The Big Sick Leila By the Bay

n Gourmet Gracie and Movie Magic

This romantic restaurant, with Italian and Mediterranean flair, has a view of the San Francisco Bay and options for everyone— inside or outside, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At Leila By the Bay, the food stands out. It’s truly good. The homey atmosphere is casual with a neighborhood vibe. Full bar and short, but decent wine list. Gracie went for dinner with her friend, Rockin’ Robin, and both agreed that the fettuccini Alfredo was the best in memory…and this time with CRAB. Delicious. Or, go for the braised lamb shank or chicken piccata. The humbly named garlic toast is not to be missed—just what it’s supposed to be but rarely is. Cheesy, garlicky, crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. Martinis and Cosmos are excellent!

Weekend breakfast/brunch is wildly popular with Benedicts, crepes, omelets and specialty hash. Bottomless mimosas! Specialty sandwiches, salads and a variety of burgers are offered for lunch. The lamb burger with mango chutney is a local favorite.

Leila By the Bay was named for Leila, a mother who inspired the belief that good food unites all of us. This passion for food and delight in serving others is central to their success. Visit Leila’s in the Civic Center Historical Building and experience the serenity of the surrounding landscape and sunset views just across the water.

Dog friendly patio, infamous happy hours, call for special Valentine’s Day menu. Just 14 miles and 20 minutes from Benicia!

What’s your favorite movie? Mary Moon from Movie Magic often points to the classic Same Time Next Year from 1978 and filmed on the Mendocino coast. Or, Love Actually, still going strong from 2003. These movies can make us smile while opening our hearts. A BIG favorite is The Big Sick, a 2017 independent film and romantic comedy based on a true love story. Happy Valentine's Day!

Written by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, it’s the story of their real-life courtship which overcame cultural differences, interracial challenges and a dramatic health crisis. Produced by the brilliant Judd Apatow and directed by Michael Showalter, it is one of the highest grossing independent films ever and was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Nanjiani plays himself, a Pakistani comic, who meets Emily (Zoe Kazan), an American graduate student. Holly Hunter and Ray Romano standout in the supporting cast. Wow! It’s just as great as you might think.

“She just dropped in!” one of the funniest repetitive movie lines, is uttered each time by Kumail’s matchmaking mother, as the doorbell rings again during dinner and yet another young Pakistani woman appears in an effort to entice her son towards marriage.

It can be endearingly clumsy and clunky, but is genuine and relevant. There are unexpected surprises and a generous dollop of wisdom and truth. High drama and perfect comedic timing are equally matched. It's heartwarming, heartbreaking and completely entertaining. 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Settle in with your sweetheart and enjoy!

Movie Magic gives The Big Sick 4.5 out of 5 moons. B

February 4

Wine and Chocolate Walk

First Street, Downtown Benicia

1:00-5:00pm

Stroll First Street with your sweetheart tasting fine wine and chocolate pairings inside downtown shops. Tickets are $35 advance for a single ticket and $65 advance for a pair of tickets. Day of event, all tickets are $40. Tickets available for purchase at Benicia Main Street or on Eventbrite.

February 4

Celebrating Black History Month –Who We Are: Past. Present. Future. Marina Lounge, 700 Main Street, Suisun City, California 1:00pm

February 11

Love & Wellness Artisan Fair

Georgia Street, Downtown Vallejo 10:00am-2:00pm

Checkout Cupid’s Choice, meet and mingle with new friends and check out seasonal Valentine’s crafts and more for your family and friends.

Presented in partnership by Angels With Heart and The Bombshell Group Family Marketplace.

February 17, 18, 19 and 24

The Game's Afoot

Bay Area Stage Theatre on Broadway

Directed by Stacey Loew

515 Broadway St, Vallejo

It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous.