Two movies we watched this week.

Girl Cut In Two

This movie is about a young weathergirl ( *** Snow) who is pursued by a young, louche and wealthy boy and an older, more sophisticated man. The stereotypes are hilarious!

A Hora De Estrela

I heard about this movie from a radio show, "What's the Word," I think. It's about a young girl who moves to the big city (Rio de Jainerio, circa 1985). DJKung loved the soundtrack. Can't say too much about the plot, lest I give away the ending. It's a pretty serious movie, and you really feel for the girl, Maccabea. I LOVED the lead actress.

Baby Baby Baby ! Back Ribs

Tiffany's Restaurant
73 Route 46 West
Pinebrook, NJ 07058

(other locations available)
tel: 973-227-2112
fax: 973-227-3803
http://www.tiffanysrestaurant.com/

We've been going to Tiffany's for quite a while now. Generally, we're not big fans of franchise and Big Food-type restaurants. With tasty and appealing dishes, this restaurant is a cut above the casual restaurant chains. I think it's because Tiffany's does not have so many branches that each branch (or at least this one) still maintains a lot of control over how the food is prepared.

Gourmet food this ain't. If you are after a good, filling dinner, this place is spot on. Their "award-winning ribs" are the main draw. DJKung is not sure what style ribs they serve, but the ribs are slow-cooked and slathered with bbq sauce, not with a dry rub. The night we went, we ordered two portions of ribs and fried Thai calamari (over-sauced with a sweet and spicy sauce, but nevertheless addictive).

Portions are large here, and it's best to come with an appetite. Family atmosphere, very casual. I've also heard that the pastas are good here. Also great for stopping for a pint or two.

The meanest "Monkey Bread" this side of the Hudson River

Bathazar Bakery

214 South Dean St

Englewood, NJ 07631

Tel: 201-503-9717

Fax: 201-503-9721

http://www.balthazarbakery.com/

Fig tart --- almost didn't make it home!

This bakery is a jewel in an unassuming building in the Englewood industrial area. Upon entering, we were surprised at how big this bakery was; the workers (separated from the bakery by a big glass window) were working with large masses of dough!



Balthazar had a nice offering of artisanal bread and tarts. We picked an assortment to try out. The pan au chocolat was crusty and had nice chunks of dark chocolate; it would've been great with a nice warm cup of milk. DJKung picked the monkey bread, a balanced and hearty cinnamon roll (like an urban version of a cinnabon). The tarts were really inviting and we got two. The fig tart (above) was excellent---flaky crust, ripe succulent fruit and a lightly sweet cream filling to bring it together. The fig tart was equally tasty.

Yes, it is the same Balthazar as that hot spot in the Village. And yes, the goodies aren't at your suburban supermarket bakery prices. Then again, Monkey bread is rare in these parts...