Weekend - November 12, 2020

For the most up-to-date listing of events, go online to masslive.com/entertainment

Weekend

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LIVEWIRE: Liam Gallagher to perform on floating barge, E4 OFF THE MENU: Thanksgiving meals-to-go gaining in popularity, E8 BEER NUT: Moe’s Tavern in Lee gets a makeover, E10

PLUS

Home schooling

6 outstanding California merlot wines, E10

Family event among upcoming offerings at Old Sturbridge Village, Page E2

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WEEKEND

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While buildings are currently closed at Old Sturbridge Village, visitors can still experience life in the 1830s with a variety of demonstrations, including blacksmithing and cooking, and talks with costumed historians. (OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)

ON THE COVER

Home-school at Old Sturbridge Village Family event among upcoming offerings at living history museum

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By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

isitors can still experience life in the 1830s at Old Sturbridge Village, but in a slightly different manner to immerse yourself in the Village since its many buildings are closed due to the 21st century coronavirus.

Tomorrow the Sturbridge living history museum will offer families an opportunity to explore the Village and participate in activities as part of Home School Day. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’ve been offering Home School Days for many years and it has quite a robust home school audience, which has only become bigger during the pandemic with virtual learning and more parents homeschooling their children,” said Liz O’Grady, coordinator of Museum Education at Old Sturbridge Village.

“The original idea for the program was to give those home-schooled students a field trip experience and to participate in hands-on activities, as well as for home school families to meet and

socialize among one another,” she added.

O’Grady said with many of the event’s programs being hands-on, holding the event in the midst of COVID-19 would be a challenge.

“So we tried a virtual Home School Day, which was somewhat popular, but learned in the process that some were experiencing ‘virtual learning burnout’ and wanted to do things away from home,” O’Grady said.

Among the events still open, which require advance registration, are: • “Look What I Did with a Leaf!”: Participants will read the story “Look What I Did with a Leaf!” and after will go on a leaf hunt before making leaf rubbings and animals out of leaves.

• Writing Letters, 1830s Style: Keeping in touch with

Home School Day will feature live demonstrations, outdoor activities, as well as in-person programs with Old Sturbridge Village’s knowledgeable staff. (OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)

friends and family is very important during the current challenging times. Participants will listen to some examples of letters from OSV’s collection and discuss what they hear. Also, participants will practice their best handwriting to compose a letter to a friend or loved one. Then, OSV will mail the letters.

• Group Mural: After a brief tour of the buildings on the Common and some discussion of 1830s’ architecture, participants will

sketch detailed drawings of the Center Village buildings, then attach them to a group mural.

All events are limited to 10 students due to restrictions on group size, and will take place outside to allow for social distancing, weather permitting. All visitors are required to wear masks.

Other activities participants can see, with no registration required, while in the Village during the day include

SEE VILLAGE, PAGE E3

“COVID has presented us with a challenge to think and work hard on planning activities for adults and children that are exciting, but not necessarily handson, that could take place outdoors.”

Liz O’Grady, coordinator of Museum Education at Old Sturbridge Village

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WEEKEND

Other activities participants can see, with no registration required, while in the Village during the day include butchering at Freeman Farm, preparing for Thanksgiving at the Fitch House, milking demonstrations, scavenger hunts, kid-friendly performances, fire balloon launches on the Common, and more.

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DVD RELEASES

‘Schitt’s Creek’ is show we all need right now

By Katie Foran-McHale

Tribune News Service

Visitors watch a live demonstration at Old Sturbridge Village. (OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)

Village CONTINUED FROM PAGE E2

Event: Home School Day Where: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge When: Tomorrow from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Activity times vary; pre-registration is required.

Admission: $28 adults, $26 seniors 55 and over, $14 college students with a valid college ID. Up to three children 17 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult paying full admission through Nov. 28. All visitors and members are required to purchase and/or reserve tickets online.

More information: osv.org

from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 for daytime visits. Its special evening Christmas program, OSV’s next major event known as Christmas by Candlelight, runs Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 23, and 27-30.

As part of the holiday program— tickets for members are on sale now and will b available to the general public on Nov. 17 — visitors can enjoy an array of outdoor activities including strolling from the Common to the country side and experiencing the Village’s decorated houses, Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Wish Bridge.

Visitors can also watch as villagers work on a sleigh, see how to cook a holiday

meal 1830s style, and fire their kiln.

Daytime admission is $28 for adults, $26 for seniors 55 and over, and $14 for college students with a valid college ID. Up to three kids 17 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult paying full admission through Nov 28, due to the generosity of sponsor Country Bank. Children age 3 and under are free.

To manage capacity in accordance with Massachusetts reopening guidelines, all visitors must purchase or reserve tickets in advance.

For more information, to purchase tickets and register for events, visit osv.org.

Also on DVD “Bill & Ted Face the Music”: The infamous best friends (Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter) travel through time to cheat their way out of having to write a universe-saving song.

“A Rainy Day in New York”: A young couple’s (Timothee Chalamet and Elle Fanning) romantic weekend in the city is thwarted by forces pulling them apart.

“Dark Figures”: Hikers in Arizona encounter an evil spirit and its followers. Stars Kelly McCart, Shelby Lyn, Dan Nufer.

“Guest House”: A couple (Mike Castle and Aimee Teegarden) is unpleasantly surprised to find an obnoxious partier (Pauly Shore) as a resident on their dream home’s property.

“I Met a Girl”: A musician (Brenton Thwaites) sets off to SEE DVD, PAGE E7

ALWAYS HIGH PRICES PAID.

63 Cabot Street, Chicopee Center (413) 592-0220

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butchering at Freeman Farm, preparing for Thanksgiving at the Fitch House, milking demonstrations, scavenger hunts, kid-friendly performances, fire balloon launches on the Common, and more.

While buildings are currently closed at OSV, guests can also watch a variety of demonstrations and talk with costumed historians outdoors.

“COVID has presented us with a challenge to think and work hard on planning activities for adults and children that are exciting, but not necessarily hands-on, that could take place outdoors,” O’Grady said.

O’Grady said the hope is that during the cold winter months to offer a few additional Home School Days targeted to home-schoolers, including a special cooking program.

OSV is open Friday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Nov. 28. It is closed

IF YOU GO

A beloved sitcom following a family adapting to change in isolation tops the new DVD releases for this week.

“Schitt’s Creek Complete Collection”: This year’s Emmys offered a well-earned victory in a tough year. Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek” won a total of nine awards, completely sweeping the comedy category, from outstanding comedy series to acting wins

by Eugene Levy’s no-nonsense Johnny Rose, Catherine O’Hara’s whimsically wacky Moira Rose, Daniel Levy’s ostentatious David and Annie Murphy’s vapid but lovable Alexis.

Created by Daniel and Eugene Levy, the peak comfort TV series could have plateaued as a selfish once-rich family struggling in smalltown life, as the Roses lose their fortune and are forced to move to the titular town Johnny once bought as a joke.

But as vile as the family comes across in the beginning of the series, its heartbeat grows as the characters mature and find their voices.

The delightfully outlandish performances (not to mention the wardrobe and wigs) give the series stakes in otherwise everyday situations, grounded by an equally wonder-

ful supporting cast (Emily Hampshire’s sardonic motel clerk Stevie, Jennifer Robertson’s sweet-natured Jocelyn and Sarah Levy’s tragically cheerful Twyla just some of the best). A family thrown into chaos and not only growing from it, but developing a community through eventual empathy? It’s a perfect, timely binge, absurdities and all.

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MUSIC

Liam Gallagher to perform on floating barge

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IAM GALLAGHER has partnered with Live Nation UK to offer up a unique livestream

event.

In the interests of social distancing — at least for the artist — Gallagher will be performing on a barge as it floats down the River Thames in London.

“Down By The River Thames” will feature Gallagher accompanied by his full band. The set will be recorded and streamed through the interactive site MelodyVR, which will allow fans to choose different “immersive” camera angles throughout the event.

The concert will be livestreamed on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. and tickets are available beginning tomorrow at 4 a.m. through all Ticketmaster out- British singer Liam Gallagher will be performing on a barge as lets and locations including it floats down the River Thames in London during a livestream ticketmaster.com. concert on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. (GEORG HOCHMUTH / APA / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES) Gallagher, along with his brother Noah, founded the successful country music acts influential rock band Oasis. in history with The Judds.

The group split in 2009 as the The group won five Grammy relationship between the two Awards and eight CMAs before brothers soured.

“The show will include iconic disbanding in 1991. songs, fan favorites and a few Wynonna’s successful solo surprises, spanning both his career has produced three all-conquering solo career and platinum-selling albums. She his legendary time with Oasis will be performing acoustically — some of which he hasn’t for this event. performed in years,” read Donnie Moorhouse an announcement from Live • Willie Nile has a new date LiveWire Nation UK. for his scuttled Gateway City Arts show.

Liner notes The rocker was scheduled • Pop star Halsey has Grammy nomination for best to play the Holyoke venue backed up the release of a new pop duo/group performance yesterday before COVID-19 album in 2020 with a book of for her collaboration with The restrictions canceled most live poetry.

Chainsmokers on the song events in 2020.

“I Would Leave Me If I “Closer.”

Nile will now arrive at the Could,” a collection of poems, venue for a Nov. 13, 2021, performance. was due out Tuesday.

• Wynonna Judd has Halsey released her new Tickets purchased for the joined the virtual concert craze recording “Manic“ in Januoriginal date will be honored. caused by COVID-19 and will ary. Her planned tour, which Nile is no stranger to the broadcast a show tomorrow. included a stop at the Xfinity “Wynonna Judd: Unplugged region having performed multiple times at the Iron Horse Center in Mansfield, was post- in the Music City Wine Garponed due to COVID-19. The den,” will air at 6:30 p.m.

Music Hall in Northampton, show is now scheduled to take Tickets are available through Theodores’ in downtown place on July 14, 2021. her website at wynonna.com. Springfield, and the now-deTickets purchased for the funct CityBlock series in SteaJudd recently released her original date will be honored rns Square. latest recording “Recollecand ticket information is avail- tions.”

The gifted songwriter has able at ticketmaster.com.

Wynonna and her mother achieved critical acclaim In 2016, Halsey earned a Naomi formed one of the most for original recordings such

as “American Ride,” which earned an Independent Music Award for best rock album and “Positively Bob – Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan.”

• Method Man and Redman have a new date for the Palladium.

The show was originally scheduled for Oct. 10 but postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The pair will now play the Worcester venue on March 20 at 7 p.m.

It is an all-ages shows.

Tickets purchased for the original date will be honored and ticket information is available through thepalladium. net.

Method Man from Wu Tang Clan and Redman of Def Squad have been working together since 1994.

They released their first fulllength recording, “Blackout,” in 1999.

• Rod Stewart’s planned summer tour with Cheap Trick, scrapped due to COVID-19, is being resurrected for next summer albeit without the opening act.

Stewart will go it alone on his North American jaunt and has new dates for Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, and the Xfinity Center in Mansfield.

The rocker will play the

casino on Aug. 7, 2021, after stopping at the Xfinity Center on July 30.

Tickets purchased for the original dates will be honored.

Stewart, who turned 75 this year, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide and is best known for the hits “The Killing of Georgie,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim),” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”

“Young Turks,” “Forever Young,” “Hot Legs,” “Infatuation” and “Maggie May.” • A new batch of dates have come in for Thomas Rhett’s postponed summer tour.

The “Center Point Road” tour has been resurrected for 2021 with dates in New England.

As previously reported, Rhett will play Xfinity Theatre in Hartford on Aug. 21. He has also found room to reschedule his stop at Darlingside Pavilion in Bangor, Maine.

That show is scheduled for Aug. 20 .

Tickets for the original dates will be honored and ticket information is available through ticketmaster.com.

Rhett has landed 14 No. 1 country singles of his own while also writing for other country acts like Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. His latest release is called “Center Point Road.”

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | E5

MUSIC

Classical music streams on tap for November Jennifer Koh among online performances

her digital residency at the Library of Congress on Nov. 19 along with pianist Thomas Sauer, performing a pair of

By Michael Andor Brodeur new commissions from the Washington Post Library’s McKim Fund — Julia November finds the days Wolfe’s “Mink Stole” and getting ever shorter and the George Lewis’s “The Mangle streaming calendars growing of Practice” — as well as selecever tighter as more and more tions from “Alone Together.” musicians and organizations 92nd St. Y compete for the clicks and Keep an eye on New York’s screen time of quarantined 92nd St. Y, which in lieu of listeners.

Here’s a selection of live gatherings is presenting streams, series and on-dea packed calendar of online mand concerts arriving online artist workshops, classes, through this month. readings and performances.

Among November’s classical Jennifer Koh offerings are a performance If you haven’t already from the Emerson String scrolled into installments of Quartet with pianist Yefim her “Alone Together” seBronfman of Schumann ries of commissions posted and Brahms (Nov. 19); and through the pandemic, now is a recital pairing New York a perfect time to point an ear Philharmonic principal clarinet Anthony McGill with the and your browser to violinist NYPhil String Quartet for a Jennifer Koh, who kicks off

pair of clarinet quintets - the fall colors of Brahms’s Op. 115 in B minor and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s enthralling Op. 10 in F-sharp Minor (Nov. 14). (And for you multitaskers, there’s even a class on reading music on Nov. 18.) Tickets required. Visit 92y.org/events for a full calendar, tickets (prices vary) and streams.

Beethoven the Contemporary As we edge up on Beethoven’s 250th, bookmark “Beethoven the Contemporary,” an online festival hosted by NYU’s Steinhardt School, co-curated by pianist/professors Eteri Z. Andjaparidze and Marilyn Nonken, and designed to celebrate the music of Ludwig van Beethoven in a fresh, contemporary light.

The free, month-long series of master classes, discussions and performances will run

online today through Dec. 18, and include a talk with Peter Takács about his recording of the complete cycle of piano sonatas (Nov. 13), four indepth sessions with Beethoven scholar John Wilson live from Vienna, and Nonken and Jeffrey Swann performing the “Concord” and “Hammerklavier” sonatas (Dec. 8).

Visit steinhardt.nyu.edu for a full calendar and streams.

A Far Cry The intrepid, devoutly democratic Boston-based conductorless orchestra A Far Cry is one performance into its 14th (and first entirely virtual) season, and the launch of its Frequent Crier Program for online regulars suggests they’re meeting the trials of the moment with characteristically high spirits. This goes double for the ensemble’s Nov. 21 offering, “The

Shape of Joy,” which pairs two affirming duos by Akshaya Avril Tucker (“Breathing Sunlight”) and Caroline Shaw (“Limestone & Felt”) with Mozart’s buoyant early String Quintet No. 1 in B-flat major (K. 174). Visit afarcry.org for more information.

San Francisco Opera And last, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s Halloween costume — especially when San Francisco Opera is about to throw another one of its famous costume shop sales.

With just a click you can own one (or a dozen) of over 500 handmade adult costumes (and 40 for children) from past productions of shows including “The Merry Widow” and “Tannhäuser,” as well as select items from “Dolores Claiborne” and “Don Giovanni.”

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MOVIES MOVIE REVIEW

‘Let Him Go’ a tale of two steely mothers Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Lesley Manville star in moving modern Western

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By Michael O’Sullivan

Washington Post

he faces of Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are given equal prominence on the poster for “Let Him Go” – next to the long barrel of a gun and a house on fire – but it’s Lane who gets top billing, deservedly, in this surprisingly gripping and moving modern Western about two mothers at odds over the fate of a small boy.

Technically there are three maternal characters involved, if you count the little boy’s mom: Kayli Carter plays Lorna, the daughter-in-law of Lane and Costner’s Margaret and George Blackledge, married to their son James (Ryan Bruce) at the start of the film, and the mother of their grandson, Jimmy (Bram and Otto Hornung), around whom the plot of the film revolves. But the young woman is not what you’d

From left, Lesley Manville, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane appear in scenes from “Let Him Go.” (KIMBERLEY FRENCH/FOCUS FEATURES)

call a memorable presence. After her husband is killed in a riding accident, Lorna — mousy, unconfident and sullen, in a way that doesn’t evoke much sympathy — enters into an ill-advised second marriage, leaving the comfort of the Blackledges’ North Dakota ranch and running off to a remote corner of the state with an abusive manchild named, appropriately enough, Donnie Weboy (Will Brittain), without so much as a warning, goodbye or forwarding address.

The story’s other formidable mother is Blanche Weboy, Donnie’s mother, played by the great Lesley Manville (“Phantom Thread,” “Ordinary Love”) as the psychologically domineering matriarch of a rural clan that has been terrorizing all who come into

‘LET HIM GO’ rrrs

Rated: R Running time: 113 min.

Playing at: Cinemark at Hampshire Mall, Cinemark West Springfield, Greenfield Garden Cinemas, South Hadley’s Tower Theaters

contact with them for years.

But this is Lane’s movie, hands down, and the actress is never less than magnetic – an alloy of iron will and steel spirit — as she determines, after witnessing Donnie strike Lorna in public shortly after the marriage, to track them down to the Weboy homestead, where Donnie, Lorna and

Jimmy have been drawn by Blanche’s gravitational pull. George, a taciturn retired sheriff, agrees to come along for the ride, ostensibly so that Margaret can say goodbye to Jimmy. (The title “Let Him Go” can be read in multiple ways, depending on to whom the phrase is intended — Blanche, or perhaps even Margaret — and the meaning of “him.” As the story plays out, it becomes clear that there’s been no closure to Margaret’s loss of her son James, let alone her grandson Jimmy.)

Based on Larry Watson’s 2013 novel, set in the 1950s, “Let Him Go” is not a revenge/rescue movie per se, although it certainly sounds like one, and it does bear more than a few nar-

SEE REVIEW, PAGE E7

ONLINE STREAMING

‘Kindred’ leads new releases

By Michael O’Sullivan

Washington Post

From left, Fiona Shaw, Tamara Lawrance and Jack Lowden in “Kindred.” (IFC MIDNIGHT)

When the boyfriend (Edward Holcroft) of a pregnant woman named Charlotte (Tamara Lawrance) dies in an accident while staying at the dilapidated Scottish manor home of his widowed mother, Margaret (Fiona Shaw of “Killing Eve”), Charlotte suddenly finds that Margaret has taken an unhealthy interest in the baby she’s carrying. (Meaning that Margaret makes Charlotte her

quite literal prisoner, watched over by Margaret’s possibly not-entirely-well-meaning stepson Thomas, played by a sycophantic Jack Lowden).

That’s the setup of the British drama “Kindred,” a slow-burn psychological horror film that leaves you in doubt, for the longest time, as to whether it’s Margaret who’s sick, or Charlotte, whose mother suffered from perinatal psychosis.

This is no “Rosemary’s Baby,” but the fine performances all around – and sharp direction

by first-time feature filmmaker Joe Marcantonio – make it highly watchable, all the more so because Charlotte is Black and her seeming tormentors White. This lends the film a theme of creepy colonialism, even slavery, making the otherwise pedestrian plot curdle with unsavory topicality.

Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms. Contains drug use and some bloody, disturbing images and thematic elements. 100 minutes.

SEE STREAM, PAGE E7

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DVD CONTINUED FROM PAGE E3

find a love interest while struggling with schizophrenia.

“Mortal”: A man (Nat Wolff) discovers he has powers right from ancient Norwegian gods.

In Norwegian and English.

“Spontaneous”: A pair of high school seniors (Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer) fight for survival as people begin to spontaneously combust.

“Tennessee Johnson”: The 1942 biopic of the first-ever impeached U.S. President Andrew Johnson (Van Heflin) has been remastered.

“Upside-Down Magic”: A girl (Izabela Rose) and her friends hone their powers at a magic school.

“Penance”: Sundance Now thriller miniseries follows a married woman and grieving mother (Julie Graham) who hits it off with a man in her support group.

Available on Digital HD “Jungleland”: A boxer (Jack O’Connell) and his brother (Charlie Hunnam) embark on a long, perilous journey to a supposed last match.

“Lie Exposed”: A recovering alcoholic (Leslie Hope) poses for a Los Angeles photographer

Review

after receiving some bad news.

“Out Stealing Horses”: A widower (Stellan Skarsgard) heads to the woods and reminisces about his youth. In Norwegian.

“The Retreat”: A backpacking man (Grant Schumacher) is accosted by an evil Native American spirit.

“Sasquatch Among Wildmen”: Documentary follows the history of the infamous folklore creature.

“Sleepless Beauty”: An abducted woman (Polina Davydova) is tortured with sleep deprivation and forced to carry out violent acts. In Russian. Out on DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 17.

“Transference: A Love Story”: An affair between two nurses (Raffaello Degruttola and Emilie Sofie Johannesen) turns dark due to overwhelming mental health issues.

“Words on Bathroom Walls”: A high school senior (Charlie Plummer) is ashamed by his mental illness diagnosis and attempts to keep it a secret.

Look for it on DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 17.

“Coded Bias”: Documentary explores the racism and sexism of facial recognition technology.

“My Summer as a Goth”: A girl in mourning (Natalie Shershow) falls for a Goth neighbor boy (Jack Levis).

to George – there’s a hint of a history of alcohol abuse in his past; her new friendship CONTINUED FROM PAGE E6 with a young Native Amerrative similarities to the genre. ican man (Booboo Stewart) There are flashes of violence, the Blackledges run into on at one point quite gruesomely the plains, and whose aid so, and George will evenMargaret will require; and, tually see his very particufinally, Margaret’s coming to lar set of skills as a former terms with James’s death, and lawman come in handy. The her willingness to repair the first showdown between the relationship with Lorna.

Blackledges and the Weboys, Writer-director Thomas Bezucha (“The Family over plates of Blanche’s pork Stone”) adopts a form of chops, is charged with dialogue that drips with menace storytelling – methodical, and condescension – conunfancy, yet always sure-footgealed by the counterpoint of ed – that seems appropriate to Margaret’s icy resolve. It’s an its no-nonsense protagonists. acting showcase for both Lane With Margaret as the stolid and Manville. mama bear of the story, “Let But the film’s most satisHim Go” takes on a greater fying developments take heft than its more thriller-ish place at the edges of the main contours seem built to handle, story, and concern Margaret’s but Lane carries the additional weight with aplomb. relationships: her marriage

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Also streaming

A Jury Prize winner in last year’s Un Certain Regard side competition at the Cannes Film festival, the Spanish film “Fire Will Come” tells the story of a convicted arsonist (Amador Arias) who is trying to get back on his feet after his release from prison while living on his family farm with his mother (Benedicta Sánchez). Even though the title telegraphs one of the film’s key plot developments. VariJay Duplass, right, and Sophie Thatcher appear in “Prospect.” ety writes that the “dreamy, (GUNPOWDER & SKY) mesmeric power” of filmmaker Oliver Laxe’s “rustically beautiful” rural parable In the horror film “Triggered,” a group of 20-somelies in the waiting. Unrated. things, all harboring the Available at afisilver.afi.com. same dark high school secret, In Galician and Spanish with gather at a campsite in the subtitles. 85 minutes. woods. After a night of partying, they all wake up with Part of the Exhibition on unremovable suicide vests Screen film series “Frida strapped to their chests, with Kahlo” is a documentary the detonators triggered by about the Mexican painter countdown clocks of varying (1907-1954). According to the times – whose minutes can be Guardian, the film “covers Singer-songwriter Harry transferred from one person the required bases, striking a Chapin is the subject of the good balance between Kahdocumentary “Harry Chapin: to another by killing them. lo’s often dramatic personal Slant magazine writes: “UnWhen in Doubt, Do Somefortunately, every character life and the ins and outs of thing.” (GREENWICH ENTERTAINMENT) has been established as such her artistic achievements.” a specific type – the tough Unrated. Available at virtualavalon.org. 90 minutes. compares filmmaker Tatsushi guy, the brain, the laid-back Ohmori to Alfred Hitchcock, rocker, the sarcastic jerk, and “Harry Chapin: When in minus the horror: “ ‘Mother’ so on – that it doesn’t take much mental agility for the Doubt, Do Something” paints is a chilling glimpse into the viewer to guess how they’ll a documentary portrait abyss, as was ‘Psycho,’ but eventually behave in this of the Grammy-winning the quiet, passive Shuhei is violent free-for-all.” Unrated. singer-songwriter (“Cat’s not as striking a character Available on various streaming in the Cradle”), who died at as Norman Bates. Imagine platforms. 90 minutes. age 38 in a 1981 car accident if the latter’s dear, departed after devoting his fortune terror of a mom were still In the documentary “With to ending world hunger and alive and kicking. Norman, poverty. Released last month not to mention the audience, Drawn Arms,” filmmakers Glenn Kaino and Afshin in virtual cinemas on World wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Shahidi look back on the Food Day, the film is “an TV-14. Available on Netflix. uplifting tribute to an impres- In Japanese with subtitles. 126 1968 Olympics, during sive human being,” according minutes. which gold-medalist sprinter Tommie Smith and his to the Los Angeles Times.

Unrated. Available at afisilver.

Jay Duplass stars in “Pros- bronze-winning U.S. teampect,” the tale of a space pros- mate John Carlos created afi.com, virtualavalon.org and themiracletheatre.com. pector who travels to a distant controversy by raising their moon with his daughter (So- fists in protest against civil 93 minutes. phie Thatcher), looking for a rights abuses against Black mineral that will enable them people. The film also looks “Mother” is a fact-based to put their itinerant lifestyle at a sculptural collaboration Japanese psychological drama about the strange hold beyond them. Slashfilm calls between Kaino, a conceptual artist, and Smith, that it “the best indie science that an alternately abusive fiction movie since ‘Moon.’” was shown at Atlanta’s High and neglectful mother Museum in 2019 and which R. Available on Netflix. Con(Masami Nagasawa) has tains some violence and bloody lends the film its title. TV-14. on her son Shuhei (Daiken Available on Starz. 84 minutes.

Okudaira). The Japan Times images. 99 minutes.

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DINE & WINE

Thanksgiving meals-to-go gaining in popularity

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VER THE PAST quarter century Thanksgiving has evolved from an almost-exclusively at-home gathering into a major dining-out occasion. This year, with social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions among the new norms, the holiday seems to also be taking on a distinctive feastingto-go character.

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

Mick Corduff, executive chef of the Delaney House in Holyoke, was one of the first to popularize holiday meals to-go, and this year the Delaney House and its sister operation, the Log Cabin Banquet & Meetinghouse, are “all in” with Thanksgiving takeout options.

Both operations are promoting fully cooked and roastit-yourself turkey dinner packages along with a considerable array of sides and add-ons.

New this year is a to-go deal for small gatherings of four to six; it includes a whole turkey, salads, sides, and desserts.

More details are available at thelogcabin.com; call 413535-5077 to place an order.

Smaller independent operations that have not previously marketed Thanksgiving offerings are this year looking for a piece of the business.

The Eastside Grill in Northampton is promoting a family sized turkey potpie to go, along with cranberry chutney and whole desserts.

Pickup must be made on Nov. 19; orders can be placed by calling the restaurant at 413586-3347.

This year, with social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions among the new norms, the holiday seems to also be taking on a distinctive feastingto-go character. seating, the family style meal to-go remains, for the time being at least, an option many restaurants find to be a business builder.

Russo’s Lakeside Seafood & Steak House on Forest Lake in Palmer promotes several such packages, includThe Delaney House and its sister operation, the Log Cabin Banquet & Meetinghouse, are ing a 15-piece fried chicken promoting fully cooked and roast-it-yourself turkey dinner packages along with a considerable dinner, a sirloin tips dinner array of sides and add-ons. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN) package with potato, vegetable, and salad, a fish & chips Champney’s at the Deerfield plement the basic package. it will be available nationwide option, and chicken parmesan over pasta.

Inn in Deerfield is offering its Call Frigo’s at 413-732-5428 for an unspecified period of All of Russo’s Family Style help in making Thanksgiving in Springfield or 413-525time starting Dec. 2.

Meals are sized to serve five; dinner a success. Its Turkey 9400 in East Longmeadow The McRib, for those not there is also a Family AppetizDinner package includes for ordering details. familiar with the item, is a er Pack add-on. enough for a group of eight fabricated, seasoned pork Side dishes For dessert, the restaurant to 10. In addition to a locally patty served on an oblong bun • As part of its strategy makes available family apple sourced turkey and all the reqand garnished with slivered uisite add-ons, the package to build business during the or blueberry pies and fiveonion, pickles, and barbecue includes a mac ’n’ cheese side months ahead, Chicago-based sauce. Pricing information packs of cannoli. and a house-made dessert.

McDonald’s Corp. is turning for the sandwich during the Russo’s is open daily for The restaurant is also to an iconic menu item, the upcoming promotion has not lunch and dinner except hosting a socially-distanced McRib sandwich.

Wednesdays. Call 413-289yet been announced. dine-in Thanksgiving Day McDonald’s has strategi2360 for more information or experience.

• Even though restaurants to place an order.

Call 413-772-3087 for more • Food service professionnow have the option of offerSEE MENU, PAGE E9 ing socially distanced indoor details.

Chez Josef in Agawam is offering include a traditional Thanksgiving feast serving six to eight people ($175), 10 to 12 people ($250), or 18 to 20 people ($375). More information can be found by visiting McDonald’s announced that chezjosef.com or calling 413- it was bringing the McRib, its 786-0257. barbecue slathered sandwich Another alternative for with the cult following, back those looking to outsource the for yet another run Dec. 2. preparation of their Turkey (MCDONALD’S) Day feast is Frigo’s Gourmet Food locations in Springfield cally promoted the McRib in the past, introducing it and East Longmeadow. on a regional basis as a way Frigo’s is suggesting either to generate buzz among the “Chef ’s Style” (white meat Indoor Dining only) or “Traditional” (whole sandwich’s enthusiastic fans. bird) Thanksgiving Feast vari- This fall, however, the McRib Curbside Take Out Service Available ations. Options such as sides, will play a major role in the soups, and desserts can supcompany’s marketing efforts; 2 Broad Street, Westfield • 562-0335

OPEN FOR

LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | E9

DINE & WINE

Menu

The dates (May 22 through 25, 2021) and the venue (McCormick Place in Chicago) have been set, and the NRA is offering an early bird registration rate of $75 through Nov. 23.

More information and advance registration is available on line at national restaurantshow.com/ registra tion.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E8

als and culinary students alike are being encouraged to tap into their creativity and enter the Crushed Ritz Crackers Recipe Contest.

Original recipes that use the crushed cracker crumbs can compete for a Culinary Professional grand prize of $5,000 and four runner-up prizes of $1,000. Culinary students will compete in a separate contest; the prize there is $1,000.

The contest entry deadline is Nov. 30.

More details and official contest rules can be found online at nrn.com/ sponsored-content/ ritz-crushed-cracker-recipe-contest-2020.

Sok’s Runway inside the Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport terminal is in the process of a total overhaul and will feature sushi, ramen, and hibachi; the restaurant itself will be rechristened as Tobiko. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 45 years of restaurant and educational experience.

Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.

New England TRAVELER CAPE COD Holiday beverage favorites are back at Dunkin’, including a gingerbread latte, a peppermint mocha latte, and a chai oatmilk latte. (DUNKIN’)

back, including a gingerbread latte, a peppermint mocha latte, and a chai oatmilk latte.

On the food side of the holiday lineup is a new Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich, made on toasted sourdough bread and featuring two eggs, white cheddar, and bacon.

Special-logo Cheersin’ cups have also been rolled out as part of Dunkin’s seasonal efforts.

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 413-788-1165

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• In a display of optimism typical of hard-core restaurateurs, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) is this month promoting advance registration for its NRA Show 2021, which it plans to sponsor in May of next year.

ACROSS FROM THE BEACH - THE VILLAGE GREEN. Rates from $60 - $85 to 5/21/21 (excluding holidays, some restrictions apply). 3 Night Special off season starting from $140 all week.

Ocean views and efficiencies available.

FREE continental breakfast in season.

All rooms have refrigerators and cable TV. Heated outdoor pool. Take children to the beachside playground. Close to several golf courses, tennis courts, whale watch cruises, ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, restaurants, shops, bike trails and many more of the Cape’s unique attractions.

10% Senior Discount. South Shore Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.

1-800-487-4903. www.vgreenmotel.com.

313560 3135607-01 313560 6007-011

bird to keep its costs and prices in line.

The Dallas-based operator • As part of its efforts to and franchisor of almost keep guests safe, Villa Napo- 1,500 restaurants, the chain letana in East Longmeadow has begun testing bone-in, has been taking the usual skin-on chicken thighs, precautions. Staffers wear preparing and serving them masks and gloves at all times, in the same manner as and tables, booths, and chairs Wingstop’s signature wings.

In a conference call with get sanitized after every use.

The restaurant is going beWall Street restaurant anayond those measures, howev- lysts, Wingstop executives er, having installed plexiglass said that their new chicken dividers between every table thighs have the potential and initiated the practice of to become a “fan favorite,” using a sanitation fogger in thanks to their “juicy meat the restaurant every night and crispy skin.” after the close of business. In It will be interesting to see addition, several HEPA air whether “lower parts” in cleaners operate continuously the form of Buffalo chicken in the dining area. thighs will catch on with Through the first of the year wings fans.

Villa Napoletana will be offering an Old School Sunday • This month participating Dunkin’ locations across Evening Wine and Dine for Western Massachusetts will two package. It includes two be introducing the brand’s entrees, a shared appetizer, first-ever single origin coffee and a bottle of Chianti and is available every Sunday from 5 — 100% Columbian Hot Coffee. p.m. to 9 p.m.

The restaurant is also doing Sourced entirely from Coa “Caring during COVID” gift lumbia, the blend is described certificate promotion, offerin company press materials ing $25 free in gift certificates as having “a well-balanced with the purchase of $100 taste in a bright and crisp worth. medium roast, with notes of Villa Napoletana answers at sweet fruit, brown sugar, and 413-732-9300. toasted nuts.”

Dunkin’ has also unveiled • Concerned about raw its holiday food and drink product price and availability, menu under the seasonal Wingstop Inc. has begun slogan “Cheersin’.” Holiday looking at other parts of the beverage favorites are also

• SOK’s Runway, the restaurant located in the passenger terminal at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Westfield, has announced that it will be reinventing itself over the next several weeks.

The menu is in the process of a total overhaul and will feature sushi, ramen, and hibachi; the restaurant itself will be rechristened as Tobiko.

The new name, which is

Japanese for “flying fish row,” certainly resonates with the operation’s runway view location as well as its new-direction menu, since tobiko is a traditional garnish for sushi creations.

Among the ramen bowl options Tobiko will be serving are a spicy seafood ramen, miso ramen with sliced pork or chicken, and kimchee ramen.

Tobiko, which is open for both lunch and dinner, answers at 413-642-3219.

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E10 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

DINE & WINE

Moe’s Tavern in Lee gets a makeover

W

HILE THERE ARen’t really any “silver linings” to the coronavirus pandemic, there are stories of how some people have at least used the lemons that the crisis handed them to make lemonade, to quote the old maxim.

Today, I will write about one such tale, one that should get beer lovers here in Western Massachusetts excited.

I met Josh Cohen, owner of Moe’s Tavern, a few years after he opened the popular beer bar in Lee. I had visited the place as part of a beer field trip organized by Building 8 Brewing’s O’Brian Tomalin (although he hadn’t opened Building 8 at that point).

I immediately fell in love with Moe’s. It carried great beer, had a great atmosphere and Josh and his staff were pretty much perfect in terms of knowledge and attitude.

It was the opposite of beer snobbery yet carried itself with a certain confidence about what it offered as far as craft beer.

Well, as with all bars during the pandemic, Moe’s had to close back in March. But Josh has made great use of the down time, as he told me in a recent telephone interview. He and his crew have been renovating Moe’s and it sounds like the place will come back even better. He is hoping to be open in some way by March of next year.

Josh said the renovations all had been on a list, but none were so crucial that they would cause him to close the place to do them. But once the coronavirus forced a shutdown, he decided to use the time to address all of them.

“When I bought this building 14 years ago, we always knew it had defects.

“And after about five years we had to fix some things, but the things that were left were the biggest things,” Josh said. “It had a lot of the same problems

George Lenker Beer Nut

“Even if you took the COVID out of the equation, I think I would’ve come up with this new layout anyway. I think we’ve enhanced the social aspect. We’re making the room more welcoming.”

Josh Cohen

that a lot of old New England town buildings had. But we knew that someday, one of the big things was just going to break, and when it broke, we were going to have to fix everything at once.”

Renovating the bathrooms, the overall plumbing and repairing the roof were some of the fixes needed in the 1874 building. Once the shutdown occurred, Josh had to take a serious look at the future and how to make it work. Although he didn’t use COVID-19 protocols to dictate the renovations, he knew the space had to change one way or another.

“So going forward, it was either new Moe’s or no Moe’s,” he said.

So although the iconic bar has been torn out, Josh wanted to keep the casual feel of the place.

“We separated where the bar-

SEE BEER, PAGE E12

6 outstanding, affordable California merlot wines

B

LAME “SIDEWAYS.” Or rather, blame Miles Raymond, the wine-obsessed character in the outstanding 2004 movie.

Throughout the film, Raymond (played brilliantly

by Paul Giamatti) regularly makes disparaging remarks about merlot, one of the most common red wine grapes in the world.

The movie was fictional.

But Raymond’s remarks had real-life consequences. Sales of merlot wine throughout California plummeted after the popular movie came out.

Even now, more than a decade later, some people still refuse to drink merlot. Some so-called experts still feel the same way as well. As recently as a few months ago, I read a wine column written by a professional wine writer who claimed Giamatti’s character was right and that “merlot is actually a pretty bad grape.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Some of the best wines in the world are made with merlot grapes.

Even in the movie “Sideways,” for example, Miles’ prized 1961 Cheval Blanc is made partly with – you guessed it – merlot grapes just like many of the best Bordeaux red wines from the Saint Emilion region.

As for California, many high-priced cabernet sauvignons grab most of the headlines. Not to generalize, but many of these wines are some of the most overrated and overpriced red wines on the market.

Instead, you can find some of the best – and most affordable – red wines coming out of California in recent years, if you give some of their magnificent merlots a chance.

The past few weeks, I have been working my way through several different California merlots. And each

This week’s recommended merlot wines. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

I’m sure, and I’d love to hear more about which ones you like as well. Hope you enjoy.

Ken Ross Wine Press

You can find some of the best – and most affordable – red wines coming out of California in recent years if you give some of their magnificent merlots a chance.

This week’s recommended wines • 2018 Rutherford Ranch Merlot Napa Valley ($26 Suggested Retail Price) • 2018 Duckhorn Decoy Merlot ($25 SRP) • 2017 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot ($49 at Table & Vine in West Springfield) • 2018 Chelsea Goldschmidt Guidestone Rise Alexander Valley Merlot ($22 SRP) • 2018 Chelsea Goldschmidt Salmon’s Leap Dry Creek Valley Merlot ($22 SRP) • 2017 Seavey Napa Valley Merlot ($65 SRP)

More about merlot Wine has been made with merlot grapes for more than time, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of all of two centuries, according to them at all price levels.

“Wine Grapes” by Jancis So this week, I decided to Robinson, Julia Harding and highlight some of my favorite Jose Vouillamoz. Specifically, this red-wine grape has been California merlots, a few of used to make wine particuwhich cost less than $22 a bottle. Let me add that this is larly in France’s Bordeaux rejust a small sampling of some gion since the 1780s. Worldwide, merlot grapes are the of the terrific merlots on second most planted grape in the market. There are many SEE WINE, PAGE E11 other great ones out there,

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | E11

VIDEO GAME REVIEW

‘Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ fun, entertaining

By Christopher Byrd

Special to The Washington Post

Although there are still a number of weeks until 2020 finally(!) sinks into the annals of history, I’d wager that “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales” will be remembered as the year’s most ingratiating family friendly video game. It is a feel-good, unabashed spectacle that controls well, looks great and has a hyper-efficient story line that never tries to overdeliver.

Everyone knows Peter Parker, the guy from Queens who was bitten by a radioactive spider and became Spider-Man. But unless you’ve kept tabs on the comic book scene over the last decade or caught the visually-ravishing animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018), it’s likely you don’t know much about Miles Morales, the Latino,

Wine CONTINUED FROM PAGE E10

the world, just behind cabernet sauvignon. In the United States, merlot grapes are the fourth-most planted grape.

(The top three are chardonnay at No. 1, followed by cabernet sauvignon and pinot grigio.)

Where merlot wines are made If there are grapes grown somewhere to make wine, odds are there are merlot grapevines somewhere in those fields. You can find merlot wines made almost everywhere in the world.

But perhaps the best known merlot wine growing region is Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where the primary grape used to make these outstanding wines is merlot. Located on the right side of the Gironde River, Bordeaux’s Right Bank includes some of the most iconic wine villages, including Saint Emilion and Pomerol. You can also find many outstanding merlots in Italy, Chile and South Africa, as well as California.

“MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN: MILES MORALES” Developed by: Insomniac Games Published by: Sony Interactive Entertainment Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

African American kid from Brooklyn who was also bitten by a radioactive spider leading him to follow in the footsteps of his idol. In the context of the new game, Miles’ journey is one of twofold acceptance built around convincing both the protagonist and the player that he isn’t Peter Parker’s understudy but a bona fide Spider-Man in his own right.

Miles is nothing if not endearing. The game opens with him emerging from the New

More about California merlots What makes many California merlots so memorable, in my opinion, is their mellow, understated flavors. While many California cabernet sauvignons seem to scream “PAY ATTENTION TO ME” in all caps, California merlots often take a much more understated, easy going approach. And while you can find many great merlots from throughout the state, many wineries in Napa and Sonoma Counties excel at making marvelous merlot wines.

break for it.

Following a quick on-the-job tutorial that teaches players how to dodge and use melee attacks against a bunch of low-level criminals, the game treats players to the first of a number of set pieces as Miles and Peter tail Rhino as he charges through the streets of Manhattan into a shopping mall. After Miles uses his web slinging to tether himself to Rhino’s back, it’s up to players “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.” (SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT) — if they want to avoid health damage — to steer Rhino from York subway tunnels onto Man- ually on the lookout to deliver barreling into every conceivhattan’s 125th Street — Harlem, a kind word or a helping hand able piece of commercial his new neighborhood. Miles property that stands between to his fellow New Yorkers. His hardly covers any ground on strolling is interrupted when he him and the mall’s exit. the sidewalk before he stops to receives a call from Peter ParkOn the PlayStation 5, this help a man struggling to push a er asking him to help supervise scene is marked by a fury of couch into the back of a trailer. a prison convoy. Slipping on his shattered glass and masonry superhero threads, he swings Such thoughtfulness is of a — details made all the more piece with his general bearing. down to midtown just in time dazzling by the game’s use to see that the prisoners and As Miles bops down the street of next-generation lighting SEE VIDEO GAME, PAGE E12 listening to music, he is perpet- the supervillain Rhino make a

2018 Duckhorn Decoy Merlot Tasting notes: Duckhorn winery consistently produces some of the best merlot wines in California, year in and year out.

The 2018 Duckhorn Decoy is no exception. Smooth and soft straight out of the bottle, this wonderful wine from California’s Sonoma County abounds with soft, vibrant fruit flavors, ranging from fresh-picked plums to blackberries. Made with 98% merlot grapes and 1% each of cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, I was thoroughly impressed by this wine from start to finish, especially since it’s one of the most affordable ones recommended this week.

Let me add that this wine still tastes great several days after first opening the bottle.

malbec), this voluptuous powerhouse packs a strong punch.

An absolutely incredible, sultry wine overflowing with deep, dark flavors, including fresh ripe plums and dark chocolate.

The finish on the wine lasts at least minute after each sip. And like its Decoy sibling, Duckhorn’s Napa Valley Merlot still tastes outstanding days after the bottle was first opened.

2018 Chelsea Goldschmidt Guidestone Rise Alexander Valley Merlot Tasting notes: If I were to choose one word to describe this wine it would be “smooth.”

From start to finish, this soft, silky red wine tastes like a textbook California merlot made with passion and pride. A truly easy-drinking wine, my wife and I happily breezed our way through the bottle over several nights like a sailboat on smooth as glass water.

finishes a hair ahead of the winery’s other merlot recommended this week. That might be because this velvety smooth wine was aged in 90% French Oak barrels, which often give many wines an extra smooth finish. Its flavors and aromas cover a wide range, including cherries and blackberries. This easy-drinking wine is perfect for a laid back, relaxing night.

2017 Seavey Napa Valley Merlot Tasting notes: One of the best merlots I’ve tasted this year, this beautiful, well-rounded wine from the St. Helena Wine tasting notes part of Napa Valley has a long, 2018 Rutherford Ranch lush, fragrant finish. Big, ripe Merlot Napa Valley flavors and aromas range from dried plums and blackberries to Tasting notes: This delightful, easy-drinking wine has a hints of cherry and raspberry.

Bold without being over the top, wide range of flavors – from this magnificent merlot and slightly spicy notes to hints of 2017 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot the others recommended this dried fruit, including hints of Tasting notes: Anyone who week illustrate why this often cherry and raspberry. But more thinks all California merlot overlooked grape deserves far than anything, like many of the merlots recommended this wines are soft and mellow 2018 Chelsea Goldschmidt more attention and respect. needs to taste this intense, red Cheers! week, this understated wine Salmon’s Leap Dry Creek Wine Press by Ken Ross appears wine. While not a pure merlot has a soft, mellow finish that Valley Merlot goes great with many different wine (it’s 80% merlot, 16% cabTasting notes: Another easy- on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend types of foods, including chick- ernet sauvignon, 2.5% cabernet drinking merlot from Chelsea en, meat and pasta. franc, 1% petit verdot and 0.5% Goldschmidt, this wine maybe section every Thursday.

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Video game

As Miles grows into the shoes of being his own kind of Spider-Man, he’ll see a couple CONTINUED FROM PAGE E11 of his relationships tested, but techniques (ray tracing), which he is able to remain remarkably sunny and even-keeled gives objects and surfaces a throughout. If likability is the mesmerizing sheen. In terms of graphics, the other thing that core value of the social media age, then Miles seems genetimmediately leaps out are the ically engineered to be an textures on the characters’ – particularly Miles’ – costumes. influencer.

Peter and Miles continue to Later in the game Miles adds give chase after Rhino makes another cool suite of moves to it back to the streets. Evenhis repertoire when he learns tually they corner him, but how to briefly make himself Rhino gets the best of Peter, invisible. This “camouflage pummeling him until he’s out skill” allows him to take on scores of enemies stealthiof commission. Incensed at ly. Before the credits rolled, seeing his friend hurt, Miles steps to Rhino and discovers a I’d grown quite comfortable using Miles’ cloaking ability latent preternatural ability in himself: bioelectricity/venom to surgically pick off enemies by dangling above their heads power.

By holding down the L1 and sweeping them up in a shoulder button and pressing web or knocking them out different face buttons, Miles from behind before they’d can perform venom attacks. make a peep.

These strong, energy-charged “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles attacks are essential against Morales” delicately balances bosses and shielded eneall-out combat sequences, mies. After using this ability stealth encounters and boss to defeat Rhino, the area is battles, which are particuswarmed by the armed securi- larly good. Boss fights are ty units of Roxxon, an energy multiphase affairs, filled with corporation looking to provide destructible objects, that make “clean energy” to Harlem. Of for great eye candy. They’re course, it turns out that the challenging but rarely infuriatcompany is sketchy, but by the ing, as well-tuned as many of the game’s other components. time Miles realizes this Peter This lighthearted, superwill be overseas on a journalism assignment with the love hero romp is an easy game to of his life Mary Jane Watson. embrace.

Beer CONTINUED FROM PAGE E10

SELECTIONS Orders must be placed by Monday, November 23rd and picked up by Wednesday, November 25th at 4pm.

To Order, stop by the store or call 413-732-5428 (Springfield) or 413-525-9400 (East Longmeadow)

Thanksgiving Feast Chef’s Style

Traditional Thanksgiving Feast

Serves 10-12 people $225.00 Additional Servings $19.90 each

Serves 10-12 people $189 Additional Servings $17.90 each

• • • • • • • • •

Stuffed or Unstuffed Boneless Turkey Breast Homemade Sausage Stuffing with herbs, onions, celery and carrots Cranberry Sauce Garlic Mashed Potatoes Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar Fresh Turkey Gravy Garlic Knots Choice of one Pie: Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan, Chocolate Cream

• • • • • • • • •

Fresh Oven Roasted Turkey Homemade Sausage Stuffing with herbs, onions, celery and carrots Cranberry Sauce Garlic Mashed Potatoes Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar Fresh Turkey Gravy Garlic Knots Choice of one Pie: Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan, Chocolate Cream

Thanksgiving Feast Add-Ons Side Dishes Serve Up To 12 People | Each pan is a 9”x13” size Butternut Soup $12/quart Garlic Mashed Potatoes $30/pan String Bean Almandine $30/pan Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar $35/pan Homemade Sausage Stuffing $30/pan Turkey Gravy $8.99/quart Roasted Fingerling Potato $30.00

Stuffed Artichokes $6.99/each Cranberry Sauce $4.99/sauce Store Baked Pies $11.99/each (Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan, Chocolate Cream) Whole Turkey 10-15 lbs (serves 10+) $80 Boneless Turkey Breast | Stuffed $65 | Unstuffed $45 Brussel Candied Pecan $35.00

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tenders are away from the rest of the space, but it’s not really that different. It’s a walk-up bar now. And the bar seating is just all throughout the place.

It’s still the same barstools,” he said. “We’re going to have the same intimacy whether we’re busy or not.”

The renovations have also allowed him to dig further into the building itself and gain about 500 square feet of customer space. So while his occupancy is 72 customers, there are still only 12 seats.

“Even if you took the COVID out of the equation, I think I would’ve come up with this new layout anyway,” he said.

“I think we’ve enhanced the

social aspect. We’re making the room more welcoming.”

While Moe’s wasn’t really a classic “dive bar,” it did have a working-class gritty feel to it. Should regular customers worry that the new Moe’s will be fancified? Josh said no one should worry. And Josh always has a humorous way of summing things up.

“It was very important for us to keep the patina of the old bar. I still have all of my old bar stuff. All that stuff is going back up on the walls. I still have a concrete floor, and we’re still gonna play the music too loud,” he said. “I guess the main message is, ‘Don’t worry everybody, the old vibe is very important to me; you’re just not gonna fall into the basement when you’re standing in front of the toilet anymore.’”

Thanksgiving Feast