UNDERRATED / OVERRATED
UNDERRATED
Sure, the lack of progress the MTA has made on the implementation of a comprehensive rail system has been astounding. But as gas prices skyrocket, commute times grow intolerable and greenhouse gases terrify even our city’s most stalwart thespians, the surprisingly reliable bus system is smelling better and better.
So what if the new indie flick “Sex and Breakfast” (which opens this weekend) is a paean to angsty, under-laid hipsters hacking away at their respective Electra complexes and bed-wetting neediness? Would you want some scarf-wearing MFA grad dissecting the emotional trials of ethnic poverty? Write what you know, even if it means Macaulay Culkin must experiment with partner-swapping and stick to club sandwiches for breakfast.
THE MTA
MAKING YOUR SILVER LAKE-CENTRIC SEX LIFE INTO A FILM
FAMIMA!!
Whether it’s a late-night snack, a midafternoon pit stop or a carryout dinner, this cute and clever chain of Japanese mini markets has elevated dining on the go from hot dogs and Slurpees to sushi, pasta and steaming bao. And when they’re fresh from the heat lamps, the curry fried bread is to die for.
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OVERRATED
PUMPKIN FEVER: THE ORANGE MENACE
Pie, sure. Soup, fine. But must everything -- coffee, ravioli, eggnog, waffles, beer, ice cream, air freshener -- be made into a vehicle for the Linus-disappointing squash that can’t make up its mind whether it’s a fruit or a vegetable?
TMZ
What started as an up-to-the-minute gossip website with a snarky, take-no-prisoners attitude has devolved into a leaden infotainment show that panders to TV’s lowest common denominator and seems more interested in marketing synergy than skewering celebrities. And just when you think the bar can’t get any lower, Harvey Levin installs live video feeds in local cafes. Privacy issues aside, who isn’t fascinated by C-grade starlets eating spinach salads?
FRESH & EASY
With its promises of healthful fare and a local focus, we were eager to check out this “neighborhood market” from British grocery giant Tesco. But apart from some nice produce and a few vegan lunchables, the store’s ample stock of typical supermarket stuff like marshmallow fluff and Hamburger Helper left us feeling, well, not so fresh. Tesco, you’re no Trader Joe’s.
