SWEET HOME
PLENTY OF PARKING
A fresh and modern rom-com that hilariously and awkwardly navigates the cultural clash between two families, the movie follows Ezra (Jonah Hill), who’s Jewish, and Amira (Lauren London), who’s Black and Muslim. While they’re deeply in love they struggle to bring their families together — a task that proves to be heartfelt, relatable, and funny. Ezra and Amira’s relationship, which portrays a love that feels tender and real, is challenged not by their own doubts but by the prejudices and misunderstandings of their families, played brilliantly by Eddie Murphy and Julia LouisDreyfus. This familial tug-of-war adds a layer of complexity to the movie, and suggests that love is shaped and tested by what we can’t control. For Valentine’s Day viewers, You People serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the enduring power of love, with all its imperfections. Rated R for strong language and mature themes.
Few movies capture the essence of young love quite like Say Anything. Cameron Crowe’s cult classic is the perfect combination of passion, vulnerability, and grand romantic gestures. Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is the prototypical lovestruck dreamer, chasing after Diane Court (Ione Skye), the class valedictorian with a complicated family life. What makes this movie so enduringly romantic is its simplicity: love here isn’t flashy but genuine. Lloyd’s now iconic boombox scene — a serenade to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” — is pure movie magic and an example of the grand romantic gestures of the past. The movie’s ’80s vibe, with its mixtapes, payphones, and heartfelt rebelliousness, adds a certain nostalgic charm, perfect for those reminiscing about first loves. As a Valentine’s treat, Say Anything reminds us that love is about persistence, honesty, and embracing imperfection, even in a perfectly imperfect world. Rated PG-13 for mature themes.
Pixar’s Elemental is a whimsical love story set in Element City, where fire, water, air, and earth coexist but rarely mix. The movie shines as a celebration of love’s ability to transcend differences. Ember, an obviously “fiery” and passionate character, meets Wade, a gentle, free-flowing water elemental, and their connection grows in spite of social rules and personal hesitancy. Their, ahem, “chemistry,” is both touching and playful, and a play on how opposites attract. Pixar’s hallmark storytelling and gorgeous animation bring the relationship to life, from awkward beginnings to heartfelt resolution. Ember and Wade’s journey is a reminder that true love isn’t about finding someone identical to you — it’s about embracing what makes you different. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, Elemental is a Valentine’s Day treat. Rated PG.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
You People (2023)
Say Anything (1989)
Elemental (2023)
Eclectic and Electric
Bold global flavors meet comfort food classics
Guests are invited to explore cuisine from regions like the Hawaiian islands, with fresh salmon bowls, ahi poke and a rich and flavorful Wagyu Loco Moco. For some soulful Cajun flavors, try their incredible Smoked Jambalaya or the Smoked Salmon Po’Boy.
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Photos by MJ Media Productions, Active Media
Everything about Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill is eclectic, especially the menu’s innovative fusion of traditional comfort food and global cuisine designed to tantalize your taste buds. Named for co-owner Bobbie Franks’ father, this family-friendly venue on the northside of town opened in April of 2023 and has become a welcome fixture in the Lebanon dining scene.
Bobbie and Aaron Franks never intended to own a bar and grill, but when the opportunity arose to take over the beautifully designed eatery situated in a quiet new development, they jumped at the chance.
“It kind of fell into our laps,” Bobbie explains.
The space features a bright open dining area and a bricked bar with a glittering glassware display, while the walls are adorned with funky artwork and big-screen TVs.
Robin’s has a full bar and is a great place to grab a drink, but the real adventure at this extraordinary spot is the food. Chef Derrick Hamel-Kaalekahi is the mastermind behind the delectable offerings.
“He comes up with these fabulous creations, and his team in the kitchen works so well together — they’re all amazing,” says Bobbie.
Haamel-Kaalekahi’s specialty is gourmet comfort food, so you’ll find traditions with a twist complemented by fresh meats and seafood. Indulge in the Open Face Crab Imperial Melt, the Steak Oscar, or the Smoked Langostino Smashed Potato — buttery, savory smoked langostino, penne pasta and a delicious garlic-parmesan bechamel served atop a mountain of baked smashed potato smothered in compound butter, topped with fresh chives and crispy bacon.
No matter your craving or preference, there’s something for everyone at Robin’s, and the lineup also includes a delicious assortment of appetizers, burgers, plates of pasta, salads, sandwiches and more.
The Korean BBQ Cauliflower is a customer favorite, and the Roast Beef Burger is a newer addition — a smashed burger topped with roast beef, pepper jack cheese, and horseradish aioli served with a side of au jus. A children’s menu is also available for the little ones.
If you’re craving something sweet, enjoy one of their decadent desserts, like the Flourless Chocolate Torte Cake or their wildly popular Butter Toffee Bundt cake, served with fresh berries and housemade whipped cream. With 11 rotating taps, canned and bottled beers, wine and a list of tasty specialty cocktails, it’s easy to find the perfect libation to complement your meal. Pair your poke bowl with a Hawaiian Martini or a Spicy Jalapeno-Hibiscus Limeade. Their large selection of premium spirits means the talented bartenders at Robin’s can always whip up the cocktail of your choosing.
The clientele at Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill are as eclectic as the menu, and they’ve acquired a large local following of all ages.
“We have very loyal customers,” Bobbie says. “We see a lot of older folks during the day, especially our regulars from the Oregon Veterans Home. We
also see a lot of the younger crowd and their families.”
The establishment is family-friendly throughout, minus the bartop, and, weather permitting, a glass roll-up door leads to a picturesque outdoor patio with firepit tables. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or celebrating a special
occasion, the Franks and their friendly staff are here to welcome you with a fun and unique dining experience!
Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill is located at 805 N 5th St in Lebanon. Please give them a call at (541) 4054054 or visit their website at www. robinnorthsidebar.com
DID YOU KNOW? In 2016, when Lindsay Funston was an editor at Delish.com, she created a recipe video for a Tuscanstyle chicken dish that attracted millions of views. When she was done cooking, Ms. Funston’s video producer took a bite and declared, “I’d marry you for that chicken!” She named the dish “Marry Me Chicken.”
Marry Me Chicken
Say YES to Valentine’s dinner at home
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 jar (6.3-ounce) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 chicken bouillon cube (0.4-ounce)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Directions
In large pot, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides. Cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Cook other side until golden brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove to plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil and shallot to same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Add garlic, stirring continuously, until fragrant. Add broth and scrape up browned bits. Add tomatoes, bouillon, cream, oregano, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until cube dissolves. Bring sauce to a boil; reduce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Nestle chicken in sauce. Cook until sauce thickens slightly and chicken registers at 165ºF, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and basil. Serve with spaghetti.
Linn Shuttle makes 10 trips a day from Sweet Home to Albany with stops in Lebanon, Mon thru Fri, 6 trips on Saturday. The “Express” operates in line with the LBCC School Schedule
The Dial-a-Bus serves the greater Sweet Home area. To reserve a ride, please call 24 hours before requested service.
The Shopper is getting a new name! “In-Town Transit”. Sweet Home’s own little bus.
What’s in a Heart?
Why candy hearts remain a cultural icon
By Donovan Darling, Active Media
Necco wafers, candy hearts, Sweethearts, conversation hearts. The candy goes by many names, with silly messages and a chalky consistency. The notorious candy hearts have a strange history that harkens back to a Civil War-era pharmacy and America’s first candy machine. The story begins in 1847, with a pharmacist named Oliver Chase, who invented a machine to produce lozenges. Back then, apothecary lozenges were popular for sore throats and other illnesses. But 175+ years ago, the process to make a lozenge was labor-intensive: pulverizing medicine and sugar paste by hand with a mortar and pestle, kneading dough, then rolling and cutting out little discs. Considered the first candy machine, Oliver invented a lozenge cutter to simplify the process and smartly shifted from making medicine to making candy, founding Chase and Company, which later became New England Confectionery Company, or Necco!
Here’s where the story gets really interesting. Legend tells us that Union soldiers during the Civil War carried Necco wafers, known as “hub wafers,” and Oliver Chase might have been inspired by the love letters these soldiers carried. Historians also suggest that perhaps Daniel Chase, Oliver’s brother, was inspired by the growing popularity of Esther Howland’s Valentine’s Day cards which began selling in the mid-1800s. A third and more likely explanation is that the candy wafers were inspired by the oddly named cockle, a popular candy shaped like a scallop seashell which contained a “motto” printed on a thin roll of paper stuffed inside. Daniel may have cleverly improved upon this design, printing the messages directly onto candy by using a felt roller pad wetted with red vegetable coloring.
However, Daniel’s “conversation candies” or “motto lozenges” weren’t heart-shaped until later in 1902. Until that time their candy was sold in a simple disc shape, but eventually they were sold in shapes like baseballs, watches and horseshoes. When the candy hearts were introduced they were hugely successful, and over the next 100 years other smaller companies began selling similar candies. In 1990, Necco acquired Stark Candy Company and became the “leading manufacturer in conversation hearts.” Today, the company claims to manufacture nearly 100,000 pounds of Sweethearts every day and approximately 8 billion candy hearts each year.
But what is a candy heart exactly? Necco offers classic Sweethearts, as well as chocolate, sugar-free, “dazzled,” and “color your own” varieties. According
to their website: “Manufacturers combine sugar, corn syrup, cornstarch, flavors, gums and colors into a mixing machine to create a dough, which then goes into a machine that presses it flat, stamps it with sayings and cuts it into hearts. After 30 minutes in a “drying tunnel,” the six different heart flavors are mixed together and packaged.” I guess they’re not made out of chalk!
Daniel Chase’s original printed lozenges were larger and therefore included longer phrases, like “HOW LONG SHALL I HAVE TO WAIT? PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE” and “WHY IS A STYLISH GIRL LIKE YOU A THRIFTY HOUSEKEEPER?” Obviously, times have changed! There were also weddingthemed sayings, such as “MARRIED IN WHITE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN RIGHT,” “MARRIED IN SATIN, LOVE WILL NOT BE LASTING.” Previous sayings like the deeply dated “FAX ME” and “GROOVY” have been discontinued. The more timeless messages like “BE MINE” and “KISS ME” you may be more familiar with. Whatever your feelings on candy hearts, they’re a fun and fascinating little piece of American history.
Home Is Where the Experience Is
Premier real estate services in Linn County
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
Photos by MJ Media Productions, Active Media
Oregon Real Estate Professionals LLC truly stands out for its exceptional customer service. Led by owner/principal broker Todd Branson, the agency puts clients first and ensure every transaction is handled with care, integrity and a personal touch. Their mission is to guide clients through buying and selling ventures across Linn County. Covering Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Brownsville, Jefferson, Scio, Crabtree, Cascadia, Tangent, Crawfordsville and the surrounding areas, they offer personalized service and unparalleled expertise to both buyers and sellers.
Linn County’s idyllic landscape, with its rolling green hills and pristine lakes and rivers, provides a serene escape for all. Whether you’re in the market for a home, a commercial space or a recreational property, Oregon Real Estate Professionals has the ideal options. Sellers particularly benefit from the area’s natural beauty, which enhances the appeal of their properties and attracts eager buyers looking to be part of this breathtaking environment.
Established in 2019, the agency was built on the pillars of integrity, transparency and client satisfaction. Armed with extensive knowledge and insights, the brokers offer
invaluable guidance and expertise to ensure informed decisions at every stage of the real estate journey. Whether navigating a competitive market or negotiating the best deal, clients can rely on the Oregon Real Estate Professionals team. Each member is committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of clients, ensuring a smooth and successful real estate journey.
Oregon Real Estate Professionals understands the diverse needs of every buyer. With a flexible approach, they customize their services to match each client’s specific requirements. Leveraging the advanced tools of the Willamette Valley Multiple Property Listing Service, the brokers ensure comprehensive access to all available listings and offer expert guidance so that every individual finds the perfect fit for their unique desires and aspirations.
When selling your property, Oregon Real Estate Professionals goes the extra mile to ensure success. The team begins by analyzing market trends, considering the urgency of the sale and your specific goals. Through a comprehensive evaluation, they determine the optimal value of your property, providing you with a clear understanding of its worth. This strategic approach facilitates a quick sale and maximizes profitability, giving you peace of mind throughout the process. From initial pricing to closing the deal, their expertise ensures a seamless and lucrative transaction, allowing you to confidently move forward with your real estate goals.
Oregon Real Estate Professionals continues to set the bar high, ensuring every client’s real estate journey is exceptional. Contact them today to discover why they are the best choice for all real estate needs in Linn County.
Call (541) 258-6100, visit oregonrealestateprofessionals. com, or stop by their office at 2345 S. Santiam Hwy., Lebanon.
