FEEL GOOD MOVIE
Downton Abbey: A New Era
The characters in the original Downton Abbey TV series, are the favorites of many, me included. This latest movie, the second one, brings everyone together again prompted by Tom Branson’s wedding to Lucy. There are several children running around, Lady Violet is hanging on, just, and Lady Mary has grown into her lady of the manor role. A short trip to France raises some puzzling family history. Against this backdrop, Lord Grantham grudgingly agrees to let the abbey be the set for one of the first talking films. The filming provides fodder for several subplots.
Overall, this is a set piece rather than high drama. There are sweet vignettes between Downton’s married staff and some couples who aren’t. Add in nostalgia and the recognition that the mantle is being passed on to a new generation. What would have been the logical ending was instead followed by a scene preparing the way for yet another film.
The Chief Penguin and I thoroughly enjoyed this return to Downton. It’s fun and affirming in a good way.
CIVIL WAR NOVEL
Wild, Beautiful and Free by Sophfronia Scott
E-mails from Amazon bring newly published titles to my attention. A few are freebies while others are bargains from mostly unfamiliar authors. This new novel from Sophfronia Scott came via that route.
It’s the story of a Jeannette, a mixed-race young woman in Louisiana. Her slave mother died in childbirth, her white stepmother loathes her, and her rich landowner father dotes on her and oversees her education. He also tutors her in the layout of the Catalpa plantation and tells her she will inherit a portion of it one day. When he dies, his wife sells her and sends her to a distant plantation.
Jeannette’s greatest wish is to someday return to Catalpa and claim her heritage. Narrated in the first person, this is a compelling story of hardship, danger, determination, and love. Boldness and daring acts shape Jeannette’s journey, making for a most absorbing book.
Scott began her career as an award-winning magazine journalist and is the author of other novels and numerous essays. Her young son was at school in Sandy Hook on that fateful day in 2013; Scott’s memoir, This Child of Faith, outlines how religion has played a beneficial role in his life.
WHITE LINEN ITALIAN
Lusardi’s (Upper East Side, Manhattan)
We returned to Lusardi’s for dinner after a long absence. It’s traditional and elegant in an Old-World sense. Wait staff is all male and the service is impeccable, but not stiff. It’s perfect for a special occasion, but so welcoming that I could easily dine here frequently.
On this night, we shared an order of tagliolini cacio e pepe to start. These pasta strands coated in butter sauce with Pecorino cheese and pepper and the added ingredient of strips of zucchini were sublime. The zucchini elevated the dish.
For our mains, I had delicious almond-crusted John Dory on sauteed spinach while the Chief Penguin went for the chicken breast with black truffle sauce accompanied by butternut squash and Brussels sprouts. It was a lovely meal. The menu has so many temptations, we’ve vowed to go back again soon!
Note: Header photo of Lusardi’s dining room is from lusardis.com
