first look: teeth

"Teeth"
dir., Mitchell Lichtenstein
2008

Is this Sundance crowd pleaser a reaction to the man-boy comedies as of late or pure chauvinistic garbage? The premise does sound a little terrifying if you ask me.

new order

It wouldn't be the New Year without a few resolutions. I'm not worried about quitting a vice or changing my appearance, but instead this will be the year I owe it to myself to fulfill my young adult hopes and dreams. Well, maybe not all of them, but here are a few that can get me started:

Drink more water.
Become a better writer.
Watch Krzysztof Kieślowski's "Decalogue" series.
Get into grad school, find a new job, or move to a different city.
Learn how to change a tire.
Learn more about wine.
Watch HBO's "The Wire."
Make more money.
Save more money.
Ease up on the gossiping.
Develop a trademark dish.
Read more.
Travel more.
Love more.

first look: cloverfield

"Cloverfield"
dir., Matt Reeves
2008

Is this some sort of "United 93" inspired B-movie?

the sartorialists: five best dressed men of 2007

When I think about what I wore versus what I wanted to wear in 2007, I'll think of the men I looked to for reliable inspiration and a dashing simplicity. All of these men exhibit a singular and defined personality in how they dress as well as embody the timeless trends of this past year--neutrals, slim cuts, and stripes. We can also hope that candy colored denim, Wayfrarers (I must admit I picked up a knock off pair at Old Navy over the summer), ethnic inspired scarves, and the Slim Slack at American Apparel will die a slow death before the next big thing in 2008.

In no particular order:

Mark Ronson, musician, dj, producerInspired by the lean lines of the Rat Pack, Ronson managed to make the mid-century lounge lizard look cool again without being too retro or costumey. This is the kind of look that necessitates a martini and Amy Winehouse playing in the background.

Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, fashion designersA controversial choice indeed, due to the restrictive number that constitutes this list, but I think of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough as two complementary minds with one shared vision. I'm curious as to what a men's line would look like under the relaxed but effortlessly stylish eye of design duo behind Proenza Schouler. Their womenswear collections combine a soft and hard edge that's at once youthful and very of the moment but classic and clean. Essentially that's how they dress and I can't think of a better way of looking young and comfortable minus slovenly and unkempt.

Jack, played by Adam Goldberg in Julie Delpy's "2 Days in Paris"It's easy to slip into the tall white socks, cargo shorts, fannypack, and college t-shirt routine when traveling abroad but Jack brings an incredible black velvet blazer, sunglasses fit for Godard, and a hot French girlfriend. Adam Goldberg's character is ready for any occasion, whether it be a late night soiree or shopping at the market in the morning. His style is pragmatic but with a flair and wit.

Kanye West during Paris Fashion WeekWhen in Paris and attending fashion shows ranging from Yves Saint Laurent to Vivienne Westwood, the standard is a little higher than an award show or television appearance. Gone are the distracting shades of day-glo, funky glasses, and Gucci backpacks from Kanye West's early sartorial repertoire during his many appearance during the collections. West's style has evolved leaps and bounds since his brazen debut into a more grown-up sensibility, favoring less flash over an overt and heavy-handed way of wearing luxury. Those navy Common Projects and tailored suit are remarkably modern and undeniably hip-hop.

Brad Pitt, parent, philanthropist, budding architect,
movie star extraordinaireWhat to do when attending the most glamorous film festival in the world? Call Tom Ford and get him to costume design and tailor a tuxedo and daytime suit for you and nature will take its course. When he's not too busy adopting children, providing new homes for Katrina survivors, or making sensational movies, Brad Pitt makes such daringly perfect choices for his public appearances. Who else wears a scalloped vest with parted hair and not look like a Jay Gatsby rip off? Mr. Pitt, you are quite simply the man.

Honorable mention:
The cast of "The Darjeeling Limited"
George Clooney
Milo Ventimiglia

Worst dressed:
Tom Cruise
Gareth Pugh
Timbaland

murray christmas

The holiday season wouldn't be right without a party to rekindle friendships, relieve the stress of the taxing toil that is holiday shopping, or simply to dance, eat, converse, and drink the night away. My lovely friend and neighbor Alex and I hosted a holiday fête this past Friday that almost lasted until the sun came up. It was an evening of joy, randomness, and debauchery. Naturally, Alex and I were no slouches when it came to the food and drink. Unfortunately, but fortunately the food and beverages were consumed so quickly that they went unphotographed. I prepared shrimp and spinach quesadillas, crostinis, and an eggnog shot that during the apex of the festivities functioned as a toast to everyone and a jolly good night. Alex offered a delicious array of cookies, breadsticks, and a reliable punch that gets the party going. I'll get those recipes from her soon, but here are mine:

Shrimp and Spinach Quesadillas
40-50 thawed medium sized shrimp, tail-off
9 oz. fresh spinach
10 flour tortillas, 8 inch in diameter
3 cups shredded fontina cheese
2 sliced large white onions
4 table spoons extra virgin olive oil

In a medium sized pan drizzle a table spoon or two of olive oil on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until browned, which takes about 15-20 minutes. While the onions are cooking, in a larger skillet, also on medium, add the other two table spoons of olive oil. Make sure the shrimp have been thawed but don't allow the shrimp to sit for too long in their cold water bath. If your shrimp is frozen, simply run cold water over the shrimp in a colander for five minutes. Their flavor can dissipate if thawed for too long. Once thawed, add to the pan and tear handfuls of the washed spinach over the shrimp. Stir sporadically until the spinach is fully cooked and the shrimp have become tender. Coat one half of tortilla with the cheese and layer with the onions, shrimp, and spinach. Fold over the other half and add to a griddle or a large pan on medium heat. Brown both sides. When cooked, slice each quesadilla into four pieces and serve. Serves 15-20.

Roma Tomato Crostini
One loaf of baguette bread
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 diced roma tomatoes
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

The night before you cook, dice the tomatoes and place in a container or resealable plastic bag with the balsamic vinaigrette. Make sure it's mixed evenly.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice baguette into 25-30 1/2 inch slices. Arrange on a cookie sheet and drizzle four tablespoons olive oil. Place in the oven. In a large pan on medium heat, add the remaining tablespoons of olive oil. Add the tomatoes. Cook until tender, which should take 10-15 minutes. Remove the bread from the oven and add a tablespoon or so of tomatoes to each. Evenly sprinkle the cheese over the tomatoes and serve. Serves 10-15.

Murray Christmas Eggnog
1 qt. Eggnog
1/4 cup of Kahlua
1/3 cup Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka
1/2 cup Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 tablespoon cinnamon

In a large glass pitcher add and stir the eggnog, Kahlua, vodka, bourbon, and cinnamon. Chill over night. Pour in shot glasses and serve. Serves 30. Feel free to add or reduce the amount of alcohol. It's best at your taste.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

third world democracy

M.I.A. for Marc by Marc Jacobs
photographed by Juergen Teller

I really like those ties.

courtesy of oh no they didn't

brown paper packages tied up with strings...

I can't believe there are only a few days left in 2007. There were surprises, disappointments, delicious meals, newly cemented friendships, long nights, fantastic parties, and most of all, the discovery of my new favorite things. When I think about 2007 fifty years from now I'm not sure how I would describe it, but perhaps these ten things will jog my memory:

Naughty trompe l'oeil at Marc Jacobs

Paul Reubens guest starring on "30 Rock"

Hating the iPhone

Time lapse sequence in David Fincher's "Zodiac"

My Rag & Bone jacket

M.I.A.

The asparagus at Basa

My bed

"Killer of Sheep", dir. Charles Burnett

"My Moon My Man" video, Feist

chili a la stephanie

Now that there's a chill in the air and the temperatures have dropped, I can't think of a better relief from the cold than a nice big bowl of chili. The cacophony of flavors and soothing warmth make it an essential dish for the winter. My friend Stephanie, director at the excellent Gallery Nulu here in Louisville, gave me a recipe for some of the best chili I've ever had the pleasure of consuming. I had thirds the first night I made it and over the course of the next few days it got better as the flavors infused together coalescing into one of the best meals I've made for myself. Here's her original recipe:



2 tsp. olive oil
1 big tsp of red curry paste
2 diced onions
3 diced bell peppers (any color)
5 minced cloves garlic
2 tbsp oregano
3 cans black beans, undrained
2 cans diced tomatoes
1/4 cup garlic chili pepper sauce
1/4 tsp salt

Heat oil, add curry paste and saute until bubbling. Add onions and cook until they begin to soften. Add peppers, garlic, oregano. Saute two minutes. Add all that other ingredients, reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes (or longer if you got the time). I added ground chuck to the recipe to satisfy my inner carnivore, but this could be prepared minus meat. I topped mine with shredded colby cheese but sour cream can also be used. Make it yours and not only will you think me but the next time you see Stephanie you'll want to give her a big bear hug.

crema de vie

I am a glutton when it comes to holiday foods and beverages. One of my favorites is eggnog. I'm having a holiday party this Friday and I was considering having some sort of eggnog, but I'm sure copious amounts of a thick, creamy, and punchy beverage is not a good idea. However, I think I will attempt this recipe some other time from the guy who has styled the hair of just about every major model and actress, Orlando Pita. Snaps on the gray on gray combination as well.


1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup rum
2 cinnamon sticks
6 egg yolks
1 14 oz. can Carnation condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla

Bring water, sugar, and cinnamon to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes. Cool (you can place pan in ice water to speed the process up). Whip egg yolks in separate bowl. Mix in condensed milk. Mix in sugar mixture (Note: Pour sugar mixture into condensed milk can to get all the good stuff off the sides of the can.). Add vanilla. Add rum. Strain into a bottle. Refrigerate. Enjoy.

courtesy of style.com

first look: the dark knight

"The Dark Knight"
dir., Christopher Nolan
2008

How do you follow up playing a closeted rancher and version of Bob Dylan? A soggy haired villain in a major studio summer event movie, duh. The first six minutes have already leaked online but I will be a patient filmgoer and wait until next summer.

In other news, the Writers Guild Strike might throw a wrench into the plans for the award season. Click here for the story.

An update on more award winners:
Golden Satellite
Dallas Fort Worth Critics
Southeastern Film Critics