Weekend - May 7, 2020

For the latest entertainment news, go online to masslive.com/entertainment

Weekend

E

|

| THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

LIVEWIRE: Drummer Kenny Aronoff to host “Q&A Live,” E4 OFF THE MENU: Restaurants will reopen to changing landscape, E7 WINE PRESS: 7 Champagnes, sparkling wines perfect for Mother’s Day, E8

PLUS

Theater offers free online programming, E5

Mood boosters 10 movies to brighten your outlook, E2

WEEKEND

E2 | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

ON THE COVER

10 movies to brighten your mood

T

By Ray Kelly

rkelly@repub.com

here are some movies that never fail to leave you feeling inspired, uplifted or at the very least just good about your fellow man.

After months of social distancing, I have come to rely more and more on a library of DVDs and streaming services for entertainment Here are 10 movies to take your mind off the pandemic and brighten your outlook:

At left, Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in a scene from “The Birdcage.” At right, Bill Murray stars in “Groundhog Day.” (UNITED ARTISTS; MOVIEFONE)

“Groundhog Day” (1993) Let’s face it: Months of staying at home wears you down. If every day seems to be a repeat of the day before, Bill Murray has you beat. A snarky TV weatherman is forced to repeat a single day of his life, and learns lessons in humanity and love along the way. Shot in picturesque Woodstock, Illinois, the film was written and directed by the late Harold Ramis, whose credits include “Ghostbusters,” “Vacation” and “Stripes.”

“Rocky” (1977) Sylvester Stallone penned a wonderful Cinderella story about a boxer in the slums of Philly. He find loves with a shy pet shop worker (Talia Shire) and is coached by his estranged manager, played wonderfully by Burgess Meredith, in a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the heavyweight title. Stallone reprised the character in seven sequels or spinoffs over the next 42 years!

While some of those films are entertaining, none matched the heart of the original.

biopic and more of look at the importance of compassion, acceptance and understanding.

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019) Tom Hanks plays beloved children’s television star Fred Rogers in a movie that finds kindness triumphing over cynicism. The movie arrived in theaters a year after Morgan Neville’s loving documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and is less a Rogers

“Moonstruck” (1987) Winner of three Academy Awards including best actress, Cher plays a widowed Italian-American who falls in love with her fiancé’s estranged younger brother (Nicolas Cage).

While Cher and Cage deliver perhaps their best onscreen performances, the film features memorable work by

Stacey Dash and Alicia Silverstone as Dionne and Cher in the 1995 classic “Clueless.” (PARAMOUNT PICTURES)

Olympia Dukakis, Vincent Gardenia and Danny Aiello.

“Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) Robin Williams skillfully goes for the heart and funny bone as a recently divorced voice actor who dresses up as an elderly Scottish female housekeeper to spend more time with his three children after his wife (Sally Field) is granted sole custody. As Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire, Williams’ character becomes a parent and delivers a les-

son learned on separation and family.

“Clueless” (1995) Jane Austen’s literary classic “Emma” got updated with the endearing duo of Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd cast in the lead roles. The story is moved from Georgian-era England to Beverly Hills and the dialogue is crisp and witty. The film has heart, particularly in the scenes with Silverstone as a doting daughter and SEE MOVIES, PAGE E3

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 | E3

DVD RELEASES

‘Gretel & Hansel’ is a meal of a movie

By Katie Foran-McHale

Tribune News Service

Gothic horror meets a metal vibe in the top new DVD picks for this week.

“Gretel & Hansel”: We all know this one. Starving siblings Gretel and Hansel (Sophia Lillis and Samuel Leakey) seek out food and shelter in the woods and find hospitality from a witch (Alice Krige) who has evil intentions. But this version, directed by Oz Perkins, injects new ideas to the familiar tale, aided in great part by its uniquely creepy aesthetics.

The score by Robin Coudert (aka Rob) integrates dark metal guitar-dominating hits with a moody full orchestra, while the dark cinematography by Galo Olivares and production design by Jeremy Reed — not to mention some magic mushrooms — steer the audience into upside-down “Alice in Wonderland” tonal territory.

Some of the dialogue comes off as stilted and a bit clunky, which makes it difficult to get to know the characters beyond surface level, and some plot points don’t quite feel authentic to the created world. But whether intentional or not, altogether these elements make the film a great escape.

Theatrical one-sheet for the 1987 movie “Moonstruck.”

(MGM)

Movies CONTINUED FROM PAGE E2

Dan Hedaya as her protective father, who tells one of her prospective beaus: “If anything happens to her, I got a .45 and a shovel. I don’t think you’ll be missed.”

“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) Pound for pound, there is no better Hollywood musical than this MGM gem about the end of the silent film era.

Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Daniel O’Connor are pure magic. The set design is gorgeous and the productions are some of the best ever filmed in a movie that radiates joy.

“The Birdcage” (1996) Directed by Mike Nichols and adapted by Elaine May from the film “La Cage aux Folles.”

Robin Williams stars as Armand Goldman, owner of the

Gene Kelly performing the title number in “Singin’ in the Rain.”

(MGM)

Florida drag club The Birdcage, where his life partner (Nathan Lane) is the star attraction.

Armand’s son plans to wed the daughter of a conservative GOP senator (Gene Hackman) and a meeting between the families is inevitable.

“Heaven Can Wait” (1978) Scripted by the brilliant Elaine May, the film was co-directed by Warren Beatty and Buck Henry. A remake “Here Comes Mr. Jordan,” it focuses on a Los Angeles

Tom Hanks in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

(LACEY TERRELL / SONY PICTURES)

Rams quarterback, whose soul is taken from his body by an overanxious angel before he was meant to die. He is returned to life in the body of a recently murdered millionaire. Beatty, who stars as the quarterback, initially wanted Muhammad Ali to star in the film and lobbied unsuccessfully to get Cary Grant to play the suave Mr. Jordan.

“Philadelphia Story” (1940) / “High Society” (1956 ) A socialite sees her wedding plans upturned by the simultaneous arrival of her charming ex-husband and a pair of tabloid journalists. You can’t go wrong with either the classic George Cukor-directed film starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart or the Cole Porter musical with Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

Runners up: “Local Hero” (1983), “My Favorite Year” (1982), “Princess Bride” (1987), “Apollo 13” (1995), and “The Proposal” (2009).

Sophia Lillis, left, and Sammy Leakey appear in a scene from “Gretel & Hansel.” (PATRICK REDMOND / ORION PICTURES)

Also new on DVD “Arkansas”: Two criminals face off with a drug lord.

Stars Liam Hemsworth, Vivica A. Fox, John Malkovich and Vince Vaughn.

“Bloodshot”: After a Marine (Vin Diesel) is resurrected as a biotechnical weapon, he seeks revenge against the person who murdered him and his wife.

“Garth Brooks: The Road I’m On”: Documentary follows the life of the country star.

“Gunsmoke: The Final Season”/”Gunsmoke: The Complete Series”: The CBS Western series about Kansas

Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) developed from a radio show and ran from 1955 to 1975.

“Greed”: A retail mogul (Steve Coogan) attempts to salvage his reputation by throwing a lavish party.

“Humans: Complete Collection”: The British sci-fi series takes place in a world where humanoids are purchased for household use.

Stars William Hurt, Katherine Parkinson, Colin Morgan, Rebecca Front and Gemma Chan.

“I Still Believe”: Based on a true story, Christian singer SEE DVD, PAGE E6

E4 | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

WEEKEND

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MUSIC

Drummer Kenny Aronoff to host ‘Q&A Live’

S

TOCKBRIDGE NAtive and world-renowned rock drummer Kenny Aronoff will take to Twitter and Facebook to engage with fans today.

The event, dubbed “Q&A Live with Kenny Aronoff ” takes place at 5 p.m.

Fans are also encouraged to text Aronoff at 825-250-8330.

He will be calling fans live during the broadcast.

Widely recognized as one of rock music’s great drummers, Aronoff grew up in Stockbridge and did a one-year stint at UMass before heading to Indiana for music school. In 1980 he landed in John Mellencamp’s band and played on the singer’s breakout album “American Fool.”

His subsequent work on landmark recordings “Scarecrow” and “Lonesome Jubilee” turned Aronoff into one of the most sought-after session drummers in the industry and after leaving Mellencamp’s band he toured and recorded with Bob Seger, Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa Etheridge, and the BoDeans.

He has had a 20-year career as a driving force in John Fogerty’s touring and recording projects.

In the late 1980s, Aronoff returned to his roots, taking Western Mass. favorites The Breakdown under his wing and producing tracks for what was supposed to be the band’s major label debut.

He recently played on Joe Satriani’s just-released “Shapeshifting.”

Aronoff has been active on social media throughout the coronovirus pandemic, dispensing drumming tips and life advice from his studio in Los Angeles.

Liner notes • The concert industry is changing right before our eyes.

While artists have endured the COVID-19 crisis by live streaming performances for free, a new online service is offering a one-stop shop to

Nov. 27.

Tickets for the show are available through all Ticketmaster outlets and locations including ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-7453000.

As a pop / jazz instrumentalist, Botti earned a Grammy for his 2013 release “Impressions.” He has sold over 4 million albums worldwide.

ducing a teenage Joan Baez and for booing the “plugged in” Bob Dylan for going electric with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

• Tony Bennett has been bumped again.

Originally scheduled for a March 13 date at Foxwoods Resort Casino, the show was moved to June 6 in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

• One of the more iconic While that date may have annual concert events has fallen victim to the coronavi- seemed safe at the time, it aprus. parently has been deemed too The Newport Folk and Jazz aggressive and the show has been rescheduled again.

Festivals are the latest live Bennett will now appear at music events to be taken off Kenny Aronoff will take to Twitter and Facebook to engage the Grand Theater on Dec. 11. the calendar in the wake of with fans today in a live Q & A event at 5 p.m.

Tickets purchased for his COVID-19.

(MATTHEW SIMMONS / GETTY IMAGES FOR NAMM) March show are valid for The Newport Folk and have the ability to sell tickets the new date. If fans cannot Jazz Festivals are two of the and perform without having longest-running music fests in make the new performance the expense of travel. Given date and want a refund, they the country. The jazz festival the ability to limit tickets must email their confirmabegan in 1954, and the folk tion number to FWTicket@ (which Release Party allows), festival launched in 1959. foxwoods.com. You will a performer can create deThis year’s Newport Folk mand. If the site has the abili- Festival would have featured have until June 6 to request ty to target specific geographic artists such as the Nationa refund and refunds will be al, Randy Newman, and areas for each performance, processed within eight busiMandy Moore, while the Jazz ness days. artists could literally set up a The 93-year-old Bennett’s Festival was to host artists virtual world tour. latest album with Diana Krall While none of this address- Wynton Marsalis, Norah Donnie Moorhouse es the communal aspect of a Jones, Diana Krall and Jim- is called “Love Is Here To LiveWire live performance that benefits my Cliff.

Stay.”

Ticket holders have the opboth sides of the stage (artist tion of receiving a full refund and fan), it does offer an • The Palladium in Worcespresent “ticketed” events ter, one of the region’s most intriguing alternative to social or applying their tickets to a active rock clubs, will be silent online. membership for 2021. distancing guidelines that Release Party allows artists have live events scuttled for The Rhode Island folk music for the next 30 days or more.

SEE LIVEWIRE, PAGE E11 to pick a date, time, capacity festival is famous for introthe foreseeable future. (how many viewers), and a ticket price for live stream• Jam band Phish has ing concerts. The company offered up a free livestream of receives a percentage of each its vast concert archives. ticket sold.

Dubbed “Dinner and a Movie” the free concert videos air Currently, artists who are streaming through other por- every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. tals do have an opportunity to While the events are free, “suggest” donations through the band is asking for donations for various charity causPaypal or other online payment options. es such as Frontline Foods Release Party takes the with a “donate” page right on “suggestion” out of the equa- the screen. tion. The site also assists with The concerts air through Foaming Pleasure, Adventure & Fun event promotion. livephish.com.

Cleaner Safe www.Greenfield.AdamEveStores.com Certainly in the short term, for All Toy platforms like Release Party • Chris Botti has included Materials LGBTQ+ have the ability to disrupt an a Boston date in a late fall AEStoresGreenfield AdamEveGreenfieldMA Friendly already reeling concert intour.

Due to the ongoing state of emergency, our Greenfield MA location dustry, particularly at the club The trumpeter is scheduled is temporarily closed. Follow us on social media to stay up to date.

For further inquiries about this location, please email us at adameveofwmass@aol.com and theater level. Artists still to play the Wilbur Theatre on

Keep Your Mind Dirty and Your Toys (and Hands) Clean!

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 | E5

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Majestic Theater offers free online programming ‘Behind the Curtain’ series, children’s theater and more available on website

L

By Keith O’Connor

Special to The Republican

ocal stage companies, such as the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, have felt the economic pinch of having to temporarily close their doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that isn’t stopping producing director and founder Danny Eaton from giving theater-goers a reason to return to The Majestic — albeit online.

The first Majestic Theater online program, which began Sunday, is called “Behind the Curtain at the Majestic.”

Eaton said he began the series of online events for a couple of reasons.

“It’s a way of staying in touch with our audience base. We’ve been calling them to obtain their emails and to let them know about what we’re planning. I’ve had some great chats with people who were really happy to talk to me, many of whom said, ‘Don’t worry, we will be there when you reopen,’” he said.

“The other reason is to help keep our staff busy during the pandemic,” he added.

“Behind the Curtain at the Majestic” streams on majestictheater.com.

Eaton will interview different guests who have been involved in iconic productions at the theater over the past 23 years, taking viewers behind the scenes to learn what goes into creating their favorite plays.

Actor Ben Ashley who played the title role in “Bud-

dy: The Buddy Holly Story” was Eaton’s first guest on Sunday. He has appeared in all four of the Majestic’s presentations of the musical that opened the theater, under Eaton’s direction, in March 1997.

Upcoming live online presentations, all at 2 p.m., include “Blood Brothers” with Cate Damon on May 10, “The Pitch” with playwright Stan Freeman and John Haag on May 17, and “The Fantastics” with guest J.T. Waite on May 24.

“Viewers will also be able to participate by asking questions with directions available online,” Eaton said.

Watching “Behind the Curtain” is free online — no ticket, no registration. However, Eaton said with the loss of revenue from the current season and potentially from his summer concert program, that he hopes people will consider making a donation in support of the theater.

And, Eaton hasn’t forgotten his younger audiences who turn out each summer for productions staged by the Majestic Children’s Theater.

“We wanted to give children looking for something different to do after being home for so long an oppor-

Actors Katie Sloan (of Wilbraham) and R. Steve Pierce (of Monson) in foreground, and John Haag (of Florence) in background are shown in a scene from “The Pitch,” the play that was mid-run at the time of the shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Subscribers and single-ticket patrons who did not see the play will have the opportunity to watch an archival video of the production through May 17. Information about the video’s availability can be found at majestictheater.com.

(KAIT RANKINS PHOTO)

tunity to enjoy live theater in a different form. It’s also an opportunity for parents to engage with their kids and introduce some of them to the magic of theater,” Easton said.

“Majestic Children’s Theater Online,” a weekly opportunity to watch videos

“I’ve had some great chats with people who were really happy to talk to me, many of whom said, ‘Don’t worry, we will be there when you reopen.’”

DANNY EATON, DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER, MAJESTIC THEATER

online anytime of past shows from the Majestic Children’s Theater lineup, began on April 29 with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and will continue online at majesticthe ater.com through Sunday.

Also, on Sunday at 4 p.m., MCT director Stephen Petit and cast members will be live online to discuss “Sleepy Hollow” and answer questions submitted by viewers.

Other upcoming Children’s Theater shows online include “The Jungle Book,” May 11-17 with a live talkback at 4 p.m. on May 17, and “A Little Princess,” May 18-24 with a live talkback on May 24 at 4 p.m.

“Luckily we film all of our children’s productions and later present the young cast with copies as a gift,” Eaton said about being able to provide the online videos.

Additionally, subscribers and single-ticket patrons who did not see “The Pitch,” the play that was in mid-run at the time of the shutdown, will have the opportunity to watch an archival video of the production through May 17.

Information about the video’s availability can be found at majestictheater.com.

“We ended the season abruptly on March 14 before ‘The Pitch,’ by local playwright Stan Freeman, ended its run. And we had much of the set built for what would have been our season-ending production of ‘9 to 5,’” he said.

While Eaton said he isn’t overly optimistic that the theater’s summer lineup of concerts will be held, he added, “You never know.” But the theater’s founder is more hopeful that the 2020-2021 season will begin on time this fall.

“I’ve already begun putting the season together,” he said.

ADOPTION EVENTS at Mutt Rescue May 11-18

Visit Our Website For More Details

muttrescueofmassachusetts.org

413-594-8144

Doggie Daycare $65 Per Week Unlimited Days Mon-Fri. 102 Grove Street Chicopee, MA

413-331-4083 - Lori

WEEKEND

E6 | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

VIDEO GAME REVIEW

‘Paper Beast’: a truly great PlayStation VR game

By Christopher Byrd

Special to The Washington Post

Perhaps it was when I unspooled tape from an old reel-to-reel player and created a beast out of its ribbons, or maybe it was when I saw a tree sprout hot air balloons.

It also could have been when I watched an elephant lead a menagerie in an underwater procession.

Each is among the possibilities for the moment I decided that “Paper Beast” should be counted among the handful of truly great games available on PlayStation VR. Developed by Eric Chahi, creator of the renowned early nineties adventure game “Another World,” “Paper Beast” throws players into a hallucinatory cyberscape running on a quantum computer – a place that visually evokes the work of the surrealist painters Dali and Magritte.

Before running the quantum computer you must tab through a user agreement that asks, among other things, if it can use part of your neural network while you sleep. Upon registering your responses the computer sets about its quantum calculations and a pop-up text appears on the screen asking if you’d like to play the SwirlyBeat music app while you wait. Trust me, you do.

Clicking on the app transports you to your own private party: a small room festooned

DVD

‘PAPER BEAST’ Developed by: Pixel Reef Published by: Pixel Reef Available on: PlayStation VR

A scene from “Paper Beast.” (PIXEL REEF)

in confetti and streamers, pulsing with light and Japanese rock music. On the floor are rocks that can be grabbed and tossed using either the DualShock or Move controllers. As the song fades, a glitchy sound rings out and the environment goes dark. Then, in a wonderful transition, you find yourself standing on a narrow patch of terrain, surrounded on all sides by curtains, listening to the song from the music app coming from a reel-to reel player on the ground.

Pulling aside the curtain reveals that you are standing underneath a dinosaurlike

trapped in a blizzard with her boyfriend’s two children.

“Ordinary Love”: A longCONTINUED FROM PAGE E3 time married couple (Liam Jeremy Camp (KJ Apa) falls Neeson and Lesley Manville) in love with a woman (Britt is forced to navigate the Robertson) who falls ill. challenges of a breast cancer “The Jesus Rolls”: The diagnosis.

“Big Lebowski” spinoff fol“Ray Donovan: The lows bowler Jesus Quintana Seventh Season”: The final (John Turturro). season of the hit Showtime “Lancaster Skies”: In 1944 series about a Hollywood elite Berlin, a British pilot (Kris fixer (Liev Schreiber).

Saddler) leads a bomber crew.

“Tigers Are Not Afraid”: A “The Lodge”: A woman girl (Paola Lara) joins a street (Riley Keough) faces escagang after losing her mother. lating horrors after getting In Spanish.

creature whose skeletal frame appears to be made out of spools of paper. Surrounding you and the creature is a desert whose bright colors and

because one of the elements I most appreciated about “Paper Beast” was that I had no idea what to expect from one moment to the next — some-

generally, mutually beneficial ends.

Although ultimately innocuous, some of the solutions to the game’s puzzles are still deliciously twisted. For example, one puzzle requires players to dangle the young offspring of a family of crabs out of their reach, prompting the adult crabs (inadvertently) to help out another band of desperate creatures.

The beasts themselves are a treat to watch. Their abstract forms complement the game’s colorfully refined, low-polygon environments. Admittedly, I felt a bit like a psycho tossing some of them about

I’m reluctant to say much about the ensuing journey because one of the elements I most appreciated about “Paper Beast” was that I had no idea what to expect from one moment to the next — something I seldom experience in video games. flat surfaces are like something out of a Dali painting.

A little later you’ll be in an elevated spot, overlooking a message scrawled in the sand: “this is not a simulation.”

I’m reluctant to say much about the ensuing journey

thing I seldom experience in video games. That said, I don’t think it’s ruinous to say the game involves observing the different paper beasts you encounter. You learn their goals and motivations and can then manipulate them for what are,

and compelling them to do my bidding, but I promise not one crab was harmed.

“Paper Beast” is an inspired game that makes as good a case as any for the relevance of VR. Don’t be surprised to see it on the year’s best list.

Out on Digital HD “Arde Madrid: Burn Madrid Burn”: Dramedy follows a 1960s Ava Gardner (Debi Mazar) on a trip to Madrid. In Spanish.

“Better Days”: While struggling with exams, a teenage girl finds a protector in an elusive man. In Mandarin and English.

“Creepshow Season 1”: Anthology series is based on the 1982 George A. Romero/ Stephen King horror/comedy.

“Cry for the Bad Man”:

A widow (Camille Keaton) fights back against attempted extortion.

“Justice League Dark: Apokolips War”: In this animated superhero film, the Justice League reassembles to battle Darkseid. Look for it on DVD and Blu-ray May 19.

“A Good Woman Is Hard to Find”: A widow (Sarah Bolger) attempts to keep her children safe while searching for answers about her husband’s murder. Out on Digital HD tomorrow.

“Intrigo: Dear Agnes”: A

woman (Gemma Chan) receives a financial proposition to murder a friend’s husband.

Out on Digital HD tomorrow.

“Walkaway Joe”: While looking for his dad, a boy meets a lone wolf. Stars David Strathairn, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Julian Feder. Out on Digital HD tomorrow.

“Angelfish”: In early-’90s New York, a college-bound young woman (Destiny Frasqueri) and a high school dropout (Jimi Stanton) fall for each other. Out on Digital HD Sunday.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 | E7

DINE & WINE

Restaurants will reopen to changing landscape

A

Please choose one of the following entrees: Beef Tenderloin with mushroom and marsala sauce or

Perfect meal serves 4-6

$

125

313418501

S A FEW STATES and jurisdictions have begun to relax stay-home orders and nonessential-businesses shutdowns, the shape of restaurant dining post-lockdown is beginning to become visible.

Not surprisingly, social distancing is a central operating constraint in this new world of dining. Restaurants are having to limit the number of patrons they allow in their dining spaces; in Texas, for instance, state guidelines require that eating establishments allow no more than 25% of their rated seating capacity be occupied at any one time.

Most mandates associated with reopening are requiring servers to wear masks and use gloves; and single-use throwaway menus are also the norm.

Patrons may themselves also be required to mask, at least not while actually eating, and the size of dining parties is usually limited to no more than four or six, depending on the set of guidelines in force.

Self-service buffets, food displays, and condiment tables are not being permitted, and extensive pre- and post-usage sanitization of dining tables is becoming the new normal.

Traditional at-the-bar service and consumption of cocktails and beverages is also a no-no.

Of course, the big unknown in this process of restaurants opening for on-premises dining is consumer acceptance, and preliminary data on customer sentiment is contradictory.

In Germany, where lockdown restrictions were eased in late April, the public has proven hesitant to reengage

Grilled Salmon Hugh Robert Off The Menu

with on-premises dining and retail.

However, here in the U.S. restaurant chain executives, in reporting on their particular brand’s experiences in early reopening states, have described dine-in business as being “better than anticipated.”

Side dishes • Two of the restaurant industry’s major media outlets, “Nation’s Restaurant News” and “Restaurant Hospitality,” have partnered to establish a digital community they are calling Restaurants Rise.

Conceptualized as a resource to help restaurants reset and reimagine the ways that they do business in the face of new realities, Restaurants Rise will serve as an on-demand center that will bring together information designed to help food service operators cope with the disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in the industry.

The May online debut of Restaurants Rise will be followed in early June by Restaurants Rise LIVE!, a four-day virtual event featuring webinars and online educational experiences focusing on issues of menu, marketing, and operations during the restaurant industry’s reemerSEE MENU, PAGE E10

in bourbon glaze (6pc/order) or

Chicken Saltimbocca with prosciutto, spinach and Italian cheeses, served in a butter-lemon sauce e

Sides: Fresh spring asparagus, garnished with roasted tomatoes Lobster mac n’ cheese Potato Medallions au Gratin, with imported Emmental Arugula salad with imported feta, black olives and cucumber, served with a side of our special house vinaigrette Fresh fruit salad

Includes: 4 Chocolate Cake Bombs -Yummy! 1 Fresh h rose for Mom Orders must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday, May 7th.

Delivery available on Saturday, May 9th All orders must be retrieved on Saturday, May 9th, between 12-4pm for both locations:

90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400

WEEKEND

E8 | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

DINE & WINE

7 Champagnes, sparkling wines perfect for Mother’s Day

George Lenker Beer Nut

Early beer epiphanies stay with you

D

O YOU REMEMBER your first beer?

I don’t, but then again, it was a long time ago.

I do recall sipping suds off my father’s beer a few times as a very young child. Because Dad was drinking it, I wanted to drink it too — until I actually tasted it. I think I tried a few times but always grimaced when he let me have a small taste.

As that turned out, I was right. My father was a wonderful man in almost every respect, but his taste in beer was less than good. Then again, there weren’t a lot of good choices way back then.

As far as my first legal beer, I have no idea. I didn’t drink illegally in high school like most of my friends (despite the fact that having really long hair and playing in a rock band gave people a weird perception of me). And even though the drinking age was 18 when I turned 18, I still didn’t drink at all until a few years later. I’m not sure what my first beer was, probably a Bass Ale or Guinness or maybe some malty German deal.

But I do remember certain early beer epiphanies — you know, when you hit on one that changes your perspective. This sort of thing can still happen of course, at any

SEE BEER, PAGE E10

W

ONDERING WHAT WINES to get your mom for Mother’s Day? The short answer is obvious — whatever wines your mom loves.

Three years ago, my Mother’s Day wine column focused on this specific topic.

My 83-year-old mom loves a wide range of wines.

Lighter-than-air German white wines.

Velvety smooth red wines from Bordeaux.

Full-throttled California zinfandels.

But I noticed I forgot to include one of my mom’s other favorite wines in my 2017 Mother’s Day wine column — bonedry Champagnes.

Like me, my mom loves having a glass or two of Brut Champagne (the driest Champagne) as a special treat once in a Ken Ross while.

Wine Press I’ve never understood people who only have Champagne on New Year’s Eve or for their birthday or wedding anniversary. Sure, Champagne from France’s Champagne region (which is the only place Champagne can come from) definitely costs more than most sparkling wines.

But Champagne goes so well with so many different foods any time of year.

Champagne tastes great with oysters.

It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey

Josh Cellars Prosecco. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

Three of the Champagnes recommended this week for Mother’s Day. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)

or ham.

I even love Champagne with buttered popcorn.

But one of my all-time favorite foods with Champagne is steamed lobster.

My mom’s the same way. She absolutely loves lobster and Champagne. So many times when my wife and I visit my parents in Pennsylvania, I bring them fresh, live lobsters, which I steam for dinner the same night. And my dad usually chills a great bottle of Champagne for the four of us to have with dinner.

I realize how decadent this meal sounds. But like I said, I think it’s fun to have Champagne once in a while, even if it’s not a special holiday.

So for this week’s wine column, I thought I would write about dry Champagnes and sparkling wines perfect for Mother’s Day or frankly any day of the year. The wines recommended this week range from $14 to $50 a bottle.

I decided to include sparkling wines from other regions around the world besides France’s Champagne region since I realize Champagne can cost a little more than some people might be willing to spend, especially given the current economic situation for many right now.

But it’s not just about the price. There many great sparkling wines made around the world. However, if you are

A to Z Wineworks Bubbles Rose Wine.

(KEN ROSS PHOTO)

willing to splurge and spend about $50 on a bottle of wine for your mom — and frankly, who doesn’t deserve to be splurged on more than our mothers — I highly recommend some of the Champagnes listed below.

Wine tasting notes Josh Cellars Prosecco ($14 Suggested Retail Price) Josh Cellars in California is a familiar name among wine lovers, especially when it comes to their affordable Josh red wines. Then last year, Josh Cellars SEE WINE, PAGE E9

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 | E9

DINE & WINE

Wine

and refreshing.

WHAT’S YOUR

STORY? THE

K PUC

PS H STO

ERE

.

S AV I N G

UNION S TAT I O N

L GUE LEA INOR O) M ndon OT S Bruce La MY (N Written by

IFE

A 40 YEAR EFFORT ENDS IN SUCCESS

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Research - Writing - Editing Layout & Design and publication of a hard-cover book delivered on time to you.

If you already have your story to tell - we can pick up where you left off. We will create the layout and design of your book as well as the final printed product.

3133364-01

Taittinger Brut La Francaise Non Vintage Chamintroduced this delightful, pagne ($45 SRP) dry sparkling wine made with Along with Laurent Perrier, 100% prosecco grapes grown Taittinger produces several in Italy’s Conegliano and outstanding Champagnes at a Valdobbiaden regions. Light wide range of prices. Honestly, and refreshing with a hint of I have never had a bad bottle sweetness, this entertaining of Taittinger Champagne. sparkling wine is perfect any They’re all dry, crisp, refreshing and bursting with flavor. Its day of the year.

Brut La Francaise Champagne A to Z Wineworks Bubbles bursts with crisp, refreshing, Rose Wine ($18 SRP) toasted nut flavors, along with This Oregon winery is better a dash of melted butter. Great known for its earthy, robust Champagne produced by true pinot noir wines. That’s why artists since 1734. And if you I was delighted to discovhave the chance, I highly recer this sparkling rose wine ommend visiting their historic made with 90% pinot noir Champagne house in Reims, grapes and 10% chardonnay. France.

This delightful blend has the earthiness and robustness you Moet & Chandon Brut Imwould expect from an Oregon perial Champagne ($45 SRP) Another consistently great wine. There’s also a lightness Champagne house, Moet & and gracefulness as well, Chandon excels at producing which makes this sparkling dry, crisp, refreshing Chamwine a pleasant addition to any meal or celebration. pagnes — many of which cost less than $50 a bottle. I am Scharffenberger Brut Rose constantly impressed by the Excellence Non Vintage (SRP quality and consistency of the $26) Brut Imperial Champagne, its Another sparkling rose flagship Champagne, which is wine, this one made usfilled with fascinating flavors ing the traditional method and enticing aromas, including perfected in France, comes roasted almonds, fresh peach from California’s Mendocino and a hint of cherry mixed County. Smooth and velvety with honey. without a hint of sweetness, I Pol Roger Non Vintage was blown away by how soft Brut Champagne ($50 SRP) and subtle the flavors were in Winston Churchill knew this bright and lively sparkling how to live life. When he wine. There’s also a subtle wasn’t running England, leadhint of fresh raspberries and smoked salmon, which makes ing his country through World this sparkling rose an absolute War II or writing some of the most iconic phrases in the stunner.

English language, Churchill Laurent Perrier Non Vinloved his cigars, his scotch tage Brut ‘La Cuvee’ Cham- and his Champagne. And pagne ($45 SRP) when it came to the bubbly, One of my favorite ChamChurchill adored Pol Roger. pagne producers, Laurent He reportedly drank a bottle Perrier has been making great every day for lunch. You don’t Champagne since 1812. I could have to do the same. But I have easily picked several oth- highly recommend this bone er Laurent Pierre Champagnes dry, flinty Champagne with a (including their “Brut Nature,” crisp, slightly chalky finish. another outstanding one) but Cheers!

I decided to recommend this one since it’s affordable, read- Coronavirus & wineries ily available and delicious. Its Last week, I wrote about flavors are crisp, dry, slightly how the coronavirus is affectSEE WINE, PAGE E11 nutty (think roasted almonds) CONTINUED FROM PAGE E8

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR MORE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT.

GIVE CURTIS PANLILIO A CALL:

413-788-1196

OR CPANLILIO@REPUB.COM

WEEKEND

E10 | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

DINE & WINE

Beer CONTINUED FROM PAGE E8

age, but the ones that occur when you’re younger seem to have more resonance. Here is a special one of mine that is (mostly) seared into my memory: I certainly don’t recall my very first Guinness, but I do remember my first great

Menu CONTINUED FROM PAGE E7

I certainly don’t recall my very first Guinness, but I do remember my first great Guinness.

Guinness. I mostly had imbibed the bottled version, which was OK but nowhere near as good as the draft model — when it’s poured correctly. And the first one that I fell in love with was when I was very young and

drove a girlfriend to Rhode Island for some business reason or another. She had to get to bed early for some meeting in the morning, so I found a bar in the snowstorm that was raging outside, and settled in (alone, no one else was out

and the bartender was glad for the company) at the joint.

They didn’t have a great selection (this was before craft beer really took off) but they had Guinness on tap. So I ordered it. It arrived a few minutes later (a well-poured Guinness takes time, as most readers probably know) and when I took my first sip, a light went on in my head: So this is what the fuss is all

Meals and condiments must be ordered online; Bistro Les Gras also answers at 413-3204666.

gence and recovery.

The web address for Restau• The MAX Restaurant rants Rise is restaurantsrise. Group, having closed all its com. restaurants as of March 31, has been gradually returning • Bistro Les Gras in to the marketplace, offering Northampton has reopened “Family Share Packs” at sevits kitchen and is now offering eral of the Group’s Connecticut locations.

“Family Menu Meals” for Items on the rather extenThursday and Friday evening sive “Family Share” menus pickup.

The menus for these meals are sized to serve two or three feature the French-inspired, at-home diners. Choices at often-adventurous cookery Max’s Oyster Bar in Glastonbury, for instance, include that has been a hallmark of New England clam chowder, Bistro Les Gras dining.

Available assembled to lobster pot pie, and Max’s serve between two and six Paella. at-home diners, the Family Dessert and wine are also Menu Meal for today offers available. pork schnitzel with an arugula Advance ordering is required, and service is curand parmesan salad and a rently limited to Friday and side of German potato salad.

Saturday evenings.

The Bistro’s version of mac Max Burger in Longand cheese is an alternative meadow has also reopened, choice; it’s made interesting offering delivery by third-parwith ramps and wild mushrooms. Both menus include ty services such as DoorDash an hors d’oeuvre component. and Uber Eats as well as curbThe Family Menu Meals side pickup at the restaurant must be preordered at of orders placed online. bistrolesgras.com between 5 p.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. on • A Chicago-area restaurant, Prairie Grass Cafe Thursday, with meal pickup in Northbrook, Illinois, has hours Thursday and Friday come up with a social-disbetween 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

A “For the Home” option tancing hack of the traditional complements the Family dinner date.

Menu Meals, providing an Diners that want to enjoy opportunity to stock up on the company of a special house-made pickles, presomeone during dinner can serves, condiments, cured take advantage of the Cafe’s fish, sauces, soups, and more. Friday evening “Date Night The selection ranges from Dinner Packages.” marinated olives and aioli to For those who wish to dine country pork pate, marinara and socialize, whether it be sauce, and smoked pastrami with a sheltering-in-place salmon. friend or a new love interest,

Most mandates associated with restaurants reopening are requiring servers to wear masks and use gloves; and single-use, throwaway menus are also the norm.

(FRANK AUGSTEIN / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Prairie Grass Cafe’s dinner and wine package provides two separately packaged meals that can be paid for together but picked up separately.

The safely distanced socializing couple can then, as the Cafe puts it in its promotional materials, “... dim the lights, light a candle, Zoom in, and enjoy.”

The restaurant is also promoting a “Kids Make Your Own Pizza Night” kit that includes cut raw veggies with dip; pizza dough, sauce, and toppings; and cookie dough to be baked at home.

Prairie Grass Cafe maintains its web presence at prairegrasscafe.com.

• LongHorn Steakhouse locations are promoting their LongHorn Steak Shop

program. Offering ready-tocook filet, ribeye, sirloin, and NY strip steaks as well as the chain’s special recipe seasoning and honey wheat bread, the program also includes sides as well as beer and wine to-go.

The restaurant chain’s regular menu is available for curbside pickup; it is also putting together a selection of family meals for four. More details are available at longhornsteakhouse.com.

There are LongHorn Steakhouse locations on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and on Phoenix Avenue in Enfield.

• Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow is offering a selection of Mother’s Day Family Bundles.

Available for curbside pickup or delivery, each package

about. The bartender knew how to pour one, and I am forever grateful to him.

Needless to say, I had several more and the love affair began, far outlasting the one I had with the young woman whom I accompanied to the Ocean State.

What are some of your great older beer epiphanies? Let me know at geolenker@yahoo. com.

incorporates choices of entree, salad, vegetable, starch and dessert. Main course possibilities include baked chicken cordon blue, Gorgonzola crusted beef, stuffed jumbo shrimp and more.

The bundles are available in “serves four” and “serves eight” forms, with a free rose for Mom included.

Bundles must be ordered at least 48 hours in advance; beer and wine are also available to complement the Family Bundles.

Contact Villa Napoletana at 413-732-9300 for more information on Family Bundles and the restaurant’s other takeout options • Not all restaurants and chains have been taking a financial hit during the pandemic. In a recent conference call with Wall Street, the Ann Arbor, Illinois-base Domino’s Pizza Inc. reported that it had experienced a more than 7% growth in sales during April.

Both delivery and carryout have been strong at Domino’s, with business during lunch and dinner increasing disproportionately to late-night orders.

The chain’s management credits Domino’s Pizza’s fully developed online ordering system and its contactless delivery option as major reasons for its recent success.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 45 years of restaurant and educational experience.

Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WEEKEND

Wine

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 | E11

Clos Mireille (Domaines Ott) in La Londe-lesMaures, France in October 2018.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E9

ing wineries in France. Three winemakers I have had the good fortune to meet at their wineries to taste their wines wrote back to me with their responses.

This week, here are the responses from a fourth French winemaker whose winery I visited two years ago — Jean-Francois Ott, co-director of Clos Mireille (Domaines Ott) in La Londe-les-Maures near Saint Tropez in France’s beautiful Provence region.

(KEN ROSS PHOTO)

A.

So far it’s pretty much the same as 2019 ... but we have just had a little rain today, which is a good thing. Unfortunately, we had a frost 4 weeks ago ... But finally it was not so bad and I think (hard to tell yet) we have lost around 10% in Château de Selle.

affecting your winery?

A.

order directly, we work well with retails store and we also try to invent new ways like e-tastings, delivery.

Q. Is your winery still

able to export wines to the United States right now?

A.

Yes, we work closely with our importer and since our volumes are not huge, we are still exporting to the U.S. even if taxes and coronavirus are not helping us!

Q. Has your winery had to delay any parts of the wine

LiveWire

A.

Our making process is based on the taste of our wines. The process of the wine and the vineyard keep going the way it has to. As I told you, we are slower but so far we did not delay any task.

pruning part at the end of March and the disbudding is going to start at the beginning of May. We are going to be ready. The teams are com-

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s weekend section every Thursday.

Q. Has the coronavirus

NewEngland

A. Again, we ended the

CAPE COD

affected how you are dealing with this year’s grapes just starting to grow in the fields?

ed schedule is announced.

TRAVELER

ACROSS FROM THE BEACH - THE VILLAGE GREEN. Rates from $60 - $85 to 5/23/20 (excluding holidays, some restrictions apply). 3 Night Special off season starting from $140 all week. Ocean views and efficiencies available. FREE continental breakfast in season. All rooms have refrigerators and cable TV. Heated outdoor pool. Take children to the beachside playground. Close to several golf courses, tennis courts, whale watch cruises, ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, restaurants, shops, bike trails and many more of the Cape’s unique attractions.

10% Senior Discount. South Shore Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.

1-800-487-4903. www.vgreenmotel.com.

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 413-788-1165

3134063-02

(JOHN POSADA PHOTO)

making process due to the coronavirus?

• Willie Nile is slated to play Gateway City Arts.

Due to the COVID-19 panThe rocker has a show at the demic, the venue has moved all Holyoke venue on Nov. 11 at 8 shows from its May calendar, p.m. postponing live music until at Tickets for the performance least June 5, when metalcore are available through the promoter’s website at dspshows. band As I Lay Dying is scheduled to perform an all-ages com. show.

Nile is no stranger to the region, Lost in the postponements is having performed multiple times a May 17 show featuring Hell at the Iron Horse in Northampton, Yeah and local metal giants All Theodores’ in Springfield, and the That Remains, who set a tour now-defunct CityBlock series in to promote their latest release, Stearns Square.

“Victim of a New Disease.”

The gifted songwriter has A punk show with Bouncing achieved critical acclaim for Souls and Less Than Jake on original recordings such as May 16 has been moved off to “American Ride,” which earned a yet-to-be-determined date as an Independent Music Award for well.

Best Rock Album, and “Positively Bob — Willie Nile Sings Bob Tickets for the original dates will be honored when the updat- Dylan.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E4

Willie Nile will play Gateway City Arts on Nov. 11.

Q. How is this year’s

growing season going so far?

Q. How is the coronavirus For the production part and at the beginning, we had to find ways to be sure that our team can work in a safe way.

For the vineyard, it was pretty easy because the fields are large and working outside is not really a problem.

We had just started the bottling on March 17 ... so we decided to work with a very small team ... only 3 persons instead of 7 in order to be safe.

It’s slower but it works.

The main affect is on sales. ...

We work mainly with restaurants, but they are closed!

We had a strange month but hopefully we have clients that

plete and the organization allows them to be safe ... Outside and at least 2 meters one from each other! (a lane). The time in the vineyard doesn’t stop and we really want to think long term so we need to take a really good care of the 2020 vintage!

E12 | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

:( $5( 23(1 /FX 1JDL VQ MPDBUJPO BU UIF -PH $BCJO .BJO &OUSBODF JO )PMZPLF DBMM UP QMBDF ZPVS PSEFS

v 4IPQ JO 4UPSF PS 0SEFS 0OMJOF $VSCTJEF 1JDL VQ "WBJMBCMF v 0GGFSJOH -PDBM %FMJWFSZ XIFO QPTTJCMF

v "TTPSUNFOU PG 'SFTI 3FBEZ .BEF .FBMT QSFQBSFE %BJMZ

R E A L • F R E S H • H E AT & S E R V E

#MJTT 3PBE -POHNFBEPX #PTUPO 3PBE 8JMCSBIBN 413- &BTU .BJO 4USFFU 8FTUGJFME -PH $BCJO &BTUIBNQUPO 3PBE )PMZPLF QJDL VQ POMZ

3132845-01

www.delaneysmarket.com