Weekend - March 26, 2020 by repubnews

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Weekend

MUSIC: 10 best Kenny Rogers songs, E5 OFF THE MENU: Restaurants rethink to-go menus, more, E6 BEER NUT: Craft breweries need support during pandemic, E7

| THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020

Batter up!

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of great baseball (films) to watch Page E2

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ON THE COVER

Batter up!

s the awful reality of life without baseball set in, I wondered how to cope with it. Hunker down with reruns of Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees games from 2004? Watch Holyoke’s Mark Wohlers save Game 7 of the 1995 World Series for the Atlanta Braves? No, we’ve been through all that. So I settled on a better way to fill the baseball void in this time of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. I would simply sit back, relax and watch baseball movies.

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There’s plenty of great baseball (films) to watch

Garry Brown And yes, there are so many good ones. I had no trouble making a Top 10 list, and then a secondary Top 10. All that doesn’t even include the hilarious “Who’s on First” routine by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. So good, it has its own place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Oh, and let’s not overlook the best baseball cartoon on film – “Baseball Bugs,” in which Bugs Bunny plays every position on the field, in the same game. To help baseball fans as they wonder what to watch, I offer these suggestions:

1. “Fever Pitch”

Directed by the Farrelly brothers in the very year the

In “Moneyball,” Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) doesn’t have salary to pay big boys, so he uses a formula devised by Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) that helps win games. (COLUMBIA PICTURES)

Red Sox ended their World Series drought, this movie captures the essence of life as a hopelessly devoted Red Sox fan (in this case, Jimmy Fallon). That lifestyle completely befuddles Drew Barrymore, who doesn’t know baseball until Fallon tries to romance her while staying locked into his obsession with the Sox. Some charming scenes at Fenway Park make this a movie to watch over and over;

2. “Bull Durham”

A captivating slice of life in the minor leagues as a veteran catcher (Kevin Costner) tries to counsel a not-too-bright but talented young pitcher (Tim Robbins). Susan Sarandon completes the picture as a “baseball groupie” fixated on the Durham Bulls; Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon starred in “Fever Pitch,” a 2005 film about a hopelessly devoted Boston Red Sox fan (Fallon) falling in love against the backdrop of his team’s run to the World Series. (20TH CENTURY FOX)

3. “Field of Dreams”

Another Costner masterpiece about a failing farmer who turns part of his prop-

“Bull Durham,” a 1988 romantic comedy baseball film, starred Tim Robbins, left, and Kevin Costner as players for a minor league baseball team, the Durham Bulls, in Durham, N.C. (ORION PICTURES)

erty into a baseball field that “The Pride of the attracts the ghosts of Shoeless Yankees” In this 1942 classic, Gary Joe Jackson and others of his era. This film also stars James Cooper portrays Lou Gehrig, Earl Jones and contains one of the “Iron Horse” who played the great baseball movie lines: a record 2,130 consecutive SEE BROWN, PAGE E3 “If you build it, he will come;”

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important sports figure of the 20th century. Harrison Ford gives his greatest performance as Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ general manager who brought Robinson to the major leagues in 1947 as the first African-American to cross baseball’s “color line.” Chadwick Boseman excels as Jackie, and Andre Holland does the same as Wendell Smith, the Pittsburgh Courier sports columnist who helped African-American players cope with life in the big leagues;

8. “Bang the Drum Slowly”

A young Robert DeNiro In this scene from “The Pride of the Yankees,” star Gary Cooper stars as Bruce Pearson in as Lou Gehrig is seen alongside the real Babe Ruth, who porthis sad tale of the last major trayed himself in the 1942 classic baseball film. (METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER)

Brown CONTINUED FROM PAGE E2

games as a slugging first baseman on Yankee powerhouse clubs of the 1920s and ’30s. He finally takes himself out of the lineup on May 2, 1939, because he is losing strength and hurting the ballclub. Later diagnosed as terminally ill with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, he is honored on July 4, 1939, for Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. Cooper recreates Gehrig’s memorable speech: “For the past two weeks, you have been reading about a bad break, yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth;”

5. “A League of Their

Own” A movie of historical significance, as it traces the rise of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell, Madonna and Lori Petty star along with Tom Hanks (now in self-quarantine with the coronavirus). As manager of the Rockford Peaches, Hanks utters the immortal line: “There’s no crying in baseball!”;

A musical version of Doug-

Chadwick Boseman portrayed Jackie Robinson in the movie “42.” (WARNER BROS. PICTURES)

BATTER UP Here’s Garry Brown’s Top 10 baseball movies list: 1: “Fever Pitch” (2005) 2: “Bull Durham” (1988) 3: “Field of Dreams” (1989) 4: “The Pride of the Yankees” (1942) 5: “A League of Their Own” (1992) 6: “Damn Yankees” (1958) 7: “42” (2013) 8: “Bang the Drum Slowly” (1973) 9: “Eight Men Out” (1988) 10: “Moneyball” (2011)

game. We change the game for good.” Wait, there’s more. Here’s my secondary Top 10 of baseball movies: “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings;” “Major League”/ “Major League II;” “Trouble With the Curve;” “The Rookie;” “It Happens Every Spring;” “61;” “The Bad News Bears;” “Cobb;” “The Natural;” and “The Sandlot.” So there you have it. One man’s look at movies about the greatest game ever invented. And never forget . . . there’s no crying in baseball.

league season for a terminally ill backup catcher for the New York Mammoths. Matthew Moriarty also has a starring role as the team’s No. 1 pitcher and Pearson’s best friend. The song, “Streets of Laredo,” captures the movie’s somber which is prevalent in basemessage; ball today. Best line: Beane prophetically saying, “If we Garry Brown can be reached “Eight Men Out” pull this off, we change the at geebrown1918@gmail.com Writer-director John Sayles brings author Eliot Asinof ’s book to the screen in a vivid account of Chicago White Sox players who conspired with gamblers to throw the 1919 World Series. Forever labeled as the “Black Sox,” they were The Broadway musical “Damn acquitted in a court of law, but baseball commissioner Yankees” was brought to the Kenesaw Mountain Landis big screen in 1958 with Tab banned them for life. Terrific Hunter and Gwen Verdon in cast, including D.B. Sweeney starring roles. (WARNER BROS. PICTURES) as Shoeless Joe Jackson, John Cusack as Buck Weaver and las Wollop’s “The Year the Sayles himself as journalist Yankees Lost the Pennant,” Ring Lardner, who helped uncover the plot. Best line (from which, believe it or not, was Buck Weaver to his wife): published in 1954, when the Yankees did lose the pennant “How do I look? I look like a future jailbird.”; and after winning five straight World Series. This Faustian tale stars Tab Hunter, Gwen “Moneyball” Verdon and Ray Walston (as An inside-baseball study Mr. Applegate, the devil himself). Great musical numbers, of the 2002 Oakland A’s and including “You Gotta Have their forward-looking general Heart” and “Shoeless Joe manager, Billy Beane (played from Hannibal, Mo.”; perfectly by Brad Pitt). Beane decides to rely on a stats geek (Jonah Hill) to build a roster Delivery on Saturday, April 11th 10am-2pm or “42” of low-price players, and it pickup on Easter Sunday, April 12th 8am-10am The riveting story of Jackie works, thereby marking the Tax & Delivery not included in prices above. 555 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA Robinson, perhaps the most start of reliance on analytics,

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6. “Damn Yankees”

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Coronavirus songs emerge during crisis

• The Academy of Country Music, which had originally scheduled its awards show for April, has now moved the event to the fall. Hosted by country music superstar Keith Urban, the 55th ACM Awards will take place Sept. 16. Complete details on the 2020 ceremony, including the venue and performers, will be announced. The new date replaces the awards ceremony at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, which was originally slated for April 5. That show date was moved as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ITH MOST OF the country under either a mandated or self-imposed quarantine, musicians have gone online to keep “touch” points intact with a less-distracted, stir-crazy fan-base. Some of the world’s bestknown musicians have even incorporated the COVID-19 crisis into the creative process.

Donnie Moorhouse LiveWire

Neil Diamond has co-opted his own hit “Sweet Caroline” into a song that replaces “touching hands” with “washing hands“ in a recent Twitter post. Liam Gallagher of Oasis fame utilized Instagram to get his pandemic parody across. Jon Bon Jovi is taking a more original slant on the action, asking fans to join him in a collaboration, submitting lyrics to a work entitled “Do What You Can.” “These are trying times we’re going through, uncharted territory, the great unknown,” Bon Jovi said in a video posted on social media.. “But one thing is for sure ... we’re gonna make it through. I did what I do best, which is to sit down with my guitar and try to put something into words for you, to brighten up your day. Here’s my idea: We write this one together.” Bon Jovi is asking fans to submit lyrics, post to their own accounts, and include the hashtag #dowhatyoucan. Liner notes • Gaslight Entertainment, which presents the Westfield Concert Series, has canceled

• Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have announced a show in New Hampshire. The rock duo is set to play Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on July 20 at 8 p.m. Neil Diamond posted a new version of his signature song, Tickets for the show are “Sweet Caroline,” on YouTube Sunday, with lyrics reworked to available through all Ticketreflect the coronavirus pandemic. (LARRY BUSACCA / GETTY IMAGES FOR master outlets and locations SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME) including ticketmaster.com its April and May concerts at our concert series for 2020-21 and by phone at 800-745the Westfield Woman’s Club. that begins in fall. We apolo3000. These shoes include Room- gize to our growing audiences, Benatar and husband Girlaful of Blues (April 24); Adam who made our premier season do have teamed up for some Wakefield (April 25); Closet so rewarding.” of rocks most memorable Carpenters (April 26); Inhits including; “We Belong,” At this time, Roomful of vincible — Tribute to Pat Be- Blues has tentatively been “Invincible,” “Love Is A natar (May 8); and Personal rescheduled for Sept. 18, and Battlefield,” and “Promises Touch (May 10). In The Dark.” They have sold ticket holders for the canceled April show will receive “We regret having to make over 30 million records. this choice,” says Jay Paglui- updated tickets. As other ca, co-producer of the new shows get rescheduled, or for • Amidst a string of show music series, which has been more information, please visit cancellations and postponements, Celtic Woman has producing monthly music westfieldconcerts.com. managed to add a date to its weekends since fall 2019. Patrons with tickets purchased through EventBrite touring itinerary. “To protect our artists, our will be automatically refundThe singing group will peraudiences, and our crew, ed over the course of the next form at Mohegan Sun Arena we will try to reschedule the on March 13, 2021. performers being canceled to few weeks. Money Back Guarantee if not completely satisﬁed

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10 best Kenny Rogers songs By Mikael Wood

Looked back upon now, it also indicates clearly how country music, in many ways a hidebound genre before Rogers emerged, would evolve in his wake.

Los Angeles Times

Kenny Rogers may be best remembered for introducing a global pop audience to the homespun charms of country music. But his work as an ambassador didn’t open just his listeners’ ears: Perhaps more than any other Nashville act of his generation, Rogers, who died Friday at age 81, dabbled freely in other sounds and styles; his long and varied catalog, with its many collaborations, is a testament to both his musical curiosity and his keen commercial sense. Looked back upon now, it also indicates clearly how country music, in many ways a hidebound genre before Rogers emerged, would evolve in his wake. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame who scored 21 No. 1 country hits (and topped the Hot 100 twice), Rogers understood that a sturdy persona and an unchanging look — and, of course, a warmly reassuring voice with just the right amount of grown-up sex appeal — could provide a kind of continuity that allowed him to experiment without alienating his core fans. Today, we’d call that continuity a savvy approach to branding, and indeed Rogers parlayed his musical stardom into successful sidelines as an actor and an entrepreneur with his own chain of rotisserie-chicken restaurants. Yet it was his music in the ’70s and ’80s that made Rogers a crucial bridge between country’s origins and its arrival as a true pop force in the ’90s. Here are 10 of Rogers’ most enduring songs, listed in chronological order.

1. “Just Dropped In (To See

3. “Lucille” (1977)

Another finely observed narrative ballad, this one featuring Rogers as the man with whom a married woman is carrying on, the singer’s first big solo hit also won him his first of three Grammy Awards.

4. “The Gambler” (1978)

Rogers’ signature song sets a poker player’s hard-won wisdom — “You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ’em” — over an easygoing country groove that helped him do what neither Bobby Bare nor Johnny Cash could do with the tune: top Billboard’s country chart.

6. “Lady” (1980)

Written and produced by Lionel Richie, the silky, sensual “Lady” blurred the line between country music and R&B decades before the age of Sam Hunt and RMR.

7. “We’ve Got Tonight”

(1983) Rogers’ raspy voice made him a natural fit to cover Bob Seger’s late-’70s power ballad. But doing the song as a duet with Sheena Easton added a layer of adult-contemporary polish that drew fans from beyond country and rock.

“Islands in the Stream” (1983) Rogers’ smash duet with “Coward of the Dolly Parton — a shimmerCounty” (1979) ing studio creation of the As with most of his songs, Bee Gees, whose trademark Rogers didn’t write this chilling tight harmonies are evident

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Kenny Rogers performs during the 50th anniversary show from the studios of Voice of America on June 19, 2015, in Washington, D.C. (MARK REINSTEIN / ZUMA PRESS / TNS)

throughout — led to additional singles and a concert tour by the duo, as well as a joint Christmas album and accompanying TV special. In 1998, producer Wyclef Jean remade “Islands in the Stream” as “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)” for his Fugees bandmate Pras Michel.

“What About Me?” (1984) Credit the presence of the great James Ingram (who died last year) for pushing Rogers

toward one of his most soulful vocals in this three-way slow jam, which also features Kim Carnes and was co-written by Richard Marx.

10. “Make No Mistake,

She’s Mine” (1987) A gender-flipped take on Carnes’ and Barbra Streisand’s duet from just a few years before, “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine” paired Rogers with Ronnie Milsap for a tale of two smooth-talkers competing for the same woman’s affection.

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What Condition My Condition Was In)” (1967) Before he found stardom in Nashville — and after earlier forays into doo-wop, jazz and folk music — Rogers made the Top 10 as lead singer of the First Edition with this tidy blast of pop psychedelia.

account of a bullied young man taking revenge on three Love to Town” (1969) brothers after they rape the Rogers had moved the First man’s girlfriend. (It’s credited Edition toward country music to Roger Bowling and Billy Edd by the time of this vivid story Wheeler.) But Rogers’ intimate song (written by Mel Tillis), in vocal performance is a fine exwhich the singer portrays a par- ample of the empathy he found alyzed Vietnam veteran whose in interpretation. wife is stepping out on him.

2. “Ruby, Don’t Take Your

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Restaurants rethink to-go menus, more Candle in Bernardston is encouraging those in the industry to reconnect, reengage and rejuvenate themselves during this necessary hiatus. On its website, the Farm Table remained upbeat, saying, “Stay tuned for updates. We look forward as soon as we can to greeting you with the decks in full swing and the bounty of the Pioneer Valley on your plates.”

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Off The Menu

S THE SITUATION WITH COVID-19 continues to evolve, for those in the restaurant industry one thing has become abundantly clear: The coming weeks and months are going to pose business challenges that most owners and chefs never imagined they would have to face. Independent operators are, in particular, finding it difficult to decide exactly what to do as they are confronted with public health mandates that drastically restrict their ability to do

Panjabi Tadka restaurant on Main Street in downtown Springfield promotes its take-out only service. Gov. Charlie Baker ordered all restaurants to only offer take-out and delivery amid the COVID-19 coronavirus public health crisis. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

business as normal. Most who own restaurants seem, for now, to be trying to stay open in some fashion, but some have already opted to do otherwise. On March 15, the Alvah Stone in Montague announced it

was suspending operations, citing the moral and ethical obligations it feels in the light of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Also announcing it istemporarily closed, the Farm Table at Kringle

With pick-up and delivery the only options currently permitted, most operators are trying to develop strategies built around such services. With pick-up and delivery the only options currently permitted, most operators are trying to develop strategies built around such services, a task that requires rethinking menus offerings and the operational techniques takeout service involves.

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Opportunity to sample and savor

HAT DO TOILET paper, bread, hot dogs and wine have in common? They’re all flying off the shelves in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. OK, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. There’s still plenty of wine to be found in stores in Western Massachusetts and throughout the country. Wine sales have been strong ever since people began stock-

ing up on items for when they are staying at home and while bars, restaurants and other businesses are closed during the outbreak. “Sales have been good, stronger than normal for this season,” Jim Nejaime, owner of Spirited Wines in Lenox (spirited-wines.com), said Friday. “Of course, due to folks stocking in, since many more are spending much more time at home, not able to go out to dine, etc.” Nejaime notes that the

Ken Ross Wine Press

coronavirus has resulted in “lost social opportunities for folks getting together however, means less consumption than

SEE WINE, PAGE E8

Table & Vine in West Springfield is one of the area beer, wine and liquor retailers that is remaining open. As of Monday, Table & Vine had adjusted its hours to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Customers are advised to call or go online to their retailers to confirm hours and services available. (THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

Craft breweries need support

extra efforts in all areas of life. And this one seems pretty easy, comparatively. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild sent me a list last week of Massachusetts breweries who are doing this. You can find that list online at massbrewersguild.org/ news. You might note that there George Lenker is one very conspicuous Beer Nut absence on the list – the Northampton Brewery, New distributors because they England’s oldest continually need to work as well.) operating craft brewery. In But for smaller breweries an unfortunate bit of timing, working on a tight margin, or the brewery just replaced its for situations where a craft entire brewing system over brewery can only get one or the past few months and it two of its beers into stores was just gearing up to start (and this is the majority of brewing again. So it doesn’t them), selling their beers in- have any of its own beer to house makes more sense and sell by can currently. Head helps them stay afloat. brewer Donald Pacher told So during this crisis, many me he is hoping to be brewcraft brewers are trying to get ing soon and have cans to go by the beginning of April. consumers to come to their So if you are venturing out breweries and buy their beer for groceries and beer, be there. I encourage this, of safe and support your local course. businesses, including brewI realize that you aren’t going to get a wide variety of eries. brands by going to one brewery, and it’s a bit more work George Lenker’s Beer Nut to go to several if you want column appears weekly in The that kind of variety, but we Republican’s Weekend section. are living in a bizarre time He may be reached by email to where we all need to make geolenker@yahoo.com.

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REALIZE THAT MOST of you read this column as a distraction from the heavier parts of life. Beer is supposed to be for relaxing, having fun and fostering community. So I promise I will try not to make (too many) columns about the pandemic threat we are facing right now, but this week I feel compelled to mention it. I feel I am doing it in a way that is helpful to the craft beer community. Beyond the serious health-related threat (which is the most important one) the COVID-19 coronavirus poses to the world, it also has had a trickle-down effect on many other facets of our lives, from socializing to conducting business to some people’s ability to earn a living. It’s this last one that I’m addressing today. While liquor stores remain open and brewers can sell their beer at those outlets, smaller breweries might not have it as easy because there is only so much shelf space at package stores. Also, the profit margin is smaller for breweries when they have to go retail. (And I’m certainly not trying to take business away from liquor stores or

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Wine

weeks each year at wine stores nationwide. The coronavirus has also CONTINUED FROM PAGE E7 affected wine stores in other if they could gather. So reduced ways. Some stores are taking sales there.” drastic measures to protect the Staff at other area wine health and well-being of the stores had similar stories. One public. wine clerk who declined to be At Provisions in Northampton identified told me that sales (provisionswines.com), the had skyrocketed ever since the wine store on Crafts Avenue announced on March 17 that it was coronavirus started forcing “foregoing in-store shopping people to remain at home in completely for the time being order to avoid contracting or and will now offer curbside spreading the virus. “It’s been like Christmas pick-up and home delivery week,” an employee told me, ONLY,” according to an email referring to one of the busiest sent to customers on March 17.

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Provisions was also encouraging “customers to call in orders and pay over the phone rather than enter the store.” In addition, Provisions is now offering home delivery for the first time on orders over $30. “In addition to curbside pickup, we encourage customers to take advantage of our new home delivery option, available for any products we have in stock,” according to Provisions’ email to customers. At Spirited, the store is also offering the option of allowing customers to pick up their wine outside the store or have their wine delivered to their house. “To serve our clients and in order to minimize social contact, we are offering a new curbside service option, although all are welcome to come in to our sanitized shop,” according to an email Spirited sent to customers on March 16. “Many more are stocking in larger quantities, and requesting ‘drop on their porch’ deliveries and our offer of curbside service,” Nejaime said, adding

that many customers are “ordering online or by phone, calling when they pull up, and we load into their open trunk. A wave replacing former handshakes and hugs.” Other stores have made other changes due to the pandemic. Table & Vine in West Springfield adjusted its hours to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. And like many stores, all wine tastings have been postponed at Table & Vine “for the safety of our customers, vendors and staff,” according to Table & Vine’s website, tableandvine.com. So what wines are people stocking up on during the pandemic? Reds? Whites? Wines from certain regions? Less expensive ones? More expensive? Larger bottles? “People buying mostly in the $ 12 to $ 25 bottle range, both reds and whites,” Nejaime said. “Not much bubbly… folks not celebrating much. Expensive offerings are being

‘passed’ on by some buyers, due to the obvious concerns of the market and life in general. Other buyers, however, have a carpe diem attitude. They’re buying expensive products and feeling like they should enjoy the best they can afford, while they can.” Nejaime added, “We are thankful for the opportunity to still provide those housebound and otherwise, with fine wines, brews, spirits and foods, in as antiseptic a delivery method as possible. We hope they continue to allow us the opportunity to provide them with these special, life enhancing products.” Cheers! Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s weekend section every Thursday. Editor’s note: Retail grocery and liquor stores remain open, classified as essential services under the latest order by Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday morning. Check with your retailers for updated hours and services available.

We Care About Our Customers The Frigo’s family, is just that — a family made up of associates and the community we serve. The health, safety and overall wellbeing of our family, and yours, is always our top priority. With this in mind, we have made it that Frigo’s Gourmet Foods is readily more accessible to you. We are accepting order for: Curbside pickup and local delivery only. Credit Cards are preferred so as to minimize cash handling. Delivery $65 or more. After 2pm.

We have ready made meals and grab & go selections. Order online or call our stores.

90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400

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Menu CONTINUED FROM PAGE E6

The major chains are finding the situation just as challenging as the independents, with Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson announcing that complete store closures would only be “a last resort.” Instead, the coffee-shop giant is putting into place strategies that might include mobile-only ordering or limiting operations to just drive-thru. Third-party delivery services are also retooling to meet the public health challenge. In order to encourage business from independent restaurants, GrubHub has temporary suspended commission payments from impacted restaurant, fees that can be as high as 30% of the delivery order check. It’s an initiative that will offer a badly needed cash flow boost to the restaurants affected. To offer support to those who might be sheltering in place and need to cook for themselves, Rouxbe, the online culinary school, is offering free, 30-day memberships that give individuals complete access to 75 lessons and 13 full culinary courses. No credit card is required to get started. Rouxbe can be found online at rouxbe. com/individual-training. One positive that’s emerged over the last several weeks is a greater realization that having sick leave available has to become the norm for every food service worker. Major chains such as McDonald’s and Olive Garden have already stepped up and are offering such leave to those impacted by COVID-19. Let’s hope that when this crisis passes sick leave becomes an employment benefit for chefs, waiters and hourly restaurant workers of all sorts. “Working sick” should never be an economic necessity for those who prepare and serve food to the dining out public.

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numbers, the impact of Panera Bread’s unlimited coffee and tea subscription program will be carefully assessed by the industry when normalcy returns. The program, which was announced in late February, is available to those who are enrolled in MyPanera rewards. For an $8.99 per month subscription fee, users can order an unlimited number of coffee, iced coffee, and tea drinks (each with refills when available) once every two hours throughout the month. The deal applies regardless of whether the beverage is consumed on-site, as take-out or, where applicable, delivered. The chain has launched the program with the hopes it will bring in customers and Most fast-food restaurants, like this McDonald’s, are doing drive-thru and online order pick-ups increase visit frequency, esonly due to the COVID-19 coronavirus. McDonald’s is also introducing the Double Big Mac, a pecially in the morning hours. super-sized version of its iconic three-layered Big Mac sandwich, and a Little Mac, according to Panera has also “upgraded” its Off the Menu columnist Hugh Robert. (ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO) coffee program, using better quality beans in its blends and Both sandwiches are limited providing plant-based milk One positive that’s emerged over the last alternatives at no additional time only offerings. several weeks is a greater realization that charge to those requesting Taco Bell’s new-to-market having sick leave available has to become the introduction is the Triplelupa. them in a drink. Customer sign-up for the Featuring Taco Bell’s “longest norm for every food service worker. Major shell ever,” the Tex-Mex hand- coffee and tea subscription chains such as McDonald’s and Olive Garden held is actually three small program can be done online at have already stepped up and are offering the Panera website. tacos linked together. Each part of the Triplelupa is filled such leave to those impacted by COVID-19. Hugh Robert is a faculty memwith seasoned beef, grated McDonald’s has introduced The price for the Double Big cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, ber in Holyoke Community Colthe Double Big Mac, a suMac will vary according to but differs as to the sauce used lege’s hospitality and culinary per-sized version of its iconic participating franchisees but to finish it. Individual compo- arts program and has nearly 45 nent fold-up in the Triplelupa years of restaurant and educathree-layered Big Mac sandis expected to be between $5 wich. The Double Big Mac is tional experience. Please send can be broken off for ease of and $6. items of interest to Off the Menu, assembled in the same manenjoyment. Also in the product promoner as the original with the tion pipeline is a Little Mac, a The Republican, 1860 Main St., The suggested menu price Springfield, MA 01103; Robert exception that double-stacked single-patty sandwich served for a Triplelupa is $3.49. can also be reached by email to patties are used where “sinon a Big Mac bun-and-garnish While events in the near gles” would otherwise be. setup. term are likely to confound the OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.

Open for take-out info@ calswoodfiredgrill.com phone: 413-827-9353

fax: 413-734-6022 1068 Riverdale St. • West Springfield, MA calswoodfiredgrill.com

3129647-01

Side dishes Despite all the disruption surrounding the industry, menu innovation continues apace as two big quick-service restaurant players, McDonald’s and Taco Bell, promote new product variations.

WEEKEND

E10 | THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020

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VIDEO GAME REVIEW

‘Warzone’ builds on battle royale greats, adds twists First cut of ‘Call of Duty’ edition is stunning By Mike Hume

Washington Post

can stash your cash via balloon multiplayer mode. The biggest drops and helicopter pickups, difference with “Warzone” is that it adds layers of decithe latter method almost always leads to a jaw-clenching sion-making and scale to the Developers: Infinity Ward, firefight with nearby teams. core kill-or-be-killed dynamRaven Software ics of “Modern Warfare.” In The mode provides a nice Publisher: Activision this case, bigger definitely is respite from the battle royale Platform: Microsoft Winbetter. It also feels sturdy so and is so enjoyable I could see dows, PlayStation 4, Xbox far — unlike, say, “PUBG” — some players preferring it as One with few glitches witnessed their main mode. The best part of “Warzone,” for all its elaborateness. Some money, you can still rank up infrequent lagging on two across both battle royale and your guns over time.) Plunder, is that it plays almost occasions was the only real Battle royale fans shouldn’t exactly like “Modern Warfare” bug I saw in the game’s first have any problem grinding to week-plus. (which The Washington Post There are shortcomings with upgrade loadouts, given that in October dubbed the best “Warzone,” but they are few. It “Warzone’s” replay value is so “Call of Duty” installment is difficult to keep track of the high thanks to its unique feain years). The gun play is tures. The ability for players to identical to “Modern Waraction. While a feed on the left pick up contracts adds exciting fare’s” multiplayer modes, a side of the screen lists players departure from the previous minigames throughout each leaving the game (why do we “Call of Duty” battle royale, round as teams look to find need to know this?), it does “Blackout,” which felt very specially marked loot chests, not show when an opposing SEE VIDEO GAME, PAGE E11 different from “Black Ops 4’s” secure a specific location or hunt down opposing players marked by a bounty (and occasionally protecting one of their own, similarly targeted teammates). A massive map accommodates 150 players, more than other battle royale titles on the market. The playable terrain varies from open fields to snow-covered peaks, farmland to urban high-rises, allowing for a wide array for combat styles. (Be sure to check out ACROSS FROM THE BEACH - the beautifully rendered THE VILLAGE GREEN. Rates from $60 canyon near the top right of the map.) Vehicles, ranging - $85 to 5/23/20 (excluding holidays, from quads to dune buggies some restrictions apply). 3 Night Special to helicopters, can be found at off season starting from $140 all week. various points, helping players Ocean views and efﬁciencies available. rapidly cover the game’s expansive landscape. FREE continental breakfast in season. For as grand and nuanced All rooms have refrigerators and as “Warzone’s” battle royale cable TV. Heated outdoor pool. Take mode is, it does not feel overchildren to the beachside playground. whelming, nor does it drag on endlessly. Rounds take Close to several golf courses, tennis about 20-30 minutes from first courts, whale watch cruises, ferries dropping in to the final circle, to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and always last at least a few minutes given the opportunity restaurants, shops, bike trails and many to fight in the Gulag. more of the Cape’s unique attractions. Longer still are rounds 10% Senior Discount. South Shore of Plunder, a second mode Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664. offered in “Warzone.” In this mode, which features unlim1-800-487-4903. www.vgreenmotel.com. ited respawns, players try to snatch up cash to become the first team to reach $1 million, looting chests and money dropped by killed players. You

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In what has rapidly become a crowded battle royale market, “Call of Duty: Warzone” stands out. Players get all of the “traditional” aspects of a battle royale alongside revolutionary new dynamics that only elevate that experience. It starts with the game’s incorporation of some of the best aesthetic and quality of life features of the biggest battle royale titles, including the quick and easy loot pickup from “Fortnite,” the weapon and ammo management of “Apex Legends” and the real-world aesthetics of “PUBG.” But crucially, it enhances everything with the introduction of original features such as the adrenaline-boosting second-chance dynamic, a varied and expansive map and the ability to accommodate 150 players at a time. Start with the new elements it introduces to the battle royale scene. For most fallen players, “Warzone” guarantees a second chance — and the possibility of even getting a third or fourth. This means more time playing and less time spectating or waiting for the next game to begin. The fact that the second chance is earned by winning a oneon-one round of Gunfight, the best mode introduced by 2019’s “Modern Warfare,” is even better. No longer are you forced to rely on the merits of your squadmates to bring you to a respawn beacon (as in “Fortnite” and “Apex Legends”). Now you can do it yourself by beating another fallen player in the Gulag while others watch you from above (and try to pelt you with rocks). Fail at that and your team can pay for your return if they can scrounge up enough cash scattered around the map, and make their way to a Buy Station. The money can be

used for other things, such as a self-revive kit (another way to avoid death), or killstreaks that rain punishment from the skies. They can purchase ammunition or even splurge to secure a full loadout of personalized weapons, equipment and perks (“Call of Duty’s” equivalent of the passive abilities you’ll find in “Apex Legends”). The loadout element also shows how smartly the game was implemented, brought to market both as a new mode playable in 2019’s “Modern Warfare” and a free-to-play stand-alone game. “Modern Warfare” players have spent nearly six months grinding to improve their weapons, unlocking new attachments to make them more accurate and powerful. Accessing those weapons in the battle royale mode is a big advantage. Freegame players don’t have that benefit from the drop, rewarding players who both spent money on “Modern Warfare” and time in that game ranking up. In the other battle royales, the only thing you can really tinker with is the skins or accessories on your character, adding another layer of thought to “Warzone.” The ability to bring personalized loadouts into “Warzone’s” battle royale mode also adds more value to the battle pass, which likewise is linked between “Warzone” and “Modern Warfare.” New players coming to “Warzone” would normally have to rely upon finding the limited types of weapons scattered across the map, since their loadouts would primarily consist only of low-level weapons. The battle pass, available for $10, pays for the next season’s pass if you complete most of the 100 tiers and includes weapon blueprints that come equipped with a variety of attachments. By adding those guns to a loadout, new players can upgrade their firepower a little quicker, another nice wrinkle you won’t find in the cosmetic-only “Fortnite Battlepass.” (And if you don’t want to spend the

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 | E11

DVD RELEASES

‘1917’ stunning World War I story By Katie Foran-McHale

making the film appear to be one continuous shot, giving Stuck at home? Take a break it an immersive, often video from pandemic news and lose gamelike feel (the movie won yourself in an immersive, Os- best cinematography, visual car-winning war movie in this effects and sound mixing at week’s top DVD picks. this year’s Academy Awards). “1917”: Two young British “The film is a stunning feat soldiers fighting in World of cinematography, production design and performance War I, Lance Cpl. Blake moving seamlessly as one (Dean-Charles Chapman) piece,” wrote Tribune News and Lance Cpl. Schofield (George MacKay), are sent on Service’s Katie Walsh in her an deathly dangerous mission: review. “The camera is almost a spectral presence, floating to cross behind enemy lines across muddy craters filled and deliver the message that with bodily decay, circling the Germans, thought to be around characters to reveal retreating, will overwhelm 1,600 men planning to attack. their spatial relationship to Among them is Blake’s broth- one another, winding its way er, and the attack must be through crowds of young stopped. soldiers sharing a moment of The cast is commanding peace in the woods. At first the with Chapman and MacKay camera follows our pair, but at the helm (not to mention in the last act, it tends to lead great cameos by Colin Firth, our young messenger on the Benedict Cumberbatch and journey’s final leg, as he pushAndrew Scott, to name a few). es through soldiers lining a Chapman gives Blake playful white-walled trench and bolts down a battlefield littered with charisma and a heartbreaking dedication to his mission bombs.” and brother, while MacKay Also new on DVD instills quiet power in his “Clemency”: A prison waremotive expressions. And the den (Alfre Woodard) grapples story is compelling, based on with the consequences of fragments of a real-life war carrying out executions. story of writer-director Sam “The Grudge”: After a Mendes’ grandfather. But cinematographer Roger series of killings in a haunted Deakins steals the show with house, a detective (Andrea his technical wizardry of Riseborough) investigates as Tribune News Service

Video game

me later what I unlocked. The game also needs to introduce more options for party CONTINUED FROM PAGE E10 play. (It launched only with player is downed or eliminattrios and introduced solo play ed unless you downed them. a week later.) Most “Blackout” Combined with self-revives, players rolled in squads of four that can allow some downed players, so there are a number players to elude elimination of “Call of Duty” regulars and surprise would-be victors. who keep coming up with an On a similar note, in-game odd-person out in these early notifications for awards or “Warzone” matches. But why unlocks are distracting and stop at four? Given the scale of crowd the screen, occasionally the game and its 150 players, mid-firefight. I don’t care that that pool divides just as evenly I just killed five players in a by five as it does by three. The drop-in dynamic is also row if I need to kill a sixth. Tell

George MacKay, center, in a scene from “1917,” directed by Sam Mendes. (FRANÇOIS DUHAMEL / UNIVERSAL PICTURES)

the curse continues. “The Song of Names”: Years after his adopted violinist brother disappears, a man encounters a young musician who shares a remarkably similar style. Tim Roth and Clive Owen star. “Treadstone: Season One”: The USA Network drama follows a black-ops program in the Jason Bourne universe. Out on Digital HD “Birds of Prey”: Reeling from her breakup with the Joker, Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) teams up with three women to take down the evil Black Mask, among others. Costars include Rosie Perez,

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Ewan McGregor. Available on DVD and Blu-ray in May. “Cunningham”: Documentary follows the life of legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham. “Dolittle”: A quirky doctor who talks with animals (Robert Downey Jr.) races to help save Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) from a serious illness. Look for it on DVD and Blu-ray April 7. “The Gentlemen”: An expat in London (Matthew McConaughey) faces layers of schemes while attempting to sell off his weed business. “Hunter’s Moon”: A sheriff (Thomas Jane) meets a malev-

olent force after responding to an attack on a trio of teenage girls. “Just Mercy”: Based on a true story, a young defense attorney (Michael B. Jordan) helps Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx) appeal his murder conviction. Out on Digital HD on Friday “Banana Split”: The summer after her high school graduation, a newly single girl (Hannah Marks) befriends her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend (Liana Liberato). “Vivarium”: A young couple gets trapped in a maze of a homogeneous suburban development. Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg star.

“Blackout’s” biggest shortcoming was its almost nonexistent changes to the map. Apex took similar heat before it introduced changes after several months of complaints. worth reevaluating. While the These are minor quibbles in There is potential already ability to parachute, cut your what is a massively enjoyrealized in “Warzone,” but ’chute to accelerate and rede- able game. What ultimately long-term success for battle ploy another to slow your fall will determine “Warzone’s” royale titles requires ongoing is fine, it isn’t as enjoyable as long-term endurance will care and support. That’s how the wingsuit deployments of be the support the game Epic has maintained “Fortnite’s” lead over its other “Blackout.” A hybrid, in which receives from Infinity Ward. competitors. If Infinity Ward players can deploy a paraThe current Verdansk map is chute in addition to gliding in wonderful. It will eventually supplies that to “Warzone,” a wingsuit, would be pretty grow old for players dropping this battle royale could be the cool. in hundreds of times a month. best of the bunch.

The biggest difference with “Warzone” is that it adds layers of decision-making and scale to the core kill-or-be-killed dynamics of “Modern Warfare.”

E12 | THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020

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