TAKOSUSHI: Blending cultures for a unique eating experience

My southern guide enjoys spicier Mexican foods and I enjoy Asian cuisine, specifically sushi, so she took me to a place where the two worlds meet TAKOSUSHI.  What? The creation of Kevin Goldsmith TAKOSUSHI is a trendy restaurant where you can sample good food from Mexico or Japan.

If there was a stage at the back, TAKOSUSHI may feel more like a bar than a restaurant.  Along one side of this narrow corridor a number of non-descript brown tables sit in front of a high backed bench mounted on the wall.  There is no pretense here, no wine glasses or cutlery on the tables, no hostess, no need for reservations; walk in and grab an empty table where ever you want.  If you prefer not to be so "formal" sit down at the bar, the other side of the corridor,  order a drink over the counter and watch them make sushi.  This casual atmosphere makes TAKOSUSHI a warm and inviting place to sit and enjoy a meal.  It is a hip little restaurant located at 34 South Main Street in the heart of downtown Greenville, SC and its location makes it a great place to stop after work.  As such, it draws a fun business crowd who have thrown off their suit jackets and ties.  

Having a good time at TAKOSUSHI is easy with a great menu and full bar. To start things off order yourself a drink of wine, beer, or liquor; whatever you fancy the bar has a good selection, including Japanese imported beer.  If you want a taste of Mexico my southern guide highly recommends the margarita made with top shelf tequila.  While they are fixing your drinks browse the menu.  Just because it is  conveniently  laid out with a section for Mexico and one for Japan does not mean you have to order one or the other.  Take your time and order whatever you like, mix your flavors or not, either way you are in for a taste sensation. We started our meal with the green chile queso dip.  Essentially cheese and bean dip, almost a soup, it was more flavorful than it looked.  Lightly spiced with green chile and other ingredients this appetizer went down very quickly.  Staying with the Mexican theme the chicken quesadilla arrived at our table. The rich blend of cheeses on the soft tortilla were a great compliment to our appetizer, but I found it a little light on the chicken.  Still very tasty, but I wanted more chicken flavor in my quesadilla.  Not disappointed or deterred, I moved onto the Japanese side.  Primarily a menu of rolls and sashimi I decided to try a few things.  The miso soup was light, a little sharp, and warm exactly as it tasted when I ordered it in Japan.  Following that, a traditional california roll and the Unforgettable roll.  Shrimp tempura, mayo, apple glaze and tuna all sprinkled with jalapeno make the Unforgettable roll, well unforgettable. Both of them were delicious.  We arrived early and as I sat back fully sated I noticed that at six o'clock the place already had a crowd full of smiles.

I was worried that with such distinct flavors from different cultures one would over power the other; however, I found each item to be very unique and distinct in its flavor.  Nothing blending or overpowering so I was treated to a true taste of both worlds at the same seating.  If it is your first trip to TAKOSUSHI I recommend going during happy hour so you can spread your dollar a little further and try a bit more of their menu.  If you are making a return trip then you probably already have a favorite or two and know that for a reasonable price you get a generous portion of whatever delight you order.

Hyatt Place Charlotte, NC

Across the globe you can walk into almost any hotel and find your way around quite quickly. Regardless of the chain they seem to have the same familiar feel and layout.  There are some exceptions to the rule of course and if you are looking for the familiar hotel feel you will not find it at the Airport Hyatt Place in Charlotte.

Walking through the front doors I stopped short, took a look around and, wondered where the reception desk was.  I walked over to the café to inquire where I should check in and discovered it was there. Hyatt's newest brand, Hyatt Place, goes for a casual feel making it feel like your local Starbucks; complete with rounded glass case full of pastries and drinks, small tables that sit two or four (if you slide them together), a get it yourself coffee stand, and a counter to pay for it all.  As it turns out this café counter is also main reception. Expecting the collared shirt uniforms and the formal reception desk the sweater wearing (brandishing a Hyatt logo) host caught me a little off guard.  Nonetheless a warm smile and great service soon brought me back to the regular routines.  I checked in without incident and was informed the café was open for continental breakfast 7am - 10am, that I could use the self serve terminal to order anything from the menu, or get table service any time I wanted.  Room service was available of course, seasonal pool out back,  free wi-fi throughout the building or use our business cubicle and "is there anything else I can do for you sir?".  Not at the moment.  The nouveau styling was a nice change setting this hotel apart from its contemporaries.  I took my key and headed up to my room.

The king suite I reserved on line was very luxurious.  The open concept room was exceptionally spacious for one, but if you travel with company, the short divider in the center of the room gave a suggestion of two separate rooms.  Laid out with modern furnishings there was the corner couch, the 42 inch LCD flat screen television (on a swivel to view from bed or couch), a comfortable work space, small kitchenette including fridge, a well padded and pillowed bed and a restroom with sink and mirror separate from the facilities.  Except for the restroom it was very comfortable.  The toilet and tub seemed squeezed into what used to be a shallow walk in closet.  Even with the sink and mirror separated from the facilities, with the restroom door closed it felt a little claustrophobic.  Regardless, there was ample space to stretch out and leave the claustrophobia behind as I swiveled the flat screen to where I wanted it while I rested.

This comfortable and different Hyatt Place is located at 4119 South Stream Blvd., Charlotte, NC just a few minutes outside of the Charlotte Douglas International  Airport and a short drive  to some city hotspots.  Enjoy your stay.

L'Ours (The Bear)

A Writer Under the Influence: Not A Review: "L'Ours" ("The Bear")

My good friend and writer Jeff C put this up on his site.  I think it is very well written and although "not a review" it captures the essence.  Hopefully it creates interest and it will be one that you add to your movie list.

Café Rivera

Walking through the front doors to Café Rivera the first thing you notice is the very distinct layout.  The large store front windows and the high ceilings make the front section of this restaurant feel open and free as an outdoor patio.  But if you choose something more intimate take the walk down the center of the restaurant, with tables on your left, bar and open kitchen on your right, step under the proscenium arch and enter the more intimate back room, with subtler lighting and a feel for the romantic.  As you walk out the front door the last thing you will remember is the great service and the wonderful food.

Although the atmosphere feels refined it quickly becomes apparent this is a casual place to dine.  I was pleasantly surprised when our waitress, dressed in jeans and a simple black shirt arrived with our menus.  A warm welcome, menus "dropped" on the table, a drink order was taken and she was off to fetch our libations.  We asked to sample a wine or two and she soon arrived carefully balancing some bottles and a bunch of glasses.  There was nothing formal about her presentation and we quickly made a choice.   When our food arrived I was again surprised to discover one of the owners was now serving me.  Dressed as casually as her employee Lucinda Rivera stopped and chatted for a few moments. This little exchange truly made it feel like a small local diner and I was already thinking about my next visit to this warm restaurant.  Given the atmosphere I expected something different, not so much a tuxedoed sommelier, but finely dressed and delicate service.  Our waitress's and owners casual dress and tone were very welcome and I eased back into my chair for a relaxing and casual dinner.

It's service is casual and its name suggests a "café" but the food can easily sit on the table of any elegant high class restaurant in the best part of town.  Bruce Rivera owns the restaurant and is also responsible for the wonderful meals placed on the table.  His resumé boasts thirty five years experience and kitchens all over the States giving him a knowledge of food from around the world.  With a menu including Argentinean style steak, Spanish meat hash, Cuban pork and Farmer's grilled chicken he clearly demonstrates his varied styles.  My fried plantain appetizer, served with a roast garlic aioli and a light dipping sauce, was a deliciously sweet opening to dinner.  For the main course I ordered the Cuban sandwich and sampled the Ceviche Tostadas.  My classic sandwich of ham and roast pork was served on a light flat bread and the swiss cheese and mustard held everything together without overpowering the taste; with each bite I experienced a rich blend of flavors.  On the side I ordered fries which were lightly oiled, not greasy, and perfectly salted.  The Ceviche Tostadas was equally tasty. The gulf shrimp lightly marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes and onions were reminiscent of a refreshing Caribbean conch salad.   Setting it apart from the traditional island favorite was the avocado, making the meal just heavy enough to be filling, and the tortilla chips.  Both dishes were a generous portion but still left room for desert.  Chocolate cake soaked in three milks and drizzled with chocolate sauce sounded rich but the tres leches chocolate cake was sweet and light.  Light enough that I sampled the flan Cubano.  A richer desert, but definitely not heavy; this custard was exactly what the menu offered creamy and velvety smooth.  It was the perfect cap to a dinner that deserved a tuxedoed sommelier and reservation to get in the door.

Café Rivera is located at 117 East Poinsett Street, in Greer, SC.  They are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday and are available for private parties and catering.  On the last Saturday of the month they do a fixed price themed wine dinner.   

The Battery House Carriage Inn

Welcome to the Battery House Carriage Inn; whether it is just one night or several "welcome" is the way that you will feel.  This historic house built in 1843 passed through the hands of many notable individuals, many renovations and many incarnations  (including a rooming house for students and a house known for hourly rentals) before being restored by the Hastie family in 1992 to this elegant and quaint bed and breakfast.

If you are looking for a weekend retreat, a base of operations while you tour historic Charleston, or a place to rest your head after participating in the boisterous night life this is the perfect location.  The Battery is a popular tourist location; however, this historic park situated directly across the street from the inn seems oddly quiet. Bring a picnic basket and a book, take a stroll along the boardwalk, watch the waves crash against the historic walls, walk the sculpted paths or sit under an ancient tree; either way this is the perfect location to relax and forget about your hectic schedule. If you don't want to leave the comfort of the inn, the beautiful gardens will give you same effect, just outside your room.  Did you come to Charleston for the first time or are you a tourist yet again?  The Inn is the perfect launching pad for walking tours of this historic city.  If you prefer not to walk the friendly and ever courteous staff will ring you up a rik-shaw taxi and you can tour the city while being peddled around town.  Maybe you came to party and take in the night life.  By foot or taxi you can easily make it to any of the hot spots in town for a great meal, live music or an active bar.  Located at 20 South Battery Street, the Battery Carriage House Inn is accessible to all of these things; however, if you are just there for rest and don't want to do a thing the comfort of inn itself will satisfy.  

With a total of eleven rooms, either in the old carriage house itself, or in the main building, the inn has a relaxing feel.  Passing through the wrought iron gates and taking a stroll down the cobble stone drive at the side of the house it feels like walking back in time. Entering the main lobby and reception area southern hospitality greets you with a friendly smile and a warm hello from the staff. The cookies and juice (wine and cheese in the early evenings) on the side board make for a quick pick up after a long drive and might remind a weary traveller of grandma's kitchen.  On left is a wonderful sitting area with a fireplace, so if you want to cuddle up with a good book on a rainy afternoon you have a place for that.  The staff hands over your keys and keeping the welcome feel guides you to your room and gives you a short tour of your home away from home.  

The rooms elegantly furnished with styles and colours from an era long forgotten.  Each one is unique but classic touches such as terry cloth robes and turn down service are staples of the inn.  Whether you are in King suite with jacuzzi tub facing the Battery, a lower level room with four poster bed reminiscent of a French country inn, or a slightly larger upper level room with a traditional queen rice canopied bed you are invited to relax and rest.  A small sitting area is great to read the tourist and historic information provided in each room and it is a great place to have breakfast.  Breakfast is served on a silver tray in your room, based on an order card you fill out the evening before, or served in the lovely garden.  If you love a good ghost story, the inn's history contains a tale or two from the spirit world and some say ghosts still roam the old building.  These elegant rooms are not gawdy or overpowering with pomp and circumstance but feel quaint allowing you to settle in for a good nights rest. 

Batman Begins & The Dark Knight

When Tim Burton was named to direct Batman in 1989, comic book fans, and followers of the Bat went wild.  They lost some of their fervor when Michael Keaton was announced to play the costumed hero; but, regained it when Jack Nicholson claimed the role of their favorite villain the Joker.  There were some mixed reviews but in the end those in favor seemed to win the day.  Burton produced a film that, for the time and generation, was suitably dark, held reasonably well to the already established story lines and in general created an entertaining movie.  In the end Keaton's naysayers re-nagged their doubts and, as expected, Nicholson's Joker stole the show.  It was a Hollywood blockbuster and a promising start to a potentially long lasting franchise.  In 1995 Joel Schumacher grabbed the reins of the franchise and began the downward spiral into comic book ridiculousness with Batman Forever.   In 1997 he put the final nail in the proverbially coffin with  Batman and Robin and laid the franchise to rest.  Dark Knight fans, old and new alike, were disappointed and dismayed, they needed a hero to lift their hopes; enter Christopher Nolan.

It is widely accepted that Nolan's two films are without question the best adaptations of creator Bob Kane's Batman to date; but, what makes these films so great?  When Christopher Nolan seated himself in the directors chair he claimed he would return the Dark Knight to his roots and hold true to the character.  In order to do that he needed not only to get the character right but all the elements that surround and support the character.  His vision for Gotham as a dual layered hell captures the ever present and ominous city depicted in the comic books.  On the lower level is old Gotham, an area ruled by crime bosses and overrun by criminals preying on the poor and weak who live there.  Sitting literally on top of and casting old Gotham into shadow is new Gotham, where skyscrapers and money rule.  Yet for all its glitter Nolan makes it just as seedy with corporate take overs and high power crimes.  With crime as its life blood Nolan's Gotham comes to life and sets the stage for the cast of supporting characters that make Batman such a complex and interesting character. 

Batman's supporting characters keep him from becoming a simple vigilante by showing the audience the character's inner struggle.  Alfred Pennyworth, played by Michael Caine, is the ever present butler who goes beyond his duties demonstrating undying devotion, compassion and love for his master.  He is the individual who knows all Bruce Wayne's secrets, is there to help the boy overcome his parents death, present for his return after his training, comes to his aid when he is injured, but most of all Alfred is the voice of reason that keeps Batman sane.  Michael Caine brings this role to life with dry humor and a compassion playing both qualities with subtly, calm gestures and an understated voice.  Through Michael Caine's portrayal of Alfred we see where Batman learns to question his crusade; is it simple vengeance or a devotion to saving and helping with his version of compassion?  Commissioner Gordon is the quintessential officer of the law.  Played by Gary Oldman, we see a man who goes to any lengths to uphold the law and get his man; provided he does it by the book.  He sacrifices his family and reluctantly turns his back on Batman because that is what is necessary for the greater good.  Oldman's portrayal presents a humble and kind hearted man who easily demonstrates the hero Batman works to be.  Lucius Fox is an additional character who provides a voice of reason and caution to Batman's approach to justice.  Portrayed by Morgan Freeman, Fox becomes a light hearted, jovial and easy going individual all the while retaining a commanding voice of reason.  When he threatens to leave because Batman wants to use technology that violates the average citizen's privacy we get to hear the solid voice that keeps Batman from sinking as low as the criminals he aims to stop.  In addition to this role Lucius is the man responsible for supplying all the gadgets which Batman is so well known for.  A character unto itself the infamous Bat belt is one element that can easily destroy the story's believability; however, with scenes of Wayne working on the costume, and Lucius and Wayne discussing how things work Nolan makes all this high tech gadgetry a plausible and acceptable part of the story. Of course all these elements are necessary to offset Batman's darkest side which is revealed through his villains. 

The villains are the antithesis of our hero and show us what he could become without the influence of the above characters.  Through the course of the two films we are introduced to a host of bad guys all played very adeptly by a stellar cast including Liam Neeson (Henri Ducard), Kenwatanabe (Ra's Al Ghul), Cillian Murphy (Scarecrow), Aron Eckhart (Two Face) and the critically acclaimed Heath Ledger in the role of the Joker.  These portrayals are so wonderful because they are not the caricatures of 60's television show but real people with desires and wants which happen to be on the wrong side of morality and the law.  All these actors do a brilliant job; however, Eckhart's Two Face and Ledger's Joker deserve some special attention.  As Harvey Dent we see a man passionate about his love but more passionate for his work.  Eckhart shows us this passion as he debates heros in the restaurant and eventually takes the fall for Batman. But what makes his portrayal is the transformation from Dent to Two Face.  In the role of Dent we see a man who is logical and level headed, as Two Face the same logic applies but Eckhart's character is no longer level headed.  His actions become jittery, and quick, his stance is wider and his overall physicality is transformed.  His powerful performance is very much unrecognized in the shadow of the Heath Ledger's Joker.  

In his portrayal one can see the homage to Nicholson but Ledger truly makes this performance his own.  Right from the start the raspy and dragged out voice are reminiscent of Nicholson, couple that with the lip smacking and some quick motions one could maybe even suggest a copy cat. Yet Ledger takes this so much further adding layer upon layer until the character is as complex as his foil Batman.  We see the twisted genius very early as we learn who planned the opening robbery, we watch it develop further as he burns the money and it comes to culmination as he pits the passengers of the two boats against each other.  In past portrayals of the Joker we would see him dancing in elation and humor at his own genius but here with Ledger we see a man saddened by humanity.  His calm, albeit insane, behavior tells the story of a man wanting to demonstrate humanities depravity.  In the interrogation scene Ledger truly shows this as he willingly accepts the abuse thrown on him by Batman.   With Ledger at the helm, all of these character portrayals breathe new life into the villains which are Batman's true foils.

The central story  element is the Dark Knight himself.  As a young boy he witnesses the pointless murder of his parents in one of Gotham's dark alleys and he swears and oath of vengeance against criminals in general.  He travels the globe training his body and mind to fulfill this oath and returns to reign as a king of terror in his city.  In Batman Begins  Christian Bale, under Nolan's direction, takes on the grueling journey which creates Batman.  We see him in the worst jails as a hate filled machine exacting cruel punishment on those who cross his path and we watch as this hatred and anger get tutored by Liam Neeson and Ken Watanabe in the Ra's Al Ghul clan.  What is important to the Batman character is his true complexity.  For all his vengeance seeking he still sits with some level of moral character as he tries to bring criminals to justice.  This quality is maintained and nurtured in the Batman Begins first when we see Bruce Wayne directly confront the man he believes responsible for his parents murder and second when he faces the challenge of killing a criminal for his final test in the clan.  In both cases we see him struggle but, possibly reluctantly, overcome and choose the higher road of justice.  Bale continues to create this complex character with his interpretation of Bruce Wayne.  In contrast to the gruff voiced and heavy handed Batman, Bruce is a very sweet voiced and shallow. There are scenes of him parading with women and doing whatever he wants because he owns the place.  Bale is light on his feet and full of smiles for these scenes offering us the necessary opposite side to our hero.  Finally, Bale shows us the depth of complexity as he  blends these two portrayals in his interactions with the love interest.  We see him struggle to stay true both to love and his crime stopping oath but eventually choosing his Dark Knight as the path to follow.  Of course great credit must be given to all the actors in these films but it is due to Christopher Nolan's vision that it all comes together.

Nolan maintained a vision, true to the comic book hero, that was dark and menacing.  With his interpretation of Gotham he created the appropriate backdrop for his talented actors.  He then maintained his focus keeping all of his characters as real people with goals and desires.  He never allowed the actors to be over the top or artificial.  Putting these elements together with some blockbuster effects and explosions Nolan gives us two movies that will stand the test of time and have already become cult classics.