How Shakespeare Saved My Life Twitter/X Theatre Review

Jacob Ming-Trent in the world premiere of How Shakespeare Saved My Life at Folger Theatre. Photo: Erika Nizborski

Shakespeare or Die

I admit: I’m often skeptical of a “one-person show.” The pressure (on the performer) is intense, and the risk for overcompensation… even greater. And then I saw 👀 @jacobmingtrent1 perform How Shakespeare Saved My Life at @FolgerLibrary. His solo testimony to the congregation (our lucky 🍀 audience) is both heartfelt & mesmerizing without the slightest hint of unease or vanity. For an hour & a half, Jacob dazzles with music, stories and (most importantly) words. Said words are bursting with honesty & instruction, a rare combination on any stage. You’ll likely cry, laugh & smile (in some awesome combination) but the bottom line is, this is the best performance of the year. Can’t wait to see him again.

Grade: A+

Cosi Twitter/X Food Review

Miso Chili Chicken Crunch Sandwich at Cosi

Another great sandwich at @get_cosi. Ordered the Miso Chili Chicken Crunch Sandwich ($12.99 minus a $5 Monday coupon) and couldn’t be happier. Forgot to select side chips (oops) but the sandwich (roasted chicken thighs, Asian slaw, red chili 🌶️ miso sauce, spicy sriracha mayo & wonton strips) was more than enough for a filling & super-satisfying lunch. Didn’t detect much heat, but the chicken was sensational (as always.) Lots of crunch, and proof that cold sandwiches don’t have to be boring.

Grade: B+

Disclosure Day Twitter/X Movie Review

War of the Words

Rotten Tomatoes Plot: If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This summer, the truth belongs to eight billion people. Today is... Disclosure Day. Directed by Steven Spielberg.

Scary Movie Twitter/X Movie Review

Anna Faris & Regina Hall (r) star in Scary Movie

The Young and the Restless

IMDb Plot: Two friends find themselves caught up in mayhem involving killers, monsters and supernatural creatures once again. Directed by Michael Tiddes.

CHAR'D Twitter/X Food Review

Char'd Burger (r) with Duck Fat Fries at CHAR'D

Not all fries are created equal, and the $6.99 Duck Fat Fries at CHAR'D are no exception. They’re phenomenal… clean, non-greasy and salty, perfect even without a dipping sauce. A. Their Char’d Burger ($10.99) is pretty good, but comes plain (if you skip the cheese) and is basically a @Smashburger that costs twice as much. B. Ditto for their $8.99 Strawberry 🍓 Shake (nice consistency) B. Inviting interior, but hiccups with online ordering + potentially prohibitive pricing make this more of a treat than a routine stop.

Grade: B (Solid as they come, and terrific fries.)

Summer Wagyu Experiences for Gourmands at Little Blackbird

Iwate Gyu Wagyu (Photo: Jonni Scott)

From our friends at Little Blackbird...

Summer Wagyu Experiences for Gourmands at Little Blackbird

Ashok Bajaj of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group is pleased to announce the upcoming summer happenings at Little Blackbird, located at 3309 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20008, next door to sister restaurant Sababa. June brings Japan’s prized Wagyu beef to the forefront of Executive Chef Ryan Moore’s menu with a special celebration taking place from Wednesday, June 17, through Sunday, June 21st.

Backrooms Twitter/X Movie Review

Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in Backrooms

Lost Between Worlds

IMDb Plot: After a therapist's patient disappears into a dimension beyond reality, she must venture into the unknown to save him. Directed by Kane Parsons.

Othello Twitter/X Theater Review

Ben Turner & Wendell Pierce (r) in Othello at Shakespeare Theatre Company. (Photo: Teresa Castracane)

O Curse of Marriage

Othello. A play I've seen at least a dozen times, yet it never ceases to amaze (and delight) me. It plays out as a tale of two characters, Iago & Othello, apparent best friends & (unknown to the latter) simultaneously mortal enemies. @ShakespeareinDC's latest rendition (directed by Simon Godwin) showcases its finest paring yet, Ben Turner & @WendellPierce, as Shakespeare's oddest (but most significant) stage couple. Pierce's range (equal parts amorous, playful and possessive) dazzles, as does Turner's relentless one-note of betrayal. It's an awesome combination that mesmerizes so much as it entertains. The end result is 2+ hours of deception, stealth and top-notch entertainment. STC does it again!

Grade: A-

Colada Shop Twitter/X Food Review II

Colada Shop's Breakfast Plate

Another home run for @Coladashop. Breakfast Plate ($12.25) ready on arrival, with delicious scrambled eggs, even better ham slices (perfect texture, sooo good) and 4 tostada wedges with a creamy, sweet plantain butter (perfect for dipping & way better than toast.) Amazing, yet simple breakfast with a twist.

Grade: A-

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu Twitter/X Movie Review

Pedro Pascal stars in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Made for TV

IMDb Plot: Once a lone bounty hunter, Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his apprentice Grogu embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Directed by Jon Favreau.

Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli Twitter/X Food Review

Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli's Quarter Pounder

Ordering delivery has its advantages. Case in point, @WisemillerD & its (mere) $6.95 Quarter Pounder, a burger that actually over delivers on size (closer to a half pound) & taste, surprisingly topping our list of DMV’s best budget burgers. A- Their French Fries are good too (clean, soft) and cheap ($3.95) B. Chicken Wings (6 for $9.95) are crispy & generously sized, but dry and overcooked. C- Last (and least) 1️⃣ of the worst Pastrami Sandwiches 🥪 I’ve ever had in my life. Lettuce & tomato by default (why?) resulted in a soggy mess with crusty, flavorless pastrami in between. It wasn’t overpriced ($8.75) but tasted awful. F All in all, a literal mixed bag, but worth the (burger & fries) find.

Grade: B- (Fixing the sandwich should be easy. Now do it.)

Mortal Kombat II Twitter/X Movie Review

Karl Urban stars in Mortal Kombat II

Send Me Back!

IMDb Plot: The fan favorite champions - now joined by Johnny Cage himself - are pitted against one another in the ultimate battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders. Directed (Is that what it's called?) by Simon McQuoid.