Weekend - March 11, 2021 by repubnews

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Weekend

BOOK ANNIVERSARY: Celebrating ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar Day,’ E3 LIVEWIRE: Paul McCartney to release lyrics book in November, E5 OFF THE MENU: Lab-grown meats, seafood on the horizon, E9

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“The Quiet Man” was directed by John Ford and stars John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. (REPUBLIC PICTURES)

Liam Neeson stars in “Michael Collins” as the Irish patriot. (TOM COLLINS / WARNER BROS.)

ON THE COVER

Films offer taste of

Ireland W

5 movies set, filmed in Emerald Isle worth checking out By Ray Kelly

rkelly@repub.com

ith pandemic restrictions in place, a trip to Ireland during lockdown is out of the question and there isn’t even a St. Patrick’s Parade to enjoy.

The cast of the 1991 film about a Dublin soul band, “The Commitments.” (20TH CENTURY FOX)

For a taste of Ireland, before St. Patrick’s Day, why not check out some films that capture the look of the Emerald Isle. There are plenty of movies that made use of Ireland’s beauty, though the action is set elsewhere, including “Saving Private Ryan” and “Braveheart,” as well as fantasy fare like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “The Princess Bride” and “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.” But here are five exceptional moves set in Ireland and filmed in the Land of Saints and Scholars: “Michael Collins” (1996) Liam Neeson stars as the Irish revolutionary in this award-winning story of Ireland’s fight for independence. With a budget of $25 million, this Irish-U.S. production

Sarah Miles and Robert Mitchum in David Lean’s “Ryan’s Daughter.” (MGM)

was one of the most expensive films ever produced in Ireland. Portions were filmed in Dublin at Kilmainham Jail, Trinity College, City Hall, Dublin Castle and Ha’penny Bridge. Other scenes were filmed in County Cork and County Wicklow. “Michael Collins” won the Golden Lion for best film and Neeson was honored as best actor at the Venice Film Festival. The cast includes Alan Rickman, Aidan Quinn and Julia Roberts.

cast, including Barry Fitzgerald as the impish Michaleen Oge Flynn, Ward Bond as Father Lonergan and Victor McLaglen as the Duke’s disapproving brother-in-law, Squire ‘Red’ Will Danaher. Yes, it’s dated, and quite sexist, but it holds a place in hearts of classic film lovers.

“The Commitments” (1991) This musical dramedy is based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Roddy Doyle. Set in Dublin’s Northside, the “The Quiet Man” (1952) movie focuses on Jimmy RabWatch this film the first time bitte (Robert Arkins), a young to appreciate the brilliance of music fanatic who assembles director John Ford, the beauty a group of working-class of County Mayo and the youths to form a soul band. onscreen chemistry between Some of the Dublin scenes John Wayne and Maureen were filmed at St Francis XaviO’Hara. Then, give it another er’s Church, Waterside Rock viewing for its fine supporting SEE IRELAND, PAGE E4

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AMHERST

Celebrating ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar Day’ 52nd anniversary of book brings updated ‘Art of Eric Carle,’ new interactive books

By Anne-Gerard Flynn

Special to The Republican

pring ushers in a seasonal cycle of new rituals March 20, including “Very Hungry Caterpillar Day” in honor of storyteller and illustrator Eric Carle’s classic children’s book of the same name.

Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is celebrating its 52nd anniversary.

as “Bobbie,” opened the museum on her 64th birthday, Nov. 22, 2002. It houses more than 12,000 objects, including 8,500 permanent collection illustrations, and has shown countless exhibits featuring the work of many beloved children’s book illustrators besides Carle, including Maurice Sendak, Jerry Pinkney, and Beatrix Potter. Other essays include ones by Ann Beneduce, the first editor to publish books with Carle’s stories and illustrations; Leonard S. Marcus, a leading authority and writer on children’s books and a Carle museum trustee; and Takeshi Matsumoto, a Carle museum honorary trustee and curator and managing director of Tokyo’s Chihiro Iwaskai Art Museum that is named for his mother. The museum, known until 1997 as the Chihiro Iwaskai Museum of Picture Book Art, was visited by Carle and his wife and helped inspire them in founding their own museum. A poignant highlight of the book is the inclusion of “Where Do Ideas Come

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, which reopens today, will celebrate “Very Hungry Caterpillar Day” with an online bookshop sale the weekend of March 20, an in-store sale on March 21, and an online event for members on March 21. (ANNE-GERARD FLYNN PHOTO)

From?” Carle’s 1990 speech at the Library of Congress for a group of educators and librarians gathered in celebration of International Children’s Book Day. In it, Carle, whose career in children’s books was launched with the 1969 publication of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” quotes from letters he received from children, parents and teachers about his books, as well as how various experiences and encounters in his life – he was born in the United States but raised in Germany – came to shape his thought process in creating his stories and signature collage illustrations. Carle, now 91, has illustrated more than 70 books, most of which he also wrote, and more than 169 million copies of his books have sold around the world. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” has been translated into more than 70 languages and sold more than 54 million copies worldwide. Suggestions from Penguin Random House for celebrating

“Very Hungry Caterpillar” Day include: • The “Can You Say ‘Caterpillar?’” Challenge: Parents are invited to celebrate the day from home by asking their young children “Can you say ‘Caterpillar?’” and sharing the silly results on social media using #CanYouSayCaterpillarChallenge! Featured videos will be shared on @PenguinKids

Instagram and Tiktok. • Printable Activities: Parents and teachers can print free themed activity sheets at pin.it/6nRwA5i • A Video Read Aloud with Eric Carle: Kids can watch a special reading of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by author and artist Eric Carle at youtube.com/watch? v=vkYm

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This year’s celebration, which dates to the 52nd anniversary of the beloved global bestseller about transformation and healthy eating, will be marked by the release of an updated edition of “The Art of Eric Carle,” as well as two new interactive board books from the Penguin Young Readers imprint, the World of Eric Carle. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, which reopens today, and was founded by Carle and his late wife Barbara, will hold an online bookshop sale the weekend of March 20 that will also be in-store on March 21, as well as a free, online event that day for members that does require registration. The updated retrospective “Art of Eric Carle,” originally published in 1996, was to be released Tuesday. It features a re-illustrated cover by Carle, an updated autobiographical account as well as eight pages of what is described as his “experimental fine art works presented for the first time outside of museum galleries” in addition to the more than 60 full-color images from Carle’s stories. It includes new essays on Carle’s fine art by H. Nichols B. Clark, founding executive director and chief curator emeritus of the Carle museum, and on the founding of the 40,000-square-foot museum by Alexandra Kennedy, the museum’s executive director. Carle and his wife, an educator who died in 2015 and who was affectionately known

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MUSIC

Taylor Swift, BTS and more to perform at Grammys Show airs Sunday with mix of live and taped appearances Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, BTS, Harry Styles, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion will be among the performers at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, in a mix of live and taped appearances shot in downtown Los Angeles, the Recording Academy announced. The show, hosted by Trevor Noah, will also feature performances by Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, Maren Morris, Roddy Ricch, Post Malone, Lil Baby, DaBaby and others, in a format the academy is describing, with a nod toward coronavirus safety, as artists “coming together, while still safely apart.” Mickey Guyton, the first Black female artist to be nominated for best country solo performance, will take the stage, as well as Black Pumas, the little-known soul band that received three nominations, including record and album of the year. The show will be broadcast by CBS and on Paramount+, the new streaming platform from the network’s parent company, ViacomCBS, that launched on Thursday, replacing CBS All Access. One notable absence among this year’s performers: Adele, whose potential appearance has been the sub-

been planned for Jan. 31, but were postponed in early January as coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County were peaking. Those numbers have since greatly declined, although the area is still considered to have a “very high risk” level for infection. The show will be the latest test of the viability of a major awards show during the pandemic. The Golden Globes, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Cardi B will perform at Sunday’s Grammy Awards. on Feb. 28, had disastrous (JACK PLUNKETT / INVISION; CHARLES SYKES / INVISION; OWEN SWEENEY / INVISION) ratings, drawing 62% fewer viewers than last year. To draw an audience, the Grammys are counting on the star power of their performers and the possibility of a fresh look. This year’s show is the first under the purview of Winston, who takes over after a four-decade run by Ken Ehrlich, the producer who established “Grammy moments” — artist pairings across generations and genres — and who sometimes clashed with stars. One feature this year takes a cue from the pandemic itself. The Grammys will highlight the struggles of independent music venues by having staff from four live music spots — the Troubadour and the Hotel Café in BTS performs during the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball concert on Dec. 6, 2019, in Inglewood, Calif. The Los Angeles, the Apollo Thegroup is nominated for best pop duo/group performance at the Grammy Awards, pitting their hit ater in New York and Nashagainst hits from Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny and Dua Lipa. ville’s Station Inn — present BTS will also perform during the show, airing on Sunday. (CHRIS PIZZELLO / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE) various award categories and encourage fans to support ject of fervent speculation by have been waiting more than to declare in her monologue, their local clubs. fans online. Ben Winston, the five years for the follow-up Beyoncé received nine nom“My album’s not finished.” inations in eight categories, Grammys’ executive produc- to her album “25,” and most Her label, Columbia, has er, said in an interview that recently got their hopes up given no updates on when that more than any other artist. Adele would not be involved. in October when she hosted Swift and Lipa are each up for album may be ready. Fans of the British singer six prizes. “Saturday Night Live” –— only This year’s Grammys had

Ireland

two bestselling soundtrack albums.

By Ben Sisario

New York Times

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Bar and Ricardo’s Snooker Hall. Bray Head Hotel, Bray in County Wicklow, is also featured in the film. Nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, the movie also spawned

“Ryan’s Daughter” (1970) A married Irish woman (Sarah Miles) has an affair with a British officer (Christopher Jones) at Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula during World War I. (The movie echoes the themes found in novel “Madame Bovary.”)

Robert Mitchum co-stars as Miles husband. “Ryan’s Daughter” caused a stir prior to its release as MGM successfully lobbied the Motion Picture Association of America to not impose a “R” rating, even though the film contained nudity. Directed by David Lean, the movie was nominated for four Academy Awards.

“In the Name of the Father” (1994) The film is based on the true story of four people falsely convicted of a pub bombing, which killed four British soldiers. The bulk of the filming took place in Kilmainham Jail with Ringsend and Sheriff streets in Dublin doubling as working sections

of Belfast. The movie, which stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Emma Thompson and Pete Postlethwaite, received seven Academy Award nominations. “In the Name of the Father” is based on the book “Proved Innocent: The Story of Gerry Conlon of the Guildford Four” by Gerry Conlon.

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MUSIC

Paul McCartney to release lyrics book in November

VER WONDER what a song’s lyrics are about or how they were inspired? Well, if you’re a Paul McCartney fan, you have a new item to put on your holiday gift wish list. On Nov. 2, the famed songwriter will release “The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present.” The book will chronicle George Lenker 154 of Macca’s song lyrics, LiveWire describing the circumstances in which they were written, to a pole. the people and places that Police are investigating the inspired them, and what he crime. thinks of them now. “More often than I can count, I’ve been asked if I • FX is readying for release would write an autobiography, its miniseries, “Pistol,” about but the time has never been the legendary British punk right,” McCartney said in a band, the Sex Pistols. statement. “I know that some Directed by Danny Boyle, people, when they get to a certhe six-part series, is largely tain age, like to go to a diary to based on Sex Pistols guitarist recall day-to-day events from Steve Jones’ memoir, “Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol.” the past, but I have no such The band gained notoriety not notebooks. What I do have are only for its straightforward my songs, hundreds of them, Paul McCartney performs in Quebec City on Sept. 17, 2018. McCartney’s memoir, “The Lyrics: punk sound, but also for its niwhich I’ve learned serve much 1956 to the Present,” will be released Nov. 2 and will trace his life through 154 songs. hilistic attitude and behavior. the same purpose. And these (JACQUES BOISSINOT / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP, FILE) The series stars Toby Walsongs span my entire life.” The book will also feature a her untold story.” even though it registered that lace as Jones, Anson Boon cornucopia of material from Tentatively titled “Janet,” the blood pooling around her as Johnny Rotten (John McCartney’s personal arLydon), Louis Partridge as the upcoming two-part series tiny body was my own.” chive, including drafts, letters, Sid Vicious, and Jacob Slater will be simulcast by Lifetime The assailants took two of and photographs. and A&E to coincide with the Gaga’s other dogs, Gustav and as Paul Cook. The book has a list price of Boyle is maybe best known 40th anniversary of Jackson’s Koji, but Miss Asia was able to $100. eponymous first album. escape and check on Fischer. for directing “Slumdog MilAccording to a press release, She was found by police later, lionaire,” for which he won an Liner notes the documentary will see and her two siblings were also Oscar. • St. Vincent will release The series is set to air in Jackson speaking about such retrieved when an unidentiher sixth studio album, “Dad2022. topics as her 2004 Super Bowl fied woman found them tied dy’s Home,” on May 14. appearance with Justin Timberlake, when she accidentalThe singer, whose real name Janet Jackson will mark the 40th anniversary of ly exposed a breast, and the is Annie Clark, also just her eponymous 1982 debut released the first single from death of her brother Michael the album, “Pay Your Way In album with a two-part docuin 2009. 15% off Vibes and Strokers 3/14 – 3/21 mentary in 2022. (ANGELA WEISS / Pain.” In Store Only. Must mention sale at check out to redeem. AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES) The record was inspired • One of Lady Gaga’s Satisfyer by her father’s release from pets, Miss Asia, was called a Packer Gear Masturbator FTM Stroker prison in 2019. In a statement, Carly Rae Jepsen, and The “guardian angel” by the singer’s dog walker, Ryan Fischthe singer/songwriter said, Chicks). er, after the French bulldog “‘Daddy’s Home’ collects helped comfort him after he stories of being down and • Like many artists, Janet out in downtown NYC. Last Jackson hasn’t been seen a lot was attacked and laying in a pool of his own blood. night’s heels on the morning during the pandemic, which Elixir Play We Vibe Amethyst “4 days ago, while a car sped train. Glamour that’s been up caused her 2020 “Black DiaNova mond” tour to be canceled. away and blood poured from for three days straight.” The album was produced But no matter: When she my gun shot wound, an angel by Clark and Jack Antonoff makes it back to the stage, trotted over and laid next to AdamEveGreenfieldMA (who has worked with such the superstar will be seen in me,” Fischer posted on social Pleasure, Adventure, & Fun 18 Main St., Greenfield, MA • 413-774-9800 artists as Taylor Swift, 2022 in what’s being called an media. “My panicked screams Everyone AEStoresGreenfield Welcome www.Greenfield.AdamEveStores.com Lorde, Lana Del Rey, “honest and unfiltered look at calmed as I looked at her,

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TV / MOVIES ONLINE STREAMING

‘Stray’ leads new films By Michael O’Sullivan

Washington Post

From left, Scott Foley, Tangi Miller, Kerri Russell and Scott Speedman star in Warner Bros. television series “Felicity.” (HULTON ARCHIVE / GETTY IMAGES/ TNS)

Hulu celebrates 1990s era TV Streaming service adds ‘Blossom,’ ‘Felicity’ and ‘My So-Called Life’

and “My So-Called Life.” The Mayim Bialik-led sitcom “Blossom” arrived Monday to kick off what the company is referring to as “90s Week.” The show centered on the life of a teenage girl, Blossom By Karu F. Daniels and her family after the kids’ New York Daily News mother left them to pursue What’s old seems to always her dream career. All five be new in the emulative seasons of the NBC series, television business as the which ran from 1990 to 1995, boom of reboot, remakes and will be available to stream. revivals continues. The more adult-leaning But when it comes to the drama “Felicity,” starring 1990s, Hulu is celebrating Keri Russell and Scott Speedthe era with a new documen- man is also available as of tary about the pop culture era Tuesday. — and a few original series of Created by J.J. Abrams, the day. the New York-based drama Along with the March 12 centered on the titular charrelease of “Punky Brewster” acter’s college years at the actress Soleil Moon Frye’s fictional University of New “Kid 90” documentary, York. Along with Russell and which showcases the lives of Speedman, some of the main the actress and her famous stars of the show included Amy Jo Johnson, Tangi friends during the decade, the Disney-owned streaming Miller, Scott Foley and Greg Grunberg. platform is rolling out full “Felicity” ran for four seasons of throwback shows such as “Blossom,” “Felicity” SEE HULU, PAGE E8

The ostensible subject of the documentary “Stray” is, as the film’s title suggests, a street dog named Zeytin in Istanbul, a city famous for its many stray dogs and cats – and a law that prevents them from being euthanized or held captive. As filmmaker Elizabeth Lo’s camera, seemingly held at knee-height, follows this good girl over the course of many months (aided by a GPS tracker that Lo’s crew placed on Zeytin after every day spent documenting her scrounging, roaming and lounging), we also encounter a couple of other equally charismatic pups: Nazar and Kartal. Those secondary subjects are in addition to several homeless youths we meet from Syria. “Stray” has been touted as a film for dog-lovers, and while it is that – these animals are taken care of, more or less, by a city that embraces them – it is also a documentary that asks us a hard question: If we’re so concerned about the welfare of these unhoused canines, why is it so easy for us to turn a blind eye to the two-legged homeless among us? Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi. com, virtualavalon.org and themiracletheatre.com. In Turkish and other assorted languages with subtitles. 72 minutes.

The dog Zeytin, left, appears in a scene from “Stray.” (MAGNOLIA PICTURES)

Also streaming The filmmaking debut of writer-director Maryam Touzani, “Adam” tells the story of a baker in Casablanca who takes in a young pregnant woman. With great delicacy, according to the Hollywood Reporter, Touzani “shows how Moroccan society censures a woman who gives birth outside marriage – not a terribly original theme, but here it is made heart-rending by the superb performances of Lubna Azabal and Nisrin Erradi in the lead roles.” Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. In Arabic with subtitles. 98 minutes.

“Fukushima 50” is a Japanese disaster flick about the workers who helped prevent the 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant from getting worse. It stars Ken Watanabe (“Inception”) and Koichi Sato

Nisrin Erradi stars in “Adam.” (STRAND RELEASING)

(“Sukiyaki Western Django”). Unrated. Available at afisilver. afi.com. In Japanese with subtitles. 122 minutes. The documentary “Gustav Stickley: American Craftsman” examines the life and career of the designer and furniture maker considered the father of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Film Threat calls it a “riveting watch” for anyone interested in early 20th-century design. Unrated. Available at afisilver. afi.com. 67 minutes. The latest U.S. release from French absurdist Quentin Dupieux (“Deerskin”), “Keep an Eye Out” centers on a police interrogation between a cop (Benoit Poelvoorde) and a witness (Gregoire Ludig) after the latter discovers a dead body outside his home. Like all of the musician/filmmaker’s eccentric oeuvre, the Hollywood Reporter says that “Eye” is “chock full of bizarre happenings that don’t really add up to much but are nonetheless well orchestrated and amusing to watch.” Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com and angelikaanywhere.com. In French with subtitles. 73 minutes. “Martha: A Picture Story” is a documentary portrait of Martha Cooper, known for her work documenting the New York graffiti scene of the 1970s

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MOVIES

Stream

‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’

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and 1980s. Directed with “infectious zeal,” according to rogerebert.com, the biopic “always feels to be in motion, especially given its excellent editing, fascinating subject, and narrative ambition to honor those on the other side of Cooper’s camera.” Unrated. Available at angelikaanywhere.com. 80 minutes.

rrrt

Rated: PG Running time: 90 min. Playing at: Select theaters and Disney+

find Sisu, steal back the other bits of crystal and save the world. As with many a heist film before it, this film’s protagonist accumulates a few accomplices along the way: an orphaned Kelly Marie Tran voices a Southeast Asian princess on a quest, center, in “Raya and the Last boy-chef (Izaac Wang), a Dragon.” (DISNEY) gentle man-mountain (Benedict Wong), a baby con-artist REVIEW (Thalia Tran) and several adorably acrobatic, monkey-like sidekicks. Oh, and a dragon. Raya finds and resuscitates Sisu (Awkwafina) early on – which is great because the character is a gem herself. Morphing between dragon and By Michael O’Sullivan somewhat goofy adolescent Washington Post human with a mop of blue hair and oversize clothing that make aking its her look like a cartoon cousin of core inspiBillie Eilish, Sisu brings spunk and comedy to the dark tale. ration from Awkwafina’s raspy, endearingly the naga dim-bulb performance adds of Asian enormous, quirky charm to the film. folklore – semi-divine Of course, besides the Druun, Raya, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, left, appears with Sisu the beings that shapeshift dragon in a scene from “Raya and the Last Dragon.” (DISNEY+ VIA AP) there’s also a human nemesis: Namaari (Gemma Chan), a between serpent and and an attempt to steal the warrior princess from another is transporting. human form, a la Nagkingdom who’s a complicated Its titular teen heroine (voice stone causes it to break apart ini of the Harry Potter of Kelly Marie Tran) is, along into chunks – each of which foil to Raya: part Sisu fangirl, is spirited away to a different part frenemy. with her father, Benja (Daniel universe, which most kingdom – action must be In its broadest contours, Dae Kim), a guardian of the famously borrowed “Raya” isn’t all that different aforementioned power-stone: taken. That mission falls to Raya from stories we’ve seen before, the sole remnant of a battle the idea – Disney’s echoing the Lord of the Rings that took place some 500 years when the Druun – described gorgeously animated, cycle and the Infinity Stone plot as a plague “born of human before the main action of the entertainingly told line of the Marvel Cinematic discord” – return, transformfilm begins. In response to ing Raya’s father and many Universe. But it also evokes a fantasia “Raya and the an assault by sinister beings called Druun, we learn from a others into stone statuary. (The world, one of sight and sound Last Dragon” is a visual prologue that several benev- textures of this world are viv- – even, at times, of smells and olent dragons once sacrificed idly rendered. But be advised. tastes – that we haven’t seen befeast. fore. Kumandra feels vibrantly themselves to save Kumandra, The Druun are the scariest: If the ingredients of the real, even in, say, scenes in leaving behind only that mys- Dementor-like swarms of tical crystal – and a legend that swirling, dark, destructive evil. which we watch, with awe, a story itself, which centers on one of the dragons, a water a plucky warrior princess on They’re an effective, and chill- dragon prance on raindrops. Its ingly relevant, metaphor for overarching theme of sacrifice spirit named Sisu, may have a quest to unite five widely human divisiveness.) Armed is also a powerful one. somehow survived. scattered pieces of a magical, In that sense, it’s an aspiraIn the aftermath, Kumandra with a sword and a piece of the broken gemstone, are a bit tional movie with its feet planthas fragmented into five sepa- stone, which has the ability to familiar, the stirring sweep rate kingdoms, each maintain- repel Druun, and riding a giant ed firmly in the soil of the real of this adventure, set in the world: one in which the plague fictional Southeast Asian land ing a kind of cold war with the pill bug named Tuk Tuk (Alan other four. When peace talks of human discord is sorely in Tudyk, making, um, giant pill of Kumandra, and told with need of a little magic right now. bug sounds), Raya sets out to both cheeky humor and heart, organized by Benja collapse,

Based on Joanna Rakoff ’s 2014 memoir about working as an editorial assistant to author J.D. Salinger’s literary agent in the 1990s, “My Salinger Year” stars Margaret Qualley in what IndieWire calls “a halfhearted twist on ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’” R. Available on various streaming platforms. Contains strong language and some sexual references. 101 minutes.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ dazzles, delights the senses

According to the Guardian, Olivia Cooke “shines” in the title role in “Pixie,” an Irish-set crime-comedy about a woman on the run from a drug-dealing priest (Alec Baldwin) after a heist goes awry. R. Available on various streaming platforms. Contains violence, crude language, drugs and some sexual references. 93 minutes.

Executive-produced by Nicole Holofcener (“The Land of Steady Habits”), “Sophie Jones” is a coming-of-age story about a 16-year-old (played by director Jessie Barr’s cousin, Jessica Barr). It’s a “quiet, brilliant film, elegant in its smallness,” according to the Playlist. Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms. 85 minutes. As we wait for the upcoming film adaptation of writer Tim O’Brien’s acclaimed 1990 book about the Vietnam War, “The Things They Carried” – the documentary “The War and Peace of Tim O’Brien” paints a portrait of the writer and Vietnam veteran as he struggles to put words on paper again after years of not writing. Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms. 84 minutes.

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MOVIES REVIEW

‘Coming 2 America’ is fun, surprisingly gorgeous Long-awaited sequel to 1988 comedy stars Eddie Murphy as African prince

W By Ann Hornaday

Eddie Murphy and Shari Headley star in “Coming 2 America.” Below, Leslie Jones and Jermaine Fowler appear in a scene from the film, a sequel to the 1988 comedy starring Murphy as an African prince. (AMAZON

Washington Post

ho among us would count “Coming to America” as a great movie?

The 1988 comedy, which featured Eddie Murphy at the height of his stardom, was far from a cinematic masterpiece: The silly, slapstick fairy tale of an African prince who travels to Queens to find the love of his life was pure ’80s schlock, from its plastic production values to a plot that felt cobbled together from a library shelf of So You Think You Can Write a Screenplay guides. It wasn’t even a grand showcase for Murphy, who with the exception of playing some amusing secondary characters in disguise, delivered a performance far more subdued than he was capable of. And yet. “Coming to America” became a huge hit, and has accrued only more love over the years as a cult film for succeeding generations. Indeed, within a mainstream film culture completely co-opted by special effects and metastasizing multiverses, even the flaws of “Coming to America” now seem not just forgivable but endearing, part and parcel of the kind of midrange, one-off movie that used to define the theatrical cinematic experience. “Coming to America” didn’t aspire to be great, which is what made it great. The same kind of self-awareness infuses “Coming 2 America,” a long-awaited sequel that aims squarely to serve its audience, with no apology and a surfeit of pleasures, both simple and wildly extravagant. Chock full of callbacks, in-jokes, knowing references and replays, “Coming 2 America” is adamantly, unabashedly one for the fans. And, judged solely by that mission, it’s a straight-up, if modest, success. As “Coming 2 America” opens, Prince

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seasons from 1998 to 2002 on The WB, which is now The CW.

STUDIOS)

‘COMING 2 AMERICA’ rrrs

Rated: PG-13 Running time: 108 min. Playing at: Amazon Prime

Akeem (Murphy) is on the verge of assuming the throne in the fictional African country of Zamunda, while his wife, Lisa (Shari Headley), and his three daughters await the transition with regal aplomb. The oldest daughter, Meeka (KiKi Layne), is smart, strong and shrewd enough to assume the role of leader-in-waiting. But King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones) has not changed the patriarchal laws of Zamunda, which can only be led by a male heir. When Akeem is informed that he indeed has a son – the result of that junket to Queens 30 years ago – his problems would seem to be solved. What ensues is a rehash of the original fish-out-of-water setup, this time with Akeem’s son Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler) and his mother, Mary (Leslie Jones), being fetched from their modest New York apartment and plopped into palatial luxury in Zamunda. Fans of the

Although “My So-Called Life” only aired for one season (from 1994 to 1995), the teen drama series still has attracted a cult-like following. The show, which arrives on Hulu today, brought Claire

original film will recognize the most memorable rites and rituals of the first film, from the court’s royal bathers (no longer topless) to a dazzling set piece when General Izzi (Wesley Snipes), from the neighboring land of Nexdoria, presents his daughter Bopoto (Teyana Taylor) for marriage to Lavelle. (There’s even a reprise of a taxi gag from the first movie, updated for the Uber age.) Will Lavelle prove himself as King-of-Zamunda material? Will he marry Bopoto or leave his arranged bride hanging, the same way Akeem did back in ’88 (a plot point that is revisited here)? Who cares? “Coming 2 America,” which was directed by Craig Brewer and co-written by Kenya Barris, Barry

Danes to fame, as it focused on the life of her character and friends at the fictional Liberty High School in suburban Pittsburgh. Jared Leto starred in the show, alongside Jordan Cat-

Blaustein and David Sheffield, is less about what happens than making sure nearly every beat from the original is resuscitated, from Murphy and co-star Arsenio Hall playing the dozens as a bunch of old men in a Queens barbershop to the appearance of an all-star cast of musicians in two all-out musical numbers. Old favorites are back for another lap: In addition to Hall and Headley, “Coming 2 America” features John Amos, Louie Anderson and Paul Bates as the angel-voiced aide-de-camp Oha. Newcomers Jones, Snipes and Tracy Morgan fit in seamlessly with the proceedings, with Jones pepping things up considerably with her improvisatory brio. As she did in “The Old Guard” last year, Layne plays her character with a mix of feminine grace and ferocity, and all the young players — especially newcomer Nomzamo Mbatha — acquit their roles with professionalism and self-assurance. Even more gratifying than the playful, if sometimes grating, humor — like the first movie, albeit to a less leering extent, this one wants to have its cake and eat it too when it comes to objectifying women — the look of “Coming 2 America” has improved considerably. Perhaps the biggest star of the film isn’t an on-screen player but its costume designer Ruth Carter, who has gone all out in creating an Afrocentric aesthetic that bursts with richly hued fabrics, lush textures and gleaming metallics, all of them literally crowned by Stacey Morris’s fabulously intricate hair styles. Part “Black Panther” (which Carter also worked on), and part frothy, Disney-esque fantasia, the visuals of “Coming 2 America” are a pure delight, with a climactic scene giving the term “ruffles and flourishes” particularly lavish new meaning. With its previous R-rating being tamed to PG-13, “Coming 2 America” will no doubt arrive as sweet relief to families eager for some downtime and eye-popping escape. It’s not great cinema. It’s good at what it sets out to do. Which makes it great fun.

alano and Wilson Cruz as an openly gay teen who brought much-needed LGBTQ representation to the small screen. “Kid 90,” streaming tomorrow, gives viewers an

inside look at Hollywood stars featuring Frye’s personal footage with fellow actors like David Arquette, MarkPaul Gosselaar, Brian Austin Green, Stephen Dorff and Heather McComb.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 | E9

DINE & WINE

Lab-grown meats, seafood on the horizon

and do major maintenance work, but this year’s March shutdown was moved up. No specific date for reopening has been set, but it’s likely that the Salem Cross Inn will come back online for Easter Sunday, April 4.

Day Pizza.” Built on a 10-inch handstretched crust, the pizza includes house-made sauce and a three-cheese blend of freshly-shredded mozzarella, aged cheddar, and imported Pecorino Romano. The folks at UNO think the • UNO Pizzeria & Grill deal is “Instagram-ready,” so locations will be celebrating they are encouraging customers to take a selfie of themPi Day (March 14) with a $3.14 pizza deal. On that date, selves enjoying their “Pi” and The Shortstop Bar & Grill, 99 Springfield Road in Westfield, is posting it with the hashtag which takes its name from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day March 15 through 21 with a spe#UNOs314, at @unopizzeria the mathematical constant cial menu, the centerpiece of which is a traditional corned beef andgrill on Instagram. Photos pi (3.14...), dine-in or takedinner that includes carrots, potato, and whole grain mustard. out guests at participating posted will be entered into a (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO) UNO locations can enjoy an drawing to win an UNO’s gift Individual Thin Crust Pizza card loaded with $314. The for an interesting new era “Pi” for $3.14. No coupon is winner will be announced on of food experiences when Instagram at the conclusion of necessary; guests can access “made in the lab” begins to replace “fresh from the farm” the deal by simply telling their the promotion. SEE MENU, PAGE E11 server that they’d like the “Pi on restaurant menus.

Hugh Robert Off The Menu

It may be that we are all in for an interesting new era of food experiences when “made in the lab” begins to replace “fresh from the farm” on restaurant menus.

• Among the area restaurants that have decided to close down for the winter is the Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield, which went on hiatus starting Feb. 15. The Inn traditionally closes in March to take vacations

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genetically-modified (GMO) grains become a barrier to the favorable reception of lab-grown animal protein, or will the claims that these new products are “cleaner” and free from environmental contaminants make them particularly attractive to consumers? Those promoting these labmade food products also like to point out that they come from technology that is more sustainable (fewer negative environmental impacts) and more humane than current factory farming practices. It may be that we are all in

Side dishes • The Shortstop Bar & Grill in Westfield is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day March 15 through 21 with a special menu, the centerpiece of which is a traditional corned beef dinner that includes carrots, potato, and whole grain mustard. Also on its kitchen’s agenda for the duration is a corned beef Rueben sandwich served with fries and a corned beef Rueben flatbread fashioned from sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, and mozzarella. Irish Nachos will be available for snacking purposes, and whiskey raisin bread pudding will be featured for dessert. A corned beef dinner family pack, designed to serve four and incorporating the traditional sides of cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, will also be available. The Short Stop Bar and Grill answers at 413-642-6370.

3135607-01

HE ANIMAL PROteins — meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs — that have always been a focus of the restaurant dining experience have been undergoing a metamorphosis over the last several years, with plant-based substitutes and now lab-grown alternatives becoming increasingly available and, more importantly, competitive in terms of both eating quality and price. The story of plant-derived ground beef replacements like those manufactured by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods is already well known, and both products have found places on restaurant menus. Both companies have also branched out to create plant-based sausage and chicken replacements; as their operations have grown in size and efficiency, their prices are becoming increasingly competitive with natural beef, chicken, and pork. Now a second wave of animal protein replacements are coming to market in the form of lab-grown beef, chicken, and seafood. The process by which these protein replacements are created is pure science fiction, with individual “donor” cells from animals grown in bio-reactors, processed and refined, then given “meatlike” structure through a sort of 3D printing process. A San Francisco startup, East Just, Inc. has created “cultured chicken,” and San Diego-based BlueNalu, having successfully created lab-grown food fish, is now building a production facility. Both products supposedly have the flavor, mouthfeel, and cooking characteristics of traditionally sourced chicken or fish. Of course, the real question is how quickly these labgrown foods will gain wide public acceptance once their cost is competitive with traditional animal protein. Will the same kinds of concerns and fear surrounding

WEEKEND

E10 | THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021

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DINE & WINE

Affordable, Austrian red & white wines worth discovering

USTRIA MIGHT not be the first – or even the second or third – place most people think of when they think of great wine growing regions. Instead, this alpine country likely conjures up images of skiers effortlessly gliding down snow-capped peaks or finely-dressed partygoers waltzing in gilded ballrooms in Vienna. But it would be a real shame to overlook Austria’s outstanding wines. If you’re familiar with Austrian wines, you probably know its wonderful, dry white wines. In particular, Austrian is best known for its gruner veltliners. I’ve been a fan of these white wines for many years. They’re dry, light and refreshing. They also taste slightly sharper and crisper than many other white wines, particularly chardonnays. All those angular adjectives used to describe these Teutonic wines might conjure images of Wagnerian operas or an ice-cold Marlene Dietrich playing a femme fatale in “The Blue Angel.” But those analogies don’t do justice to these lighthearted, approachable wines. Think more along the lines of Madeline Kahn in “Blazzing Saddles” or Bugs Bunny as Brunhilde or Vienna’s master of charming classical music, Johann Strauss II. If you enjoy the flavors of fresh picked apples – especially the Macoun and McIntosh varieties – you’ll probably love these delightful Austrian gruner veltliners. Best of all, you can drink these wines when they’re young and they’re reasonably priced. Many of the best Austrian gruner veltliners recommended cost less than $15 a bottle. But don’t stop there. Let me assure you that many of Austria’s hard-to-find red wines are well worth the effort. That’s why I also

it comes to Austrian wine. Roughly one third of all wine made in Austrian consists of gruner veltliner wine. But this white wine isn’t the only wine made in Austria. Other common white wine grape varieties include: • Welschriesling • Muller-Thurgau • Weissburgunder (Austrian name for pinot blanc) As for red wine, the most common Austrian grape varietal is Zweigelt, which was created in 1922 by combining two of Austria’s other popular red wine grapes – St. Laurent and Blaufrankisch.

Ken Ross Wine Press

If you enjoy the flavors of fresh picked apples – especially the Macoun and McIntosh varieties – you’ll probably love these delightful Austrian gruner veltliners.

The five Austrian gruner veltliner white wines, above, and the two Austrian red wines, below, recommended this week. (KEN ROSS PHOTOS)

included two, outstanding red wines from Austria. Again, let me say right up front you’ll likely have to order these red wines online since most stores don’t sell red Austrian wines. But if you’re willing to make the effort, these wines will definitely reward you with a memorable wine experience. Let me add that if you are looking for Austrian wines in a store, they’re fairly easy to spot. That’s because the top of the cap of most Austrian wines has two red stripes and one white stripe in between, which is similar to Austria’s ble & Vine in West Springfield) flag. • 2019 Huber Vision GrunHope you enjoy. er Veltliner ($12.99 at Table Austrian wines & Vine) recommended this week • 2019 Winzer Krems Red wines: Sandgrube 13 Gruner Veltliner • 2016 Leo Hillinger ($11.99 at Table & Vine) Leithaberg Blaufrankisch ($21 • 2019 Kamptal Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg Gruner Suggested Retail Price) • 2016 Netzl Anna Christina Veltliner ($14.99 at Table & Vine) Reid Barnreiser ($80 SRP) White wines: • 2018 Rainer Wess Gruner Austrian wine regions Austria’s wines come mainly Veltliner ($16.99 at Provisions from the eastern part of the in Northampton) country near Vienna. The • 2019 Durnberg L & T Gruner Veltliner ($9.99 at Ta- four, large wine growing areas

Wine tasting notes 2016 Leo Hillinger Leithaberg Blaufrankisch Wine region: Leithaberg, Burgenland Grapes: Blaufrankisch Tasting notes: This wine is a great place to start if you want to learn more about Austrian red wines. That’s because it’s made entirely with the distinctly Austrian red wine grape, Blaufrankisch. This particular red wine has a bright, light fruit flavor with a hint of cherry and floral notes. There’s also a slightly sweetness to this wine, but nothing overpowering. Instead, the flavors and aromas seem to sing and ring like the tap on a crystal glass in winter.

2016 Netzl Anna Christina Reid Barnreiser Wine region: Carnuntum, Niederosterreich can be found in Wien (the Grapes: 65% Zweigelt, German spelling for Vienna), 25% merlot, 10% cabernet Niederosterreich, Burgenland sauvignon and Steiermark. In particular, Tasting notes: I realize this some of the best Austrian wine costs significantly more wines, particularly gruner than the other wines recveltliners, come from the sub- ommended this week. Then regions of Wachau, Kremstal again, this outstanding red and Kamptal in the larger wine would be perfect for any Niederosterreich (German special occasion. Made with a blend of three different grapes for “Lower Austria”) region from the Carnuntum subrejust west of Vienna along the gion located on the southern Danube River. bank of the Danube River, this Common Austrian grapes smooth, elegant, dry wine has Gruner veltliner remains a soft, round finish with hints the dominant grape when SEE WINE, PAGE E12

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WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 | E11

DINE & WINE

Is less carbonation in beer possible?

OP, POP, FIZZ, FIZZ. Oh, what a regret it is. In other words, sometimes I think a lot beers are overcarbonated. Let me admit right from the start here that (as regular readers might recall) I am a huge fan of real ale, or cask ale. For the uninitiated, that simply means beers that aren’t forced carbonated, but which rely on their own natural carbonation. These beers are always less bubbly and, to me, they taste much better. So with that said, I wonder what the beer world would be like if we could dial back the CO2 when we serve beer on tap? I’m guessing most people would wince at the idea, but might embrace the actual result if they tried it. Then again,

Of course, there is already an alternative that would solve my dislike of fizzy beers: nitrogen. Bars and beers already use this alternate gas, but it also isn’t always perfect for every beer. Brews that rely on aromas as part of their magic industry to grow, the downside, more subtle ones. can be diminished because N2 to me, was that the public was Of course, I’m not sure what doesn’t stimulate that aspect of the beer. But it does give you pretty much forced to accept I’m talking about here is even George Lenker tighter bubbles, a smoother feel beers that lack some subtledoable. I’m neither a scientist Beer Nut ties of old-school brews and and, to me, something closer to nor a brewer, but I know you real ale. were not as smooth in terms of can’t just arbitrarily crank I’m often the odd one out, so I’m also intrigued by still mouthfeel. down the carbonation without maybe not. People are used to beers – ones with no carbonOf course the other aspect of messing them up. And if you ation. But we’ll save that topic highly effervescent beer, and I this is that beer temperature lower the effervescence, you for another day. also know that real ale is some- affects how carbonation acts in are also talking about the postimes described as “flat.” I’m sure there are other probbeer. In short, draft beer needs sibility of foamy beer (which The funny thing is that forced to be colder because cooler oddly is also possible with over- lems with my idea, and I accept carbonated beer). And the beer that. I guess I just have to keep carbonation only started about beer absorbs the gas better. will go flatter more quickly. living in the imperfect world 100 years ago or less. And it Again, this is another reason I’m just wondering if there is where real ale is a rare treat. really wasn’t prevalent until I prefer real ale: It’s served a way to make many beers less Or I have to move to Ireland or a decade or two later. While warmer, which brings out the fizzy. the U.K. it clearly allowed the beer flavors more, especially the

which are currently slated to continue through early June, restrict gatherings of more CONTINUED FROM PAGE E9 than 50 people. McCormick Locally, UNO Pizzeria & Place management has made Grill locations on Boston the assessment that, even Road and on Hall of Fame should these state restrictions Avenue are participating in the be lifted earlier than anticipromotion, as is the UNO in the pated, the facility could not be made ready in time for the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. NRA Show’s scheduled May 22 • For the second year in a opening. row the National Restaurant More information on the canAssociation has had to cancel cellation and associated poliits NRA Show. The show, cies can be found at the show’s which is the industry’s largest website, nationalrestaurant trade exposition, brings togeth- show.com. er restaurant owners, chefs, and food service managers in • Burger King is currenta multiday event that includes ly featuring the “Sourdough King,” single- or double-patty displays of what’s on-trend in food and equipment as well as versions of the chain’s quarter seminars, demonstrations, and pound hamburger. Toasted sourdough bread information sessions. The 2020 show was canceled replaces the bun in the “Sourin May of last year when the dough King,” which is served COVID-19 pandemic shut topped with bacon, American down large events nationcheese, ketchup, and mayonwide. This year’s action is due naise. to gathering size limitations The Sourdough King will be imposed by the state of Illinois, available through April 19 at which has jurisdiction over participating locations. Chicago’s McCormick Place exposition center, the show’s • Laurie McDonald, who longtime venue. has taken over as Innkeeper at State COVID-19 precautions, the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield,

While it clearly allowed the beer industry to grow, the downside, to me, was that the public was pretty much forced to accept beers that lack some subtleties of old-school brews and were not as smooth in terms of mouthfeel.

Avenue, can be found at its Instagram page, @eathomestead. The establishment also answers at 413-586-0502. • Beverage and coffee chain Dunkin’ has announced limited time offerings for the 2021 spring season. Savory options include avocado toast served on sourdough Dunkin’ is adding avocado toast and two kinds of grilled and a “Grilled Cheese Melt,” cheese to its menu for spring. (DUNKIN’) also made with sourdough Reservations are recombread and two types of cheese. will be presenting two special mended for both occasions Black forest ham can also be experiences this month. and can be made by calling 413- added for a small additional For St. Patrick’s Day, March charge. 17, Champney’s Restaurant at 774-5587. In the cold coffee beverage the Deerfield Inn will be featuring Irish-inspired specialties in • Homestead restaurant in area, Dunkin’ is promoting addition to the gastropub’s reg- Northampton, which reopened its “sweet cold foam,” a blend ular menu. The dinner menu as of last month, is currently of sweetened skim milk and that day will include “bangers operating on a Friday through cream, as a beverage garnish. & mash,” a traditional corned Sunday takeout-only basis until Participating locations are beef and cabbage plate, and outdoor seating once again also offering a Matcha Topped roast spring leg of lamb. becomes feasible. Donut, a glazed raised donut On March 20, Champney’s The restaurant is featuring a topped with matcha green tea will be hosting a Fancy Nancy scaled-down version of its reg- powder. Luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. ular menu that’s supplemented by Chef Jeremy Werther’s Youngsters are encouraged to Hugh Robert is a faculty come dressed “fancy” to enjoy weekend inspirations. Werther member in Holyoke Community has also implemented a tempo- College’s hospitality and culinary dining out accompanied by rary 6% COVID surcharge he’s arts program and has nearly 45 a reading of Jane O’Connor’s using to supplement lost staff years of restaurant and educaclassic story, “Fancy Nancy.” tional experience. Robert can be income. Champney’s will have a children’s lunch menu as well as reached online at OffTheMenu Updates about Homestead, selections available for adults. which is located at 7 Strong Guy@aol.com.

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Wine CONTINUED FROM PAGE E10

of cherry and raspberry. The flavors seem to last forever after each sip, making this wine an ideal sipping wine for a long, leisurely Sunday afternoon. Absolutely outstanding. 2018 Rainer Wess Gruner Veltliner Wine region: Wachau, Niederosterreich Grapes: Gruner veltliner Tasting notes: While I honestly enjoyed all five gruner veltliners recommended this week, I enjoyed this one a little bit more. This wonderful white wine has a crisp, slightly grassy finish reminiscent of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. There’s nothing sweet or cloying about this intense, delightfully dry white wine bursting with flavor. What a joy to drink. It’s also perfect on its own or with seafood or even heartier, winter stews. 2019 Durnberg L & T Gruner Veltliner Wine region: Niederosterreich Grapes: Gruner veltliner Tasting notes: Expect to read more about this wine later this year when I write my annual Top 10 Wines Under $10 column. If you’re looking for an affordable, distinct white wine for under $10, look no further than this outstanding gruner veltliner. Its flavors range from crisp, green apples to a faint hint of fresh cut grass. An ideal wine for raw oysters on the half shell or slightly warmer spring afternoons, particularly if you just finished spring skiing and the sun and snow make for an inviting, cold drink on a deck chair.

Let me assure you that many of Austria’s hardto-find red wines are well worth the effort. slightly floral aroma mixed with fresh, dark soil. Picture a flowerbed in April on a sunny afternoon after a morning rain shower. This delightful wine is worth spending a few hours with on its own or with salmon or other seafood. 2019 Winzer Krems Sandgrube 13 Gruner Veltliner Wine region: Kremstal, Niederosterreich Grapes: Gruner veltliner Tasting notes: If you like your food or wine on the tart side, this distinct gruner veltliner from the Kremstal region is the wine for you. Its tart, crisp flavors tingle on the tip of the tongue and last for a good half minute or so. This great wine goes well with spicier food or with potato chips or something on the slightly salty side. 2019 Kamptal Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg Gruner Veltliner Wine region: Kamptal, Niederosterreich Grapes: Gruner veltliner Tasting notes: Yet another unique gruner veltliner, the flavors for this distinct wine from Austria’s Kamptal region bridges the gap between tart and grassy notes. Like the first gruner veltliner on this list, this wine also has a crisp, soft, understated finish. Picture a high alpine mountain stream in early summer, gently sparkling in the sunlight as it gently dances down the stream atop the rocks. There’s nothing overpowering or over the top about this wine. It simply quietly shares its secrets, like an easy going conversation with a familiar friend. Cheers! Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s weekend section every Thursday.

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2019 Huber Vision Gruner Veltliner Wine region: Niederosterreich Grapes: Gruner veltliner Tasting notes: One of my other favorites of the five gruner veltliners recommended this week, this wine’s flinty, grassy aromas and flavors have a wonderful intensity. There’s also a

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