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AUGUST 14, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
LIGHT from page 34
prison instead of college, too. The film does take creative liberties, but “Blinded by the Light” still captures Manzoor’s essence. “With the script, I wanted some of it to be real,” Manzoor says. “So, I really did write poetry. I really did want something different in my life. I did work in a sandwich factory. I really did go to Manchester. My friend (Roops) really was like that.” Played by Aaron Phagura, Roops is the sole reason Javed found Springsteen and gave him the confidence to speak up. Phagura calls the film a rollercoaster of emotions that speaks about social issues that are multigenerational. “Although it has a comedic undertone, it tackles serious issues that my grandparents had to go through coming into the country and my parents had to deal with being one of the first generations of Asians in England,” Phagura says. “All of this is still going on. We are in a bit of a political crisis and racism is still a thing.” On a lighter note, Phagura wants younger generations to learn about Springsteen and the power of his music. Manzoor says watching “Blinded by the Light” was difficult. Throughout the film, the audience sees Javed struggling to respect the wishes of his conservative father who wants his son to study business. “My actual dad died when I was 23 years old, so my wife and children have never met him,” Manzoor says. “This film
STRANGELOVE from page 34
Meyer hasn’t heard from singer Dave Gahan. “Dave’s the elusive one,” he said. “For me, meeting Martin was definitely the end all, be all. He’s the engine behind everything.” Strangelove’s Saturday, August 24, show at the Chandler Center for the Arts
is the closest they have to seeing my dad. This is my way of bringing him back to life for two hours.” Their relationship shows parents can compromise with their children, even if they disagree. It also reminds Manzoor of how his parents helped him become successful. “The bit where the dad says, ‘Go write your stories, but don’t forget ours,’ that’s very hard for me to watch and I get very emotional about those things.” Manzoor wants to tell younger audiences that things will get better if they act for themselves and their community. “If you just listen to music and then don’t do anything in life, you’re not really fulfilling anything,” Manzoor says. “So, it’s really about being hopeful and actually pushing toward things that make it better. “If you think the community is not working together, get involved. If you feel the stories you want to hear are not being told, write some new ones. So, it’s about actions rather than sitting around complaining about it.” The film’s message is universal and Manzoor hopes audiences see that. “Its appeal is bigger than the world in which it is set,” Manzoor says. “It’s actually about themes, whether it is hopes and dreams, or father and son relationships, or the power of music, which are bigger than the world it comes from and which can reach and affect you no matter where you are watching it.”
further explores the new wave era with opener This Charming Band: A Tribute to Morrissey and The Smiths. “I actually orchestrated getting them on the bill,” Meyer said. Fans, he adds, should enjoy an evening of alternative hits. “Our fifth Beatle, so to speak, is our original video projection content,” he said. “It’s amazing.”
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Owner Robert Coulson, left, and Executive Chef Ramon Rice are the driving forces behind St. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails in Ocotillo. (Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer)
St. Amand adds unique touch to Ocotillo dining scene BY COLLEEN SPARKS AFN Contributor
S
t. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails, a revamped restaurant in South Chandler, is attracting a crowd eager to sample its eclectic menu and luxuriate in its upgraded, cathedral-like ambiance. The restaurant on South Alma School Road, south of Queen Creek Road in Ocotillo, as once called D-Vine Bistro & Wine Bar, but owner Robert Coulson closed the establishment for a few months to redesign the interior and create a new menu. The five-month renovation created a restaurant that pays homage to St. Amand, the patron saint of beer brewing, winemaking and bartending memorialized in a large mural. The modern cathedral-style interior features a larger, relocated bar and allows more light into the inside. Wallpaper resembling columns cover some areas of the open-floor restaurant that has wrought iron accents inside and outside. tarting Aug. 16 through Aug. 13, it’s celebrating its grand opening with drink specials and a free charcuterie board. Guests pick from a streamlined menu with more shareable plates and fun, innovative creations from Executive Chef Ramon Rice, whose menu also includes a laundry list of cocktails, wines and beers. The reconfigured restaurant better utilizes space and has improved “feng shui” and “more flow,” he added. The pared-down menu emphasizes shared plates more and focuses less on large entrees. “The day of the large menu”
has passed, Coulson said. Most of the food is made from scratch and diners can expect frequent surprises. Market fish is served as fresh and while supplies last, Rice said. Octopus is a popular constant item on the “small plates” menu and tuscan pork is a crispy, rosemary-roasted meat. Beet tartare, a fritto misto that’s a medley of seafood, and risotto also are offered. Recently Rice made a lobster risotto with a clam and rosé broth and fennel in it. Another time he created what he called a “play on a German beer dish,” a risotto with beer, Gouda cheese and ham. The menu aims to encourage customers to take their time and savor the food and atmosphere at St. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails. “The whole idea is to get you to hang out and stay, have an experience,” Rice said. St. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails also hopes to entice customers with music. Coulson’s wife, Sharon Aebi, a jazz pianist, performs with bass player Selwyn Reams Wednesday nights. The two jazz musicians also perform earlier in the night Saturdays and then a DJ plays music after that from 9 p.m. to midnight. On Thursday nights Paris James, a singer, songwriter and guitarist plays his mix of acoustic blues, soulful overtones and rock. Moon Dog sings and plays new country, classic rock and all-time favorite songs on Friday nights and every Tuesday is New Talent Night. The restaurant is located at 3990 S. Alma School Road. Information: facebook. com/StAmandChandler