“Martian Child” -
John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Bobby Coleman

For recently widowed celebrated scifi author (John Cusack) his path to finding his way back from grief and loneliness is to adopt a young boy (Bobby Coleman) who just doesn’t fit in, determined to claim he is from Mars and only visiting this planet to learn about humanoids. It is a well made match and Cusack is able to share the magical and trying story in his writing to the chagrin of his agent (Platt) and publisher (brilliant cameo by Angelica Huston).

The stage is set, of course, in Los Angeles. Cusack has a divine home in the hills, very Frank Lloyd Wright in look and sensibility. His sister plays well his sister who is completely against his adopting as a single parent. Fortunately Harlee (Peet) is his late wife’s best friend and regularly comes to the rescue. Sparks fly but briefly, long enough to make us consider a sequel . . . The Chronicles of Dracoban? Yes, there is a happy ending so to speak, but it is not as trite and pat as most and the cast is very good.

Surprising that the lead minor got such short shrift in the credits. Cusack shines as the quirky writer, not entirely comfortable with his success and not willing to sell out to keep it. Joan is getting trapped in “perfect Mommy” roles, she’ll need to break out soon or risk a very promising career. Peet is lovely, and this is first time she really carries off the role, however supporting. Platt is amusing, a bit big for such a small role. Huston stole it in the cameo!

The latest addition to restauranteurs Michel and Tonya Arnette’s refreshing take on European style continental dining here in Atlanta; their first is my ever favorite Haven at the opposite end of the block. Valenza replaces the late night Mix, it was a bit young for my taste! This has the heart and spirit of a warm Tuscan bistro with plastered walls, rustic oak and pine accents, and wrought iron chandeliers.

The menu is a treat with the biggest, juiciest, most flavorful mussels appetizer I’ve ever had (and that is nationally!) Salads are crisp and creative augmented by colorful beets, baby lettuces, goat cheese and more. Entrees encompass a lively range of pasta, tagarin with peeky toe crab meat, chanterelles, cippolini and basil; risotto with mushrooms and parmesan; ravioli with roasted butternut squash, pecans, brown butter and sage. Meat dishes sport a meaty osso bucco, roasted chicken, or ribeye steak. My personal favorites are in the seafood with a delicious swordfish with borlotti beans, pancetta, and oven melted tomatoes or their silver hake. It is tough to save room for dessert but do it if you dare! You don’t want to miss peach crostada, sweet corn zeppole, or ricotta and pinenut tart to name but a few of the decadent creations.

Valenza
1441 Dresden Drive, Ste 100
Atlanta, GA
404-969-3233

“Ratatouille”

I have to say I didn’t recognize the voices as anything special, but the movie was. A bit campy, and somewhat predictable but I am a sucker for happy endings. Fun because it involved such a collage of characters from old cartoons married with new ones, done in a style that felt real and not super technized. As always every animation has its lessons and this is about the choices we make between being rats in the rat race eating the garbage we are given, or rising instead to a higher level and creating a life of our own design with our unique talents.

What a surprise behind a rather nondescript façade in a relatively uninhabited part of Piedmont Avenue, this opens to reveal exposed brick walls, stained concrete floors, and long gleaming wood bar, exotic cocktail opportunities, and two distinct dining areas. The first and most coveted is the lounge dining area complete with built in chaises/beds. The dining is done on small plates from trays, tapas style. Black and white movies featuring all black casts are projected on one blank wall, lighting is subtle, artistic, and romantic. It has a very mysterious quality with Victorian Gothic overtones.

The menu is intriguing with a trio of deviled eggs incorporating shrimp, bacon, and traditional style, hoppin john is a festive favorite, chicken and waffles is a surprise on a dinner mennu, lobster macaroni and cheese was very tasty, salmon croquettes are a best seller. All showcase an entertaining mix of down home Southern cooking and global influences including Moroccan style mussels and Piri Piri style pork. The portions are well sized for sharing and exploring the creative culinary talents proffered.

The second dining area is more traditional bistro style with wood tables and chairs, seemingly designed for the lounge areas overflow. Without a reservation you won’t get a seat in the Rare main room, but can linger at the bar and enjoy the people scene.

Rare
554 Piedmont Avenue
Atlanta, GA
404-541-0665