Dinner and a Movie - Vic's and Chicken Run

Dinner and a Movie - Vic's and Chicken Run

• Gourmet Gracie and Movie Magic

What a terrific discovery! Gracie’s only regret is not indulging earlier in the happy deliciousness you’ll find here. Breakfast/ brunch/lunch and dinner, closed Mondays.

This family owned “comfort food” restaurant opened in January 2019. The Hide- Out in Lafayette and Guava in downtown Martinez are in the same, fabulous, friendly family. Excellent service. Generous portions of tastiness.

BRUNCH! Gracie prides herself on “perfect” Hollandaise sauce for her pompously “perfect” Eggs Benedict. Sampling this dish outside of her home brings a scowl to her cheery face; she dreads the inevitable disappointment. But wait, can it be true? The Benedicts at Vic’s are truly perfection. English muffins, crispy outside, tender underneath; perfectly poached eggs with the right amount of “ooze;” generous swaths of citrus hollandaise sauce. Choose ham, BACON, smoked salmon or the veggie version with spinach, avocado, tomato. Protip: Order extra hollandaise for decadent dipping. The fruit cup is delicious and special and all, but really…..bring on the tater tots!

For a walk on the wild side, why not brave The King sandwich? Elvis’ favorite-- peanut butter, jelly, bacon, banana on wheat, browned in butter. “Thank you, thank you very much!”

The extensive dinner menu includes ribeyes, fried chicken, fresh seafood, pasta, burgers. The fried chicken/waffle sandwich is unsurpassed. Many more lunch items, including Paninis and salads. Children’s menu, vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free options. Full bar. The charming outdoor patio is heated, dog-friendly and very comfortable.

You won’t be sorry…treat yourself! See you at Vic’s.

Chicken Run

This Dreamworks production is the highest grossing stop-motion animated film in history, with a sequel scheduled to be released in 2023. Critically acclaimed with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97% (almost unheard of), this is a family film with something for everyone. Nominated for a Golden Globe and winner of the Critic’s Choice award, as well as various awards for animation, it’s a movie that’s not easily forgotten.

These beautiful, well dressed, British chickens living on an egg farm are intent on escaping their seemingly, inevitable doom. Laying the required number of eggs is necessary to stay off the chopping block. Then they discover that the farmers have a new plan to fatten them up and turn them into chicken pies. After several unsuccessful escape attempts, an American rooster inadvertently drops from the sky into their compound. Believing that Rocky Rhodes the rooster can teach them how to literally fly the coop, they offer Rocky protection from being discovered. Eventually, Rocky falls in love with a gorgeous hen named Ginger, but not before a wonderful and satisfying adventure takes place that brings everyone together towards— FREEDOM.

These chickens are highly individual, oddly believable, wildly funny and wickedly clever. This is a feel good movie with a happy ending and a moral of “never give up on your dreams.” The script is smart with references to The Great Escape and Stalag 17, which will delight adults while keeping the children entertained with colorful, costumed chickens doing absurd stunts and tossing off hilarious one liners.

Bring on the giggles. This movie is lovely and kind, just what we need for the holiday season!

Movie Magic gives Chicken Run 4 ½ out of 5 Moons.