and take a bite! Oh, and one of the items inside was red spinach!

By now our heads were spinning from the creativity of the kitchen – and it just kept coming – here is a crab and macadamia salad, hidden underneath a bowl of fresh herbs and leaves:

Next up was the only “meat” dish, a piece of turkey breast served wrapped in rhubarb!

And this is a Sea Urchin dish with lemongrass:

This first dessert we think is a Black Raspberry buckwheat pancake, and see that white frosty “snow” on the inside of the dish? That’s a frosting that you scrape up and eat as well! This dessert was followed by a Almond cucumber dish served in another charcoal orb:

Finally, we were done – but we weren’t! You can also order an after dinner drink outside in a special garden, where you have a private sitting area hidden partially behind hedges, and when you arrive there are three separate post-dinner drinks waiting, plus some snacks to go along!

Vespertine is, without a doubt, one of the most unique meals we’ve ever had – food as theater, food as art, food as experimentation!

We received a very nice note from the restaurant the next morning, not only thanking us for doing them, but including a copy of the menu for us! Yes, it appears that the % of the moon showing that night is at the top of the menu!

Yes folks, THAT IS THE MENU. That’s why you have to take pictures of every unique dish, in order to try and remember what it was!

Oh, and here is how this amazing restaurant looks at night:

Alex and I love to try new and unique restaurants, including Alinea, the three star Michelin restaurant in Chicago, from Chef Grant Achatz:

A night at dinner with him is also a magical experience – you can see our most recent meal here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/01/alinea-the-worlds-most-inventive-restaurant-culinary-molecular-masterpiece/

Vespertine was named the best restaurant in Los Angeles, but Eleven Madison Park in New York was named the best restaurant in the world!

Alex and I had a meal at this restaurant as well, and you can see that here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/16/eleven-madison-park-worlds-best-restaurant-a-visual-tasting-menu-revealed/

Bravo to Vespertine and their entire team for an incredibly memorable night!

Shocktober Day #29 Pays Tribute To George Romero!

Horror movies fans were stunned earlier this year when George A. Romero, Director of the seminal 1968 horror film “Night of the Living Dead” died at 77 of lung cancer.

The best way to pay tribute during Halloween season is to honor this legendary Director for his most iconic achievement!

Romero broke all the rules of low-budget filmmaking when he created “Night Of The Living Dead” – a film that has inspired filmmakers and movie lovers for decades…

The Iconic “Night Of The Living Dead!”

Take a moment to bow down to the great Director George Romero, who ushered in a new era of horror – with a film that has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time!

“Night Of The Living Dead” has grown more famous over the years, but almost never got made at all! It is a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of Romero that he managed to get this film made! It was completed on a $114,000 budget and premiered October 1, 1968.

Here is the classic trailer:

The plot is straightforward: A shocking phenomenon has occurred: throughout the country, the dead have suddenly come back to life. A small group barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in an attempt the remain safe from these “walking dead.”

“Night of the Living Dead” is a master class in low budget filming. The script is razor sharp, the characters become clearly defined over the course of the movie, and the gore – well, let’s just say it was heavily criticized when it came out, because it was presented in a “reality” style that was shocking for its time!

The film has grown in critical stature over the years, and was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, as a film deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

The lead role of Ben was played by Duane Jones. He was an unknown stage actor. It was a major gamble for Romero to cast a Black Actor in the lead; in fact, one Reviewer said that the performance depicted Ben as a “comparatively calm and resourceful Negro”!

Here’s another interesting fact: the word “zombie” is never used in the film. According to IMDB, the most common euphemism used to describe the living dead is “those things,” or “ghouls.”

Can you imagine “The Walking Dead” existing if it wasn’t for this film?

According to the George A. Romero commentary track on one of the many special edition DVDs of the film, the original working print and working elements and materials for the film no longer exist – they were destroyed as a result of a flood that filled the basement where the materials were stored (which was the same basement used in the movie).

The sequels are also great in their own way, and Romero went on to make many other films as well – but this was a revelation in low-budget horror, and it will live forever as one of the greatest Halloween films ever released!

RIP George Romero!

Alexa Speaks “Fish!”

We have all seen the myriad of “Alexa” ads this fall across television, radio and social media, portending a huge holiday sales period for the terrific personal home “music player/headline news service/weather updater” robotic device.

But Did You Know That She’s…A Fish?

Here is why I love love love the internet…i just came across the hilarious video of the legendary “Big Mouth Billy Bass” turned into an Alexa!

Here it is:

Thanks to Mike Dee, who posted this a year ago on YouTube, but it just keeps giving. He points out that this was originally made by Brian Kane https://twitter.com/briankane

Bravo Brian!

And let’s not forget that robots are being developed to take care of ALL of our needs, like a nicely mixed drink!

You can see these robot bartenders here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/09/11/robot-bartenders-las-vegas-has-tipsy-robots-to-make-your-cocktails/

What a brave new world!

“Squeeze” Into This Amazing Burger!

Take a look at this! This unique looking cheeseburger is from a great restaurant called “The Squeeze Inn”, based in Northern California – and yes, I finally go the chance to bite into one!

I first saw this amazing burger on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives”, and didn’t realize there was one in Napa Valley, where I was going to be….here is how they describe their food:

“Born out of our love of fine burgers and good music, The Squeeze Inn has become the exclusive bite spot in Northern California. After being introduced to a new way of the “Burger” Travis H fortunately would be in the right place at the right time, when he was introduced to “The Squeeze Inn”. He decided to make the move into flavorville as the proud new owner of “The Squeeze Inn” On that day the next generation of the squeeze was born.”

OK, sounds great to me – let’s go!

I headed into the Napa location and sat at the counter. The menu is simple, but has some great options like grilled cheese sandwiches, and vegetarian burgers as well, so everyone can find something to bite down on!

Here is what shows up in front of you – a burger that has a “disk” of crispy cheese – so how do they do it?

Well, after cooking the burger halfway, they flip it, then cover it with shredded cheese – then they put the top bun on, drop two ice cubes next to the burger, then cover it so it steams!

Here is what they look like when you remove the top:

So it was placed in front of me, and the first question is: how do you eat it?

Well, the first thing I did was lift it up, and that really didn’t help me figure that question out:

So, I set it down as as you see, tore a piece of the cheese off – revealing a crispy golden bottom – which was delicious! Still, I was hesitant to mess with this cheeseburger work of art!

I then decided to fold the extra cheese back into the burger – a bit sloppy, but they give you plenty of napkins so it worked out well…and after eating some of the outside cheese, and folding some of it back in, you can actually see a great tasting burger:

The burger comes with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles, along with mayo and mustard – I ordered it all, and the balance of flavor was perfect. They serve french fries or onion rings on the side – fresh potatoes cut on site, so they actually taste like a potato should:

A great burger, a unique cooking method, and of course, what a cool looking burger that shows up in front of you!

I you want to see more, they have a great website that shows more of the process – you can see it here:

http://www.thesqueezeinn.com

I love a great burger, especially when there is a unique method of preparation, like this one I found in Seattle:

This is Seattle’s Lunchbox Laboratory homage to the legendary “Dick’s Deluxe” burger – see that recipe here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/12/classic-burger-joints-dicks-drive-in-lunchbox-laboratory-seattles-burger-magic/

Let me know if you’ve ever “Squeezed” into one of these unique burgers!

Who Loves Potatoes? Easy Question – We All Do!

I love potatoes in every conceivable form, which is why, when Alex and I went to Paris for New Years, we tried to eat them that way!

Of course, nothing tops the Eiffel Tower on New Years Eve, but we were looking for a different view, and we got it with an incredible “potato tower” of greatness!

The “Caviar Potato Tower” From Apicious!

This great restaurant is located just a few blocks off of the Champs Elysee, situated in a cool building with incredible art outside to greet you:

Inside, this classic French restaurant has superlative service, a terrific wine list and a great menu as well, but the signature item is this incredible potato tower topped with caviar and a shockingly green sliver of Chive:

Although this is one of the greatest single dishes we’ve ever had, I also want to compliment Apicious for their entire menu, such as this exquisitely prepared and presented grilled fish:

There may be no better way to serve a potato than with caviar, but there is a classic French bistro that has two different accompaniments, as well as a classic style of preparation:

Chez L’Ami Louis!

Sure, this restaurant is famous for its $125 chicken for two – and yes, it is TOTALLY worth it – but you also get this incredible potato cake:

Yes, beautifully cooked in a frying pan – in the oven – and then topped with raw garlic and parsley – incredible…and as an added bonus, they gave us a healthy stack of crisp fries as well!

I posted a review of our night at Chez L’Ami Louis on “Paris By Mouth” and still get a lot of response to it – here it is, with lots of great pictures of the $125 chicken, like this one:

You can read the entire review here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/20/chez-lami-louis-love-this-125-paris-chicken-garlic-potato-cake-rocks-too/

One of our favorite bistros in Paris has been Allard, with their green olive-smothered duck – but their inclusion on this list is due to the simple yet satisfying side dish that comes with it:

Yes, a plate of roasted red potatoes, simple yet really tasty, just slightly crispy not he skin and creamy in the center…which led us to the one thing we still hadn’t experienced:

Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Paris Style!

What do I consider “Paris style?” Well, the dish should have approximately 51% potato – the rest is cream and butter! On this night, we jumped into a tiny bistro off the Rue de Rivoli in order to grab a dish of mashed potatoes that had been, well “enhanced” by a LOT of cheese!

While these were indeed delicious, they had perhaps a bit TOO MUCH cheese inside – and we realized that, although we love cheese, butter and cream, NOTHING beats this:

Caviar Kaspia’s “Caviar Topped, Double-Baked Potato!”

It’s located in the Place de Madeleine, a terrific caviar shop that has a restaurant on the second floor, where you can have lots and lots of caviar, including on top of a twice-baked potato!

The potato is twice baked and combined with lots of cream and butter to create the perfect vessel to hold the briny, shiny caviar eggs – and of course, you must have shots of Russian Vodka on the side!

Alex brought me here for my birthday, and it was indeed the tastiest gift of all! You can see more about our trip here, and so other potatoes from our Parisian past as well by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/12/wildest-potato-recipes-caviar-foie-gras-garlic-potato-cake-an-amazing-paris-potato-feast/

Let me know your favorite way to enjoy a spud!

Time For Some Great “Music With A T!”

Bruno Mars is one of the world’s most popular performers today, and for this “music with a T” list, he joins some classic rockers and Bob Dylan too!

“24k” by Bruno Mars

It’s the tile of his third album, and a massive hit – I dare you not to get caught up in its funky groove!

Here’s the official music video of “24K” by Bruno Mars:

I love Bruno, and so does someone else, who took one of his classic songs and married it to vintage movie clips – the result is amazing, see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/10/06/a-you-tube-find/

Next up is a far-too-little-known group named after lead singer Dwight Twilley – with a slew of great “power pop” in the late 70’s and 80’s:

“That I Remember” by The Dwight Twilley Band – With Tom Petty!

Dwight Twilley, shown on the right, and Phil Seymour were The Dwight Twilley Band, and this classic pop confection from the duo, called “That I Remember”, includes backup guitar work by Tom Petty!

Take a listen:

Thanks to “Rockshorts” for posting this on Youtube! It’s Dwight Twilley, Phil Seymour, Bill Pitcock, Jr. & guest bassist Tom Petty performing on “Wacko,” a short-lived Saturday Morning TV show!

Susan Cowsill Performed With Dwight Twilley Too!

After Phil Seymour left the band, Cowsills singer Susan Cowsill, performed with Twilley for years. For those who don’t know, The Cowsills were a singing family in the late 60’s with hits like “The Rain, The Park & Other Things” and “Hair” – yes, “HAIR!” They inspired the TV series The Partridge Family!

Dwight Twilley – “I’m On Fire”

You can buy Dwight Twilley’s greatest hits album, chock full of great music. Here’s their power pop classic “I’m On Fire”, with Susan performing with Twilley:

Thanks to “alehouse” for posting this on youtube – it says this live performance is from the early 80’s!

If you don’t know the genre of “power pop”, it’s from a phrase coined by The Who’s Pete Townsend – see more of my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/02/todd-rundgrens-power-pop-the-finger-snapping-story-of-a-pop-music-sound/

Yes, Pete Townsend coined the phrase, and he went on to create some of the greatest songs of all time – and some great solo songs as well, like this:

Pete Townsend – “Give Blood”

This autobiographical song is from Townsend’s terrific “White City” concept album – here is a live version of the song, with a great guitar intro by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd:

Yes, The Who hit 50 a few years back, and Townsend publishes his extremely candid autobiography as well – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/16/the-whos-new-song-the-who-hits-50-tours-2015-who-i-am-pete-townshend-tells-us-who-he-is-warts-and-all/

Another legendary Singer/Songwriter has had many career transformations:

“Tight Connection To My Heart” by Bob Dylan

Yes, Dylan is in the groove in his music video!

In 1985, Bob Dylan released his twenty-third studio album, Empire Burlesque – watch the official music video of ‘Tight Connection To My Heart (Has Anyone Seen My Love)’ now.

Dylan was, of course, also part of one of the greatest “supergroups” of all time – along with Tom Petty, ELO’s Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and George Harrison:

The Traveling Wilburys – “End Of The Line”

In the early 80’s this super group created two albums of country-tinged pop rock that is as easy to listen to today as it was thenL

What a short and sweet slice of classic pop music…see more music videos from The Traveling Wilburys here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/20/rocks-forgotten-supergroup-beatles-bob-dylan-elo-tom-petty-secrets-of-the-traveling-wilburys/

Let me know what you think of these “T” songs!

Welcome To 54 Blocks Of Broadway!

What did I do when I had a day to myself in New York? Walked 54 blocks of Broadway of course…

New York’s Broadway is one of the world’s most iconic thoroughfares, a street that adapts to the world around it: high end, low end and every end in between!

Walking 54 Blocks Of Broadway!

With a day in Manhattan to myself, I decided to walk – and document – 54 blocks of Broadway, just to see how uniquely different each part of the street was!

I started my walk at 72nd street and Broadway, where the iconic Gray’s Papaya serves up hot dogs and fruit drinks all day and night, and wound up on 18th, in Union Square. I wrote about the “northern blocks” already, beginning with a mouthful of Gray’s and ending in the heart of Times Square:

I posted this half of my journey already – Here is part one of my walk down 54 blocks of Broadway – with great hot dogs, naked cowboys and “needle park” too:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/04/54-blocks-of-broadway-pt-1-great-hot-dogs-from-needle-park-to-naked-cowboys/

Now, time to head south…

Times Square is certainly the heartbeat of the city – tons of neon and even more people! You see so many unique things here, like a late night chess game with people who ere working late:

There are, of course, great Broadway Theaters all around as well, including one where the original “Hamilton” is still going strong – and almost impossible to get a ticket:

As much fun as Times Square is, you can also quickly get a bit claustrophobic due to the insane crowds. However, once you head south on Broadway from 42nd street, it clears up rather quickly:

As you head south on Broadway you quickly end up in the fabric district, well known for wholesale merchandizing of various kinds of fabric and fashion – and lots of hair stores like this:

Yes, 100% Human Hair!

Walking down Broadway is a totally different experience when you are south of Times Square, because each block has a distinct personality – like walking right into the city’s great past, almost on a block-by-block basis.

New apartment buildings with futuristic looks are plopped down next to stores that can sell you a hundred different types of batteries and phone cards. And always, the Empire State building looms…

Miracle Macy’s On 34th Street!

As you come upon 34th street, you run into the Macy’s store that was such a big part of the holiday classic “Miracle On 34th Street.”

Continue south and as you cross 30th and Broadway, you arrive at Madison Park – and of course the original Shake “Shack”…

This is where it all started, in this “shack” that offers takeout burgers with benches nearby to chow down on…

Shake Shack has become a nationwide phenomenon – I’ve eaten them in New York, LA, Chicago and Washington DC, and they are always terrific – check out my review here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/04/bite-into-shake-shack-cheese-stuffed-burgers-my-shack-stack-review/

Literally across the street is Eleven Madison Park restaurant, which was named the best in the world for 2017!

eleven madison exterior

Alex and I ate here and it was a delicious and fascinating experience – you can see my review here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/16/eleven-madison-park-worlds-best-restaurant-a-visual-tasting-menu-revealed/

While I’m on a food path, close by on Broadway is another great place to grab a bite of seafood:

A pop in at The John Dory for oysters is always in order, since it’s right there and the sun was setting…then you head south past the Flatiron Building, also known as “the triangle”, another iconic piece of Manhattan’s past.

Here is some history, thanks to wikipedia:

“The Flatiron Building is a triangular 22-story steel-framed landmarked building, considered to be a groundbreaking skyscraper. Upon completion in 1902, it was one of the tallest buildings in the city at 20 floors high and sits on a triangular block formed by Fifth Avenue, Broadway, and East 22nd Street. As with numerous other wedge-shaped buildings, the name “Flatiron” derives from its resemblance to a cast-iron clothes iron.”

Heading further south, the blocks begin to get more of a “more of the same” vibe – especially when they’re populated by Starbucks, Chase bank branches and CVS pharmacies. I have no issue with any of these businesses, but it’s the purging of anything unique and distinct that bothers me, and in this regard New York is no different than any other city in the US.

My trip down Broadway ends at Union Square, where every week a terrific farmer’s market takes over…even at night…

There are also permanent spots for daily chess games, with young and old-timers going into intellectual battle…and of course, the ubiquitous food vendors open all day and night…

New Yorkers will tell you that the food on most of these carts is great – and convenient as well!

I love walking the streets of New York, in this case 54 blocks of one of the most streets in the world – with distinctive personality and charm, great food, street vendors and so much more!

You can walk more than just 54 blocks of Broadway of course, and someday I will! If you keep heading south of Union Square, Broadway will ultimately take you close to the legendary Katz’s Deli:

Yes, this is where Meg Ryan faked an orgasm in “When Harry Met Sally” – you can see my meal at this iconic restaurant here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/26/katzs-deli-my-first-pastrami-at-nycs-legendary-deli-when-harry-met-sally-there-great-movie-food-scenes/

Let me know your favorite spot on Broadway!