How Good Are Your Manners? A Quiz

On a recent "Ladies of London (which by the way is a bit of a misnomer in that there are more American women on this show than British)," the American ladies were "treated" to an etiquette lesson by Rosemary Schrager, who I first encountered on the British TV show "Ladette to Lady."  In case you are interested, a Ladette is a British term for a young woman who doesn't wear her knickers, gets slamming drunk most nights and isn't known for her good manners.  The female counterpart of a "Lad," though for him, not sure about the knickers.  One of the Americans on "Ladies of London," Juliet, of the "I speak everything that comes into my mind," said, "We Americans don't do manners" or something like that.  And I thought...well, actually, I didn't just think, I talked right to the TV, "Speak for yourself, Juliet.  Some of us DO do manners."

So I decided to do a kind of Andy Rooney rant on the loss of manners in our society. 

But first, a quiz. 

We all love quizzes right? 

Since quizzes have taken Facebook by storm - "What Kind of Doughnut Would You Be? or "Which Housewife of Orange County Are You?" (I have to admit, I succumb upon occasion.  OK, I succumb a lot.  I need to know that if I was a movie I would be "Roman Holiday" and that my old lady name would be "Ethel.") - anyway, I thought I would also succumb to the cheap ploy of luring readers with a quiz.

And then, I will recap with my vast knowledge of good manners in the hope that I will inspire.  Because what separates us from the animals?  Why, it's manners of course.  Manners mean we are civilized.

For example, dogs have their own bit of etiquette that involves introducing themselves to each other by sniffing unmentionable places on other dogs.  If we did that, well, it would be awkward and we would each probably be called an animal.

And when I say manners, I am not talking about using the right fork or undue flatulence or chewing with your mouth open, all things you should probably work on. I could care less about that.

I am talking about politeness, thoughtfulness, and consideration.

Now on to The Quiz.

***THE QUIZ***

So here are your questions - answer yes or no:

1.  When I have overnight guests I provide everything they will need to be comfortable:  robes, a hook in the bathroom to hang them on, fresh soap, toiletries that don't look like they are on their last legs (e.g. a fresh tube of toothpaste, not one rolled up into a tiny ball), hair dryer, fresh towels, snacks, bottled water and glasses in their room, clean sheets (duh), closet space, magazines, and I tell them to "help themselves" so they feel at home.

2.  When I am the overnight guest, I always take my hosts out to dinner or provide them with a thoughtful thank you.

3.  When I am a dinner guest, I always bring wine and I don't expect it to be opened while I am there so that I can drink it all.

4.  I am rarely, if ever, late.

5.  When I send a holiday card to my friends and family I do NOT include a long, single-spaced bragging letter about my family's accomplishments. 

6.  I sincerely compliment my friends and loved ones on a daily basis.

7.  If someone asks for an RSVP, I RSVP.

8.  I always return phone calls and emails and I do it in a timely manner.

9.  I never check my email, text or answer my phone (unless it's an emergency) while visiting with friends or surf the web while talking on the phone.  And I don't have my cell phone on the table while dining unless I am a doctor on call.

10. When dining out and I am not picking up the check, I split the check in half and don't quibble over the extra pennies on either side, even if the other party ordered way more than I.

11.  I always introduce people to each other.

12.  When dining out, I don't make scenes in restaurants.

13.  I show an interest in others by not talking about myself all of the time and asking them questions about themselves.

14.  I always thank my host the next day after a party or dinner, and I send hand-written thank you notes when I have stayed overnight or longer.

15.  When I receive a gift, I always send a thank you and also remember to thank them again later and tell them how much I am enjoying my gift.

Count up your yes answers:

13-15  Emily Post would be proud.
 
10-12  It was the being late, talking on your cell phone and not talking
            about yourself questions, right?
    
 7-9     This is like getting 50% on a test which is a fail. You need to
            study.
     
4-6      You need to take an etiquette class and possibly even get some
            therapy.
      
1-3      My little wine guzzling poodle, Tarquin, got a better score than
            you (and he was drunk).
         
0         You have single-handedly contributed to the downfall of Western
           civilization


So now it's time for my rant. 
If you received a high score, you could skip this part, but then you would miss the fun!

1.  Overnight Guests. When you invite someone to stay with you, that invitation implies you really want them at your house.  And if that is true, you need to show them by providing them with many of the same comforts they would have if they stayed in a hotel.  For example, how would you feel if you were staying in a hotel and the shower had a used piece of soap with a black hair on it?  I rest my case.

 

2. Host/Hostess Gifts when staying overnight. Taking your hosts out to dinner is the least you can do.  You might also practice being a good guest by cleaning up after yourself, helping with meals and at least pretending you are enjoying their company.


3. Bringing Wine. If you bring wine to a dinner party and ask it to be opened during dinner, then you are implying two things:  that you didn't think the host would supply wines good enough for you and that you are a cheapskate.  What you bring to dinner is for the host, not you.

4.Being Late. Sure, we are all late sometimes, but there better be a damn good reason and the person waiting for you should be apprised of your progress.  Why?  Because when you are late you are saying that my time is not as valuable as your time.  Yes, it's a hassle to get places on time when you have children and other obligations, but that's the price you pay for having friends and a family.  It's not all about you.  So if you need to make some changes to your schedule and break out a bit of a sweat to get there on time, so be it.  You are showing your friends and colleagues that you respect them.

5. The Holiday Letter.  OK, this is one of my big pet peeves.  That single-spaced, typed, full-page letter included with your Holiday card that outlines all of your family's accomplishments, good deeds and month-by-month minutiae of your life.  It's one thing if you would include something juicy like your son's divorce or the uncle that got sent to prison, but it's always "See how perfect my family is?"  Is that what the Holidays are all about?  For the time it takes you to create and type that letter and stuff it into the Holiday card, you could have hand-written a line or two to each of your friends and family members telling them what they mean to you or sharing a happy memory.  To me, that's what the Holidays are supposed to be about.  Others, not you.

6.  Compliments.  It's easy to take your friends and loved ones for granted, but there is nothing like calling attention to something GOOD about them or a happy memory or just that you are glad to be together.  It takes very little for you to say something nice and it's huge for the other person. "Rosy, you are so much fun.  I am glad you are my friend." And in conversation, how often do you acknowledge the other person's point of view, e.g. Really good point, Rosy, I will remember that.  Doesn't happen much.

7.  RSVP. If someone asks you to RSVP, that means they want to know yes or no. They are trying to plan a party or event, for god's sake.  They need to know how many are coming.  Don't think not responding at all will mean no to them.  How long does it take you to send back that little RSVP card that is sent with a wedding invitation and includes a SASE?  Or how long really does it take to fill out the little online survey that is sometimes sent with the e-invite or to reply to an email or even, dare I say it? Pick up the phone?  And if someone is inviting you to something, I assume it's a friend.  Can't you spare one minute in your day to respond to a friend?

8.  Returning Phone Calls and Emails. There is just no excuse not to return a phone call or reply to an email, especially if it's your mother.

9.  Social Media. At dinner, you should not be checking your cell phone.  In fact, your cell phone should not even be sitting on the table.  That implies you are waiting for something more interesting than the people you are dining with.  And answering the phone while visiting with your friends also implies you are waiting for something more exciting to happen.  And at home, surfing the web while talking on the phone, don't you realize we can hear you typing?

10.  Splitting the Bill. To me there is nothing more embarrassing than quibbling over every item on a restaurant bill.  That's why when I have the means, I just pick up the check because of past experiences with people pulling out calculators. And by the way, if you invite someone to dine at a restaurant, you should pay and tell the other parties you will be picking up the check.  That's just the polite thing to do.  But if everyone knows the bill will be shared, then it should be split in half, even if the other couple ordered Dom Perignon.  If you know you spent more, then, because you have impeccable manners, you will throw in more money to cover that.  But you can't do anything about the other person. Just make a note that you probably don't want to dine with them again.

11.  Introductions. Someone walks up to you and your group, you talk to that person and then the person walks away.  Hey, what are we?  Chopped liver?  Now, I can forgive you if you can't remember the person's name.  That seems to be happening to me more and more, but in general, when you are approached, it is common courtesy for everyone concerned to make introductions.  It's a respect thing. And I won't get into the proper way to introduce someone.  Just do it however you want, but do it.  

And when introduced look that person in the eye, smile and give him or her a nice firm handshake, even if you are a woman. Fist pumping aside, if you do shake hands, let it be a firm and sincere grasp of the hand, not a limp version that feels like you are going to take my fingers and pull my hand up for a kiss.  And smile!  That shows you really are happy to meet me.

 

12.  Scenes in Restaurants. Though I am known for having a thing about being seated by the door, server's station, bathroom or kitchen (I don't like it), I don't make a scene about it.  I don't even make a scene if the waiter is snarky and questions my wine choices or takes forever to acknowledge my presence.  I just won't go back there again.

13.  Talking about Yourself. I have sat through entire lunches with people I have just met and they have not asked me one question about myself, but rather talking, talking, talking about themselves.  Do you think I would want to have lunch with them again?  'Ya think? Asking your companions questions that get them to talk about themselves is the polite thing to do and shows you are interested. 

14.  Handwritten thank you notes?  Probably not going to happen anymore.  But a phone call, email or text should be sent after a party or evening out with friends.

15.  Acknowledging Gifts. I think most of us are pretty good about thanking people for gifts when we are face to face.  But when it's long distance, that requires a bit of effort and I have noticed that my gift giving is sometimes not acknowledged.  I have decided to not give a gift anymore to someone who doesn't care enough about me or my gift to acknowledge receipt. 

But even if you are really good about acknowledging gifts, you can really make someone's day by reminding him or her of the gift months later and saying thanks again, saying how useful it is or how much you are enjoying that gift or wearing it or displaying it in their presence.  My Dad taught me that.
"I can't tell you how much I am enjoying those brooms you bought me for Valentine's Day, Hubby.  What a thoughtful romantic gift. I use them every day and think of you." 

Rant over.

 

Do you have one to share?

Now go out there and contribute your good manners to the good of civilization!

 

 

 

See you Friday

 

For

 

"The Best and Worst Movies and DVDS of 2014 - So Far

and The Week in Reviews"

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to click on the share buttons to share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn, 
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Celebrate What's Fabulous and The Week in Reviews

[I review the new movie "Begin Again" and the DVDs "Getaway," "Under the Skin" and "Nymphomanic Vols. I and II plus the book "Unbreak My Heart" by Toni Braxton and recommend my new favorite restaurant, Brimmer and Heeltap].

But First

 

 It's Fabulous Friday so let's talk about what makes life really fabulous!

What makes life fabulous is not lots of money, though that helps.

It's the little things like walking on the beach at sunset.

Who am I kidding?

It’s more like pink fuzzy slippers, a bowl of Ben & Jerry’s and the latest episode of "Survivor."

Or ....

 

• Wine bottles with twist top caps.  Never again do you need to find yourself alone in a motel room in Podunk, bored to death, with a bottle of wine and no wine bottle opener.

• A small poodle resting sweetly on one’s lap after drinking out of one’s wine glass (he made me give him some!).

• After a long day with no responsibilities and doing nothing, I like to maintain that theme by relaxing on the deck with Hubby for Happy Hour with these views.  Fabulous!

 

 

 

The drinks ain't bad either.

 

• Outdoor concerts at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. On a beautiful summer night, you can take your hamper of food, purchase wine and settle in to listen to some great music as the sun goes down behind the trees.  However, one must be cautious with the purchase of wine part as it can result in not remembering the second half of the concert. (I’m not talking about myself, of course, but it could happen).

 

Ringo and his All Star Band

Patty Smyth

• Top down on the convertible, the CD player cranked up to 11 with Bob Seger singing "Roll Me Away, Fabulous!  I named my Mustang after Mrs. Peel of "The Avengers."  (No, not the Marvel Comics Avengers, the "better" Avengers.  Hubby bought me a license plate holder that says, "Mrs. Peel, We're Needed!" Check this show out if you aren't familiar with it).  My Mrs. Peel is 11 years old (and that's about 100 in car years), but she is still fabulous!  (As an aside, my first Mustang was named Steed after Mrs. Peel's male counterpart.  Also a play on words because a mustang is a horse.  Get it?  Ok, ok...)

• Exploring Seattle, my town: Long walks around Capitol Hill in the fall at dusk - I love kicking up the damp leaves - or stair walking and ending the evening with a fabulous meal at one of the great restaurants and a night cap at the Fireside Room.

 

• Musicals. I have loved musicals ever since watching Nelson Eddy and Jeannette McDonald movies with my Dad.

Classic.

 

To pass on the tradition, I weaned my daughter on them too.  Though I have seen many of the “new” musicals ...I keep coming back to the classics – "West Side Story" being the best of the best.

 

• Reality TV.  Duh.  I’m sure you have figured that out already.  I Tivo so many programs that when I had engagements two days in a row last week, I had to do a reality TV marathon to get caught up.  My husband has to watch too if he wants to spend any time with me.  The other night while deeply embroiled in the latest episode of "The Bachelorette," Hubby turned to me and asked, “Are you surprised I watch this stuff with you?”  And then he added, "I watch this show but I feel dirty afterward." Sad.

•  Traveling to Europe is fabulous and even more fabulous if I am in business class on the plane.  Ah, pasta in Bologna, lighting a candle in Notre Dame Cathedral and a kiss on the Millenium Bridge in London.  My version of "Eat,Pray, Love."  This, however, is not one of those fabulous things that doesn't cost much.

 

• Oprah - I have extolled her virtues in my post "Why Oprah Still Matters," but it bears repeating how fabulous she is.  Even though I have never forgiven her for inviting her “most loyal fans” to her giveaway shows and didn’t invite me, probably the most loyal of the loyal.  I have been there from the very beginning and invoked her name from everything to disciplining my children to what to eat on my diet. I have followed her from the days when she had programs like “Sixth Graders Gone Wild” to her adoration of Marianne Williamson and Elizabeth Gilbert. She has teamed up with Depak Chopra to offer free meditation challenges so she has gotten me into meditation (a new one starts August 11 - do you want to join me?), and her "Super Soul Sundays" give me my spiritual fix. I have also repeatedly entreated her to devote a show to librarians since she loves teachers so much and loves to read.  But noooooo. I have been there through it all and to add insult to injury, she gave all those wannabes trips to Australia and cars. But she is fabulous.

• And have I told you lately how fabulous libraries are?   When people would learn I was a librarian, they invariably would say, “You must love books!”  Yes, I would reply, I do love books, but I also love helping people.  What many people don't realize is that libraries are in the customer service business as much as they are in the book business.  You have to want to help people to work in a library, because that is the nature of the business - people.  Helping people make sense of their lives.  Bringing people together.  Providing needed information.  From the laid off job hunter to the person seeking citizenship to the little preschooler learning to read, there is something for everyone at the library.  But there is also a friendly face, a helpful hand and a caring atmosphere that could make someone's day and we don’t even realize it.

And that is really fabulous.

Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!

 

What makes you say FABULOUS!

 

 

 

Now on to

The Week in Reviews

 

  ***DVDS***

You Might Have Missed

(And Some You Should Be Glad You Did)

 

 

Begin Again

 

 

A washed up music producer and a fledgling songwriter meet in NYC.

The movie opens with Gretta (Keira Knightly) being called up on stage to sing a song at an open mic night by her friend, Steve (James Corden).  As she sings, we flash back to Dan (Mark Ruffalo) waking up after what appears to have been a rough night.  Dan has a drinking problem, it seems and when he finally makes it to work he learns he is being asked to leave his own record production company because he has been unable to sign any new talent.  This prompts him to get even more wasted and his last bar stop just happens to be where our Gretta is singing.  He decides that she will be the next big thing.

As for Gretta, another flashback provides what happened to her prior to meeting Dan.  Gretta's boyfriend, Dave (played by singer Adam Levine in his first film role) has hit it as a singer in London and Gretta has accompanied him to the States.  His fame has come with her help since Gretta is also a singer/songwriter.  But Dave has an affair that he wants to see through, so Gretta moves out and into her friend Steve's apartment.  Speaking of Levine, his moustache and beard should have their own Facebook page - each.  And that's not a good thing.

All that precedes Gretta and Dan meeting. 

This is another entry from writer/director John Carney who gave us the charming and poignant "Once."  This isn't another "Once," though there are little bits that are reminiscent of it, such as Gretta's friend Steve is a busker, just as Glenn was in "Once."  Likewise, Gretta's and Dan's meeting provide both of them with the impetus to succeed, much as happened with Glenn and Marketa. (Not to be confused with the Broadway version of the film.  The film is far superior to it).

The music isn't as memorable as the music from "Once," but it's pleasant.

I am not a big Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightly or Catherine Keener fan.  Ruffalo always looks like he needs a bath and his voice is annoying.  With Keira, it's her teeth.  They drive me crazy.  And though I will admit that Catherine is a good actress, perhaps she is too good.  There is something about her that makes me think she is going to burst out crying any minute.  She's a bit too vulnerable.

But Knightly can sing and is believable as Gretta.

Catherine Keener plays Miriam, Dan's wife who had an affair that split them up.  Hailie Steinfeld plays his daughter who isn't taking the split very well and seems to be more mad at her Dad for his behavior than her mother for having the affair.  Steinfeld broke out for her performance in the Coen brothers' version of "True Grit," where she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, but despite roles in "Ender's Game" and "3 Days to Kill (movies I have reviewed)" she hasn't yet realized the success of Shailene Woodley who seems to be the current teen darling.  But she has upcoming roles in five new films including "Pitch Perfect 2," so she could be next.

Rosy the Reviewer says...it's not "Once," but it's a lovely story of hope and redemption that is not cloying or obvious.

 

     

 

 

Getaway (2013)

 

 

Brent Magna (Ethan Hawke), a washed up race car driver, arrives home to find his wife kidnapped and now he must follow the orders of a mysterious voice if he wants her back alive.

When Brent finds his wife kidnapped, he receives a phone call from a mysterious man. Brent is told to steal a specific car, an armored Mustang Cobra rigged with cameras.  Turns out it belongs to a hoodie wearing unnamed girl played by Selena Gomez, who ends up unwillingly joining him on his quest.  The voice gives him various challenges such as driving the car through a park and running things over, all with time limits and the kinds of things the police don't take kindly to.  So there are many, many car chases.  And I mean many.  Turns out it's all an elaborate ruse to enable "The Voice" to rob a bank.

This all takes place in Bulgaria, which is odd, and it's never explained why an American race car driver is living there.

This is about as far as Ethan Hawke can get from the "Before" movies and it's kind of fun to see him in a thriller.  But car chase after car chase, crash after crash gets annoying after awhile not to mention far fetched that the car just keeps going like the Energizer Bunny, never needing gas or breaking down and the cops can't seem to ever stop him.  Gomez is a surprisingly engaging actress, though she isn't given much to do except react to all of those chases and crashes.

The most fun is trying to figure out who the person is behind the mysterious voice.  Turns out it's John Voight with a bad accent.

The film is derivative of other movies that feature car chases and heroes being forced to do stuff  such as "Drive" and "Speed." but it's not as good.

Rosy the Reviewer says...if you are into car chases, this is for you.  Otherwise, you can skip it.

Under the Skin (2014)

What appears to be an alien woman trolls for men in Glasgow, Scotland and lures them to their death...or something like that.

No one says a word until almost 15 minutes into this abstract film.  And that's probably a good thing because when people do start speaking, they speak with such a strong Glaswegian brogue, they are practically incomprehensible.

Scarlett Johansson plays an unnamed - is she an alien?  We think she is but nothing is ever explained.  She knows how to put on lipstick, drive a van, talk alluringly to men.  Is that what aliens do?

She trolls in her van picking up men and when they go with her, she takes them to her "lair," a dark space where they sink into a tar-like goo.  And they don't even get to have sex with her.

Scarlett has been engaging in fewer mainstream films and more indies like "Her," "Don Jon" and most recently "Chef."  And she played supporting roles in those.  Do we have another actress who feels she needs to prove her acting chops?  Or is she just bored with rom-coms?  But then she is currently filming another "Avengers" movie, so not sure what is going on with her.

I am just in awe of my fellow critics in that so many thought this was deep and symbolic and wonderful.  Sorry.  It's pretentious crap.  At least if the director Jonathan Glazer, whose big claim to fame was "Sexy Beast (2000), had used the plot of the novel from which this film is based, we would have had some understanding of what our alien girl was up to, but we were even denied that.

I liked "Sexy Beast," but here, I think, Mr. Glazer has gone spare, as they say in the UK.

Rosy the Reviewer says...Incomprehensible goo.


 

Nymphomaniac Vol. 1
and
Nymphomaniac Vol. 2 (2013)

 

 

A kindly man finds a girl lying in the street, beaten, and he takes her home where she recounts her life of nymphomania.

Let me just preface this review by saying the word "nymphomaniac" is not a metaphor.  I was drawn to this film in the first place because, hey, the writer and director is Lars Von Trier, he of "Dogville" and "Melancholia."  He's an auteur.  I thought it was going to be arty.

I was wrong.  It wasn't a metaphor.

Yes, it's a bit arty-farty.  The arty part is the two minutes of black screen that starts the film, followed by another interminable amount of time showing dripping water.

The rest is hours of sex, penises and other body parts doing all kinds of things - up close. I haven't seen anything this graphic since "Behind the Green Door" and "The Devil and Miss Jones," and, which I hate to say, had more plot than this thing and I liked better.  And the many views of genitals just seemed to be there for shock value.  C'mon.

But there is actually a metaphor at work here - fly fishing - but don't ask me.  Is it about nymphomaniacs "luring" their prey?  Who knows?  There is also lots of talk about Christianity, Bach, Wagner and the Whore of Babylon.  I get the last one, but not sure about how the others fit in. 

A mainstream movie I can think of that even comes close to this is "Shame," and that was just about one guy's genitals (Michael Fassbender), which I have to say have to be seen to be believed.  But I digress.

I was guessing that this was probably some sort of feminist statement about women taking charge of their sexuality. I kept thinking there was hope.  I kept thinking, please don't let this end the way I think it's going to.  No, no, no.  But, yup, it did.  Moral of the story:  All men are scum.  Very cynical ending.

Stellan Skarsgard plays Seligman who finds Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg) lying in the street.

What were Christian Slater, Uma Thurman, Willem Dafoe and Shia LaBeof doing in this thing?  I think it has to do with a director getting a reputation as being an auteur and then actors want to work with him to prove they are SERIOUS actors.  But I think this is the film that sent Shia 'round the bend.  And Christian, work on that English accent.  (As an aside, one critic thought the erratic English accents were meant as some kind of statement.  Pulease).

Yes, folks there is enough, ahem, action here to warrant two movies - four hours worth - but it's action of a salacious nature.

After I watched Part I, you may wonder why I watched Part II.  I am wondering that same thing myself. 

I am as liberal as they come when it comes to sex and nudity in films, but this one pushes the limits.  I think I must have said "Oh my god" out loud about 100 times.

Some critics lump this in with Von Trier's "Melancholia" and call it his "Depression Trilogy."  That's a good one because after seeing this, I was depressed.  Depressed I had wasted four hours of my life.

This goes in my "Worst Films of 2013" file.

Rosy the Reviewer says...

 

 

***Book of the Week***

 

 

Unbreak My Heart: A Memoir by Toni Braxton (2014)

 

 

 

An inspiring story of a tumultuous life by singer Braxton, whose song "Unbreak My Heart" sold millions and who currently stars in the TV show "Braxton Family Values."

Braxton grew up in an ultra-religious family and was in a singing group with her sisters.  The oldest of the siblings, her mother always told her to look after her sisters and never leave them behind. But when the opportunity arose for her to sign with a record label without her sisters, she had to make a decision and when she decided to pursue a solo career and leave her sisters behind, it haunted her all of her life.

Despite Braxton's singing success, her life has not been an easy one: two bankruptcies, unsuccessful personal relationships, a son with autism and a diagnosis of lupus. 

She currently stars with her sisters in the reality TV show "Braxton Family Values," so she is back with her sisters again.  Her life has come full-circle.

Rosy the Reviewer says...a candid memoir from a singing superstar.

***Restaurant of the Week***

 

 

Brimmer and Heeltap

 

Set in the former space where Le Gourmand and Sambar once served customers, this bistro and bar is light, cheery and welcoming.  On a lovely summer day, the patio would be my choice but get there early if you want to sit out there.  Otherwise, there is seating under the windows that look out on it.

The menu is small and that is just the way I like it.  For one thing, when confronted by a huge menu, I can never decide what to order and invariably order the wrong thing.  When the menu is small, I know that each item will be fresh and well made and it makes ordering so much easier.

There are three or four items under each heading:  Snacks, Vegetable, Seafood, Meat and Desserts. 

We tried the bread and butter listed under Snacks and it was a large hunk of hot buttered bread.  Add to that a dish of Lemongrass Asparagus, the seafood of the day (Skate) and the grass fed local beef to share and you have a lovely tapas meal.  You can order a small or large plate.  We ordered a small plate of each which was plenty of food for the two of us.

We also ordered the Dungeness crab trifle which was amazing.  It has layers of gelée, custard, brioche and ginger beer with plenty of cracked crab with Brussels sprouts leaves on top.  Yum.

The name  refers to a proper pour: When full, it's a “brimmer,” and at the end, only a “heeltap” is left.

 Rosy the Reviewer says...This restaurant is just "brimming" with appeal and darn good food.

 

That's it for this week!

Thanks for reading!

 

See you Tuesday for

"Manners, What Happened?"

 

 

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to click on the share buttons to share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn, 
email it to your friends and
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Check your local library for DVDs and books mentioned.

Note:  Next time you are wondering whether or not to watch a particular film, check out my reviews on IMDB (The International Movie Database). 

If I reviewed a movie, you can now find my reviews there too.

Find the page for the movie, click on "Explore More" on the right side panel and then scroll down to "External Reviews."  Or if you are using a mobile device, look for "Critics Reviews." Click on that and you will find me alphabetically under "Rosy the Reviewer."