The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and summer camp coming to Magik Theatre

The Magik Theatre announces its electrifying summer blockbuster production The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Like a bolt from the blue, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical hits the Magik Theatre from July 1-August 6. This adaptation of San Antonio native Rick Riordan’s extraordinary bestseller features all of the action and excitement Percy Jackson fans love, set to an original rock score by Rob Rokicki that will electrify audiences. This mythical adventure deemed “worthy of the gods” by Time Out New York, follows everyone’s favorite 12-year-old demi-God Percy Jackson as he descends to the underworld and back on the most dangerous quest of his life. (Magik Theatre, 2023)

Author Rick Riordan, a San Antonio native, published “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” in 2005. It is the first in the award-winning series created by the Alamo Heights High School alumni and former St. Mary’s Hall teacher. Originally created as a bedtime story for his oldest son, the Percy Jackson series features a modern-day 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. In The Lightning Thief, we meet young Jackson who is just discovering his lineage and his uncontrollable powers, neither of which he wants. When he is falsely accused of stealing the master lightning bolt of the Greek god Zeus, he must accept his destiny, prove his innocence, and prevent a war between the gods by finding and returning the bolt. The hero’s journey demands that Jackson travel to the underworld and back, solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend, and finally come to terms with his father who abandoned him.

Magik Theatre takes pride in using only professional actors in their productions. These talented, trained, working actors are masters of their craft, transporting audiences to faraway and magikal places via cherished, timeless literature, and storytelling. In The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, the titular character is brought to life by James Cazares, making his Magik Theatre debut. He is joined by Izabella Montes as Annabeth Chase, the demigod daughter of Athena, and Ian Eller as Jackson’s best friend Grover Underwood. The rest of the cast includes Jon Renee Tucker as Luke, John Michael Hoke as Mr. Brunner aka Chiron, Jessica Willis as Sally, and Emma Gervasi as Clarisse. Artistic Director Anthony Runfola is the director with choreography by Kaity McSalis and music direction by Christopher Bailey. The design team includes scenery by Christopher Boneta, costumes by Stormie Brennan, lighting by Carlos Nine, and sound design by Jo Villanueva. Together this talented team weaves a “magikal” spell that will resonate with audiences young and old.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is made possible in part by the generous support of a grant from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts.

Who says lightning doesn’t strike twice? To celebrate The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical making its Magik appearance, the theatre is hosting The Percy Jackson Musical Theatre Experience. This week-long summer camp will have students on their feet learning catchy tunes and action-packed choreography from the musical. Ideal for aspiring young performers, Percy Jackson fans, or a combination of both, participants will have the unique opportunity to attend master classes led by professional artists from the show. Not only will the students be able to catch a full matinee performance, but on the last day of camp, they will get their turn on the professional stage to share what they’ve learned with family and friends. Camps will be held from 9a.m. to 4p.m. July 10-14 and July 17-21. Final sharing events will be held at 3p.m. on Friday, July 14, and Friday, July 21.

Magik Theatre is committed to making theatre accessible to everyone. “We are here to make theatre accessible to every family and remove any existing barrier,” says Magik Theatre CEO Frank Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2023 season boasts some upgrades to include the special performances below.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, July 29, 2p.m.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Wednesday, July 26, 10:30a.m.
Sensory-friendly performances create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. Modifying certain production elements to accommodate these individuals allows families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Thursday, July 20, 2p.m.
Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

Single Tickets are $33.50 for Orchestra Rows A – I and $23.50 for Orchestra Rows J-N and Balcony., Military, Seniors, and Educators. Children under two are free. Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. If a child under two uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available to parties of ten or more people.

Useful guide to becoming a better cook

Assorted spices on brown wooden table beside red and white textile. Photo: Engin Akyurt/Pexels, used with permission.

If you want to become a better cook, then you are already taking a positive step towards making happier and healthier meals for your family. Take a look below to find out more.

Collect Skills

Home cooks should try and develop a repertoire of tried-and-tested recipes. It’s important to collect skills as well. When you have mastered everything, you can then apply them to several different recipes.  You should ideally know how to make an omelet, a steak, and a simple pan sauce. Other skills you need to master include making classic gravy and short crust pastry. If you can do this, then the world is your oyster when it comes to your cooking journey.

Emulate Professional Chefs

If you want to become a better cook at home, then you need to try and emulate the professionals. You can usually tell if someone is a good cook or not by simply looking at their kitchen. Everything should have a place and ingredients should be stacked, labelled and finally, organized. Your kitchen should be free from clutter, and you should also have a time plan for when you’re cooking. Not taking the time to read the recipe from start to end is a major mistake. You need to know in advance if you need to be leaving something overnight, so keep that in mind.

Invest in your Equipment

If you have a budget, then spend the whole thing on some new knives. Knives should be comfortable, and they should also have a good weight. Store them in a knife block and never put them in the dishwasher. You should have a large cook’s knife for meal prep and a paring knife for things that require greater control. This is especially the case when it comes to cutting up smaller ingredients. A serrated knife is great if you intend to cut up bread and cake too. If you haven’t got one already, then make sure that you invest in a sharpening steel. This will help you to keep your blades nice and sharp.

Choose Gadgets Wisely

If you go to a professional kitchen, then you won’t find gimmicky gadgets. You will find labor saving appliances, such as spice grinders, food processors, mandolins, and meat thermometers. Micro graters are also great to have. If you want to experiment with cutting gadgets then these fall salad recipes are great, as you can practice cutting up different vegetables with ease.

Taste Everything

You need to taste everything again and again. Sometimes a sprinkling of chili flakes ruins a dish, but other times it saves it. Take care when using salted butter in your recipes as it is very difficult to over season this way. Most chefs will use unsalted butter for this very reason. If you are cooking using a white sauce then white pepper seasons the dish while stopping it from having large black lumps, like you’d get with black pepper. You’ll pick up little tricks as you go, so make sure that you keep this in mind.

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Francis Bogside announces grand opening weekend celebration

Popular modern Irish pub grand opening weekend celebration includes expanded food menu launching this Friday, June 23. Photo: TXTroubleMaker, used with permission.

Francis Bogside is now open in its new location at St. Paul Square and excited to announce its Grand Opening Weekend Celebration with the expansion of its food menu and the launch of brunch service on Sundays and live music. (Francis Bogside, 2023)

The Grand Opening Weekend is set for Friday, June 23 – Sunday June 25, and will include the expanded food menu including fan favorites from its previous location like the SmashBurger, Fish and Chips, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Chicken Wings, Devilled Eggs, Fried Pickles, and more. Brand new menu items include the Cauliflower Parm Pasta, Green Curry with fresh Steamed Rice, Braised Short Ribs, Blackened Shrimp Pasta, Focaccia Deep Dish Pizza, and more.

To celebrate the grand opening, Francis Bogside will also be launching Sunday Brunch Service with Mimosa and Bloody Mary specials, including menu items like Prime Rib, Crab Cakes with Eggs, Seafood Platter and more. Brunch service will kick off on June 25 and be held every Sunday from 12p.m. to 3p.m.

The grand opening celebration will include live music throughout the weekend, including Mike Ryan set to perform on Friday, June 23 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. and Christine Roberts and the So So’s performing from 9p.m. to 2a.m. Yacht Rock will be performing on Saturday, June 24 from 10p.m. to -1a.m.

Grand Opening Weekend: Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25
Brunch Service: Sunday, June 25 from 12p.m. to 3p.m.

New Operating Hours (Starting June 23):
• Tuesday through Saturday: 4p.m. to 2a.m.
• Sunday: 12p.m. to 2a.m.
• Closed Mondays

Francis Bogside
1170 E Commerce St. Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78205

New horror movie release: The Devil Comes At Night

The Devil Comes At Night is available on digital and DVD. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Devil Comes At Night, starring American God’s Adrienne Kress and Ryan Allen (In the Shadow of the Moon), is now out from Uncork’d Entertainment. It is available on digital streaming (Vudu, Prime Video, and Apple TV) and DVD. The film also stars Jason Martorino, Elias Zarou, Shawn Ahmed, Todd Campbell, Dana Fradkin, Ty Andrassy, DL Macdonald, Jeremiah Sparks, and Julie Cohn. (October Coast, 2023)

The Devil Comes At Night – Ben, a washed-up boxer searching for his inheritance, must fight for his life when he is trapped in his deceased father’s farmhouse by a cannibal cult. With the help of Amy, the local librarian, he discovers the cult’s leader, Mason, has been hunting down his family for generations. And now his sights are set on Ben. Together, Ben and Amy come up with a plan to defeat the cult once and for all.

Book review: ‘Retribution’ by Robert McCaw

‘Retribution’ is the new novel by Robert McCaw and the fifth in the Koa Kāne Hawaiian Mystery Series. Photo: Amazon.

Robert McCaw grew up in a military family, traveling the world. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, served as a U.S. Army lieutenant, and earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. Having lived on the Big Island of Hawaii, McCaw’ s writing is imbued by his more than 20-year love affair with this Pacific paradise. In his new novel “Retribution,” the fifth in his Koa Kāne Hawaiian Mystery Series, Chief Detective Koa Kāne wonders if he might be the real target as people around him come under attack. Other books in the series include “Death of a Messenger,” “Off the Grid,” “Fire and Vengeance,” and “Treachery Times Two.” (Amazon, 2023)

“Retribution” – the story begins as an unknown Muslim man climbs off a Philippine freighter unto a speed boat with one goal in mind: to avenge his brother’s killing. Meanwhile, in the back alley of a bar on the Hawaii Island, a young man is found stabbed to death. When Hilo Chief Detective Koa Kāne begins investigating the crime, the murder weapon is conveniently recovered only a few feet away from the body. Crime scene technicians find fingerprints on the knife and they are a perfect match for Kāne’s younger brother, Ikaika. Even though his brother has a history of getting in trouble with the law, he has turned his life around, so Kāne is certain he is being framed for this crime. He is warned to stay out of the investigation, but of course he is determined to clear his brother’s name. During the investigation, another crime sends shockwaves through the Hilo police force. A sniper tries to take out Makanui, Kāne’s closest colleague. As Kāne tries to figure out whether these crimes are connected, the sinister force continues the killing spree, threatening him and his loved ones at every turn. Could Kāne be the real target? If so, who is behind this trail of retribution? With his own secret criminal past, he confronts an all-out offensive against those closest to him and his police force to which he has devoted his life. As the bodies pile up, Kāne finds himself the ultimate target of a ruthless adversary and must risk it all to survive.

Someone out there is determined to get to Detective Koa Kāne and is killing everyone connected to him. Not only is he still haunted by a secret he has kept all these years, he is constantly worrying about the safety of those around him but determined to catch a killer who seems to be one step ahead of him. On top of it all, he also needs to clear his brother’s name, and that further increases the conflict he feels between his police responsibilities and family loyalty. Since there are a couple of storylines, it can become challenging to follow along from time to time. The action is non-stop but perfectly balanced by the beauty of the Hawaiian location, which ironically enough, sometimes makes the investigation harder because some of the locations are remote and hard to access. With deeply developed and relatable characters, the story is mostly dialogue driven and flows from page to page until the suspenseful climatic ending. The highlight is Chapter 59 where the killer’s identity is revealed. As with his previous books, the author uses relevant Hawaiian terms and language, and even though he explains them as he goes along, it occasionally slows down the pacing, but it is worth it and readers are rewarded with a thrilling murder mystery filled with one plot twist after another. “Retribution” is another remarkable murder mystery by Robert McCaw and is recommended for fans of Michael Connelly who enjoy action thrillers revolving around terrorists and terrorist organizations. The good thing about this excellent mystery series is that each novel stands on its own and can be read in any order.

“The cave exploded with the roar of the gunshot, and the sound reverberated off the cave walls. Makanui’s bullet hit its mark and exited through the back of Cruz’s skull, leaving a golf-ball-sized hole and splattering Cruz’s brains into the lava tube behind him. His gun and hard hat went flying, plunging the cave into blackness.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Taco Cabana launches limited time Southwest Ranchero menu items and Breakfast Cabana Bowls

Taco Cabana’s ‘Gigante’ Breakfast Cabana Bowls are available during breakfast hours only. Photo: Taco Cabana

Arriving just in time for summer, Taco Cabana invites guests to enjoy its newest offerings, including the tasty Southwest Ranchero Cabana Bowl® and quesadilla, as well as three all-new “Gigante” Breakfast Cabana Bowls® and a country sausage breakfast taco. Launched on June 21, 2023, these menu items will be available at all Texas Taco Cabana locations while supplies last. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

TC’s latest culinary innovation – the new “Gigante” Breakfast Cabana Bowls® – served three different ways with the guests’ choice of new, deliciously seasoned country sausage and egg, chorizo and egg, or all egg served in a signature TC crispy tortilla shell. Each bowl includes seasoned potatoes, refried beans, queso and pico de gallo and will be available for $4.99 each. Those looking for extra flavor and crunch can add two strips of crispy bacon for $1.59.

A seasoned country sausage breakfast taco will also be introduced to the TC menu for $2.19. The “Gigante Breakfast Cabana Bowls®” and country sausage breakfast taco will be available for purchase during breakfast hours only.

TC’s new Southwest Ranchero offerings are a must-try this summer season. The Southwest Ranchero quesadilla consists of two TC flour tortillas filled with grilled Chicken Fajita, ranchero salsa made with black beans and roasted corn, melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses, pico de gallo and served with a side of sour cream and fresh guacamole and is available in two sizes: small for $6.99 and large for $10.99. The Southwest Ranchero Cabana Bowl® is filled with grilled Chicken Fajita, ranchero salsa made with black beans and roasted corn, rice, refried beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheese and sour cream in a crispy tortilla shell available for $8.39.

TC’s new Southwest Ranchero menu items, country sausage breakfast taco and “Gigante” Breakfast Cabana Bowls® can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online while supplies last.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 8, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

“Great-tasting bowls have long been part of our TC menu. We invite everyone to TC to try our bowl variety. We’re proud of our continued culinary innovation and the introduction of these new bowl options and flavors across all of our TC dayparts – breakfast, lunch and dinner. The new seasoned country sausage breakfast taco and ‘Gigante’ Breakfast Cabana Bowl® also provide our guests an additional protein choice for breakfast. Guests have told us that they’re looking for new breakfast options and they’ll be amazed at not only the tastes, but the size of the new breakfast bowls, filled to the tortilla shell rim for just $4.99 each. We call them ‘Gigante’ for a reason.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and COO

New album release: Blood Brothers – Dallas Burrow

Dallas Burrow paints a full circle picture of his home with the first song “River Town” from his upcoming Jonathan Tyler-produced album Blood Brothers. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Dallas Burrow, a Texas-born Americana artist rooted in the tradition of his home state’s songwriting heroes, built a career on both sides of the Atlantic with his 2019 debut Southern Wind. It reached Number 25 on the UK Americana Chart and Number 4 on the US Alt-Country chart, paving the way for a string of cross-country shows alongside fellow road warriors like Charley Crockett. For Burrow—a lifelong explorer who had spent his 20s on the move, chasing his muse across most of America and Europe while rubbing shoulders with luminaries like Bob Dylan and Dr. John—being so far away from home felt natural. Even so, he began missing the stability of his new life back in Texas, where he had built a family and gotten sober. His second album, 2021’s Dallas Burrow, marked both a symbolic and literal homecoming for the songwriter, who recorded the material with modern-day legend Bruce Robison in the rural Texas countryside. His new album Blood Brothers finds Burrow telling the story of his musical roots, his father’s influence on his craft, and his own personal journey as a songwriter; all in his signature, gravely baritone. (IV-PR, 2023)

“River Town,” the opening track from his upcoming album Blood Brothers, rides a pulsing country backbeat and is dressed up with a fiddle, organ, electric guitar, and producer Jonathan Tyler singing harmonies. It tells the true story of Burrow’s small-town Texas upbringing, the leaving, and the coming back to start a family. “After getting in a little trouble, doing a lot of traveling, fast living, and soul searching—and finally meeting my wife and starting to settle down a little—in the end, I realized just what a beautiful area it was to live after all, and the perfect place for us to raise a kid,” he says. The Bluegrass Situation premiered the single, diving more into the backstory.

Fans can hear “River Town” at this link and watch the video for Burrow’s previously-released single, “Out My Window” here. 

With Blood Brothers, Burrow wanted to chase something a little more refined and a little more polished than his previous two efforts: Southern Wind and Dallas Burrow. With the creative vision and technical talent of producer Jonathan Tyler, Burrow took everything he had learned from the last two album cycles, plus a lot more experience on tour, and brought a new outlook—not to mention what he calls “some of the best songs I’ve ever written”—into the recording studio, crafting his best work to date. Existing fans of Burrow’s will find his instantly recognizable songs sung in his signature gravelly tone, but there are hints of something deeper afoot. Musically, the pair of Burrow and Tyler chased down new tones influenced by everything from Stax to Muscle Shoals to New Orleans, but lyrically, Burrow’s journey through his own history and influences steals the show. “The songs on Blood Brothers tell about where I’m from, where I’ve been, what I’ve done, and what I’ve seen,” he says.

Blood Brothers track list:
River Town
Starry Eyes
Devil’s Tongue
Out My Window
Motel 6
A Lot of it Was
Only Game in Town
Blood Brothers
Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold
X Old Flames
Wild Bill
You Go On Ahead
True Believer

Catch Dallas Burrow on tour:
June 23 – San Antonio, TX – The Lonesome Rose
June 24 – San Marcos, TX – Cheatham Street Warehouse
June 30 – Houston, TX – The Mucky Duck
July 7 & 8 – Red River, NM – Motherlode Saloon
July 21 – New Braunfels, TX – Freiheit Country Store
Jul 22 – Luckenbach, TX – Luckenbach Dancehall
July 29 – Hunter, TX – Riley’s Tavern
August 2 – La Grande, OR – Union County
August 3 – Portland, OR – Topaz Farm
August 4 – Sisters, OR – The Belfry
August 5 – Carson City, NV – Nashville Social Club
August 6 – Arbuckle, CA – Burgie’s
August 7 – Bakersfield, CA – Pyrenees Cafe
August 9 – Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley
August 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Zebulon
August 11 & 12 – Lake Havasu, AZ – Jermey’s Juke Joint
August 13 – Mesa, AZ – Roosters Country
August 25 – Kingsbury, TX – 1281 Sherrill Rd
August 26 – New Braunfels, TX – Riley’s Tavern
September 8 – Driftwood, TX – Wings Over
September 22 – La Grange, TX – Bugle Boy
September 23 – Boerne, TX – Salvador DOBBS
September 30 – Red River, NM – Motherlode Saloon
November 25 – New Braunfels, TX – Riley’s Tavern

 

Diversifying your plate: tips for introducing new foods to your diet

Woman in purple eating. Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels, used with permission.

We often stick to the tried and tested when it comes to our dietary habits. However, opening up your taste buds to new flavors not only broadens your culinary horizons but gives you a range of health benefits. Here are five strategies to break the monotony and introduce new foods to your diet effectively.

Start Small: Embrace Baby Steps

Introducing new foods into your diet can feel like a culinary adventure. To make this journey smooth and enjoyable, it’s essential to start with small servings. Our palate sometimes needs time to adjust to unfamiliar flavors and small portions can make this adjustment period more manageable.

Imagine you’ve stumbled across a tantalizing lamb burgers recipe, and you’re eager to give it a try. Go all-in and prepare a full meal around this new dish; or you could consider starting with just a mini burger or two, pairing them with familiar side dishes. This step-by-step approach allows your taste buds to familiarize themselves with the new flavors gradually, enhancing your chances of developing a liking for the new food.

Pair With Favorites: Use The Trojan Horse Method

Pairing new foods with your all-time favorites can be a smart way to experiment. This technique not only enhances the flavor profile of your dishes but also makes the unfamiliar, more familiar.

You might love your grilled chicken and use it regularly in your salads. So, when introducing a new vegetable like kale, pair it with your grilled chicken salad. The familiar taste of chicken can help mask the bitterness of kale, aiding your taste buds to get accustomed to it.

Explore Cultural Dishes: The World Is Your Oyster

Every culture has a unique culinary repertoire that can open a whole new world of flavors. Exploring international cuisines not only widens your food choices but also exposes you to a range of nutritious options.

Japanese cuisine, for example, is known for its use of seafood and fermented foods that are excellent for gut health. On the other hand, Mediterranean cuisine utilizes a plethora of fresh vegetables, legumes, and olive oil, which are renowned for heart health. So why not try a traditional Greek moussaka or an Indian lentil curry and bring the world to your kitchen?

Engage Your Senses: Make Eating A Mindful Activity

Mindful eating is a powerful strategy to accept new foods. Paying attention to the colors, smells, and textures of your food can enhance your overall eating experience.

Think of it as a sensory exploration. Say, for a new fruit like dragon fruit, observe its vibrant color, feel its leathery skin, smell its fresh aroma, and then take a bite. This sensory engagement can make the unfamiliar food more appealing and enjoyable.

Be Patient: Accept That It’s A Process

The journey of diversifying your plate is a gradual process. It’s completely natural to not like a new food the first time you try it. Research suggests it may take up to 15 times of trying a new food before you develop a liking for it. So, don’t give up on the first try.

Remember, every step you take towards introducing new foods to your diet is a victory. And over time, your palate will grow to appreciate the variety, leading to a more nourishing and satisfying eating experience.

To sum it up, introducing new foods to your diet doesn’t need to be a daunting task. By following these tips, you can gradually expand your culinary landscape, making your meals not just healthier, but also more interesting and enjoyable.

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Tips for improving your cooking skills

Assorted spices on brown wooden table beside red and white textile. Photo: Engin Akyurt/Pexels, used with permission.

Unless you’ve got millions of dollars in the bank, you’ll need to know how to prepare meals. It would be nice if you could eat at restaurants or have your own private chef, but for the vast majority of us, that’s just not possible. To keep your finances in check and to eat well, you’ll need to cook at home on most nights. 

And this chore can be difficult, or straightforward and enjoyable, depending on the extent of your cooking skills. If you know how to cook, then you’ll be in a good position to eat well on most nights. Don’t think your current cooking skills are up to standard? Fear not — there are plenty of ways to improve, as we’ll see below. 

Do It Regularly

You can’t expect to get good at something if you only do it once in a blue moon. Cooking is a skill like anything else: the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. We all go through periods when we eat out more, or just use the microwave to prepare our meals. But at some point, you’ll need to commit to making your meals — it’s the only way to get better at it. Over time, you’ll find that you’ve actually gotten pretty good at it. 

New Recipes

You won’t improve your cooking skills if you’re making the same couple of dishes over and over again. That approach might make you good at making those specific dishes, but you probably couldn’t call yourself a good cook. A person who’s good in the kitchen can make a wide range of dishes. Not that the new recipes you add to your repertoire have to be overly challenging. They just need to be different. This easy instant pot Chinese pepper steak recipe, for instance, will allow you to bring a touch of Asian flavor to your cooking. It might be easy to make, but it’ll certainly be a big hit with your family.

Critically Taste Your Creations

You can’t know how good your meals are if you’re just passively consuming them. You’ll only know how to improve if you’re tasting your dishes critically. That is to say, you’re eating them consciously, and really thinking about the taste. Did you add too much salt? Could you have used more salt? By developing your sense of taste, you’ll be able to figure out how good your current dishes are, and where you need to improve. 

Find Better Ingredients

This is perhaps the easiest way to improve the quality of your dishes. The quality of your ingredients will have a direct impact on the final product. After all, you can’t expect low-quality ingredients to produce an outstanding meal. Only the best ingredients will do that. There’s a misconception that better ingredients have to cost more, but that’s not always the case — you can get excellent deals on produce from a farmer’s market, for instance. It’s worth reading the ingredients list of the items you buy to ensure that it really is a quality ingredient. 

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LACLA presents free screening of Colombian film Como El Cielo Después de Llover

Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles proudly presents the free streaming of the film  “Como El Cielo Después de Llover.” Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles (LACLA) presents the free streaming of the film “Como El Cielo Después de Llover,” a LACLA Cine Nueva Onda (new wave) selection on June 20 – 24, 2023. (Vesper Public Relations, 2023)

Victor Gaviria is one of Colombia’s most legendary directors. Mercedes, his daughter, returns to her hometown to take part in the shooting of her father’s latest film. As she documents her controversial father at work and goes over hundreds of hours of footage that Victor took of his own family over the years, their two directorial gazes meet. Through the process Mercedes embraces the infinite contradictions of her family and reflects on the role women have in the film industry.

The virtual screenings are available June 20 – 24, 2023 and can be streamed for free.

After the screening watch a special Q & A (in Spanish and English) with filmmaker Mercedes Gaviria, conducted by LACLA Program Manager, Guido Segal.

National Awards
Luis Ospina Award, Best National Feature Film Director, Cali International Film Festival – FICCALI, Colombia, 2020

International Awards
Youth Award for Best  Film, International Film Festival Gijón, Spain, 2020
Young Critics Award for the Best New Latin American film, Special Mention , 35° International Film Festival of  Mar del Plata, Argentina, 2020

Festival Participations
International Film Festival of Cartagena de Indias, 2019, 35 Rencontres Cinemas D’Amerique Latine de Toulouse March 24-April 2 2023 –Toulouse, France

Virtual Screening
The Museum of Modern Art  (MoMA)’s Doc Fortnight 2021, the 20th edition of its annual showcase of nonfiction films from around the globe.

Guido Segal is the curator of the program. He is the Screenwriter and Program Manager at LACLA, known for his film critiques and screenwriting, he has worked on multiple projects in a screenwriting capacity. Using his talents, L.A based Segal offers his screenwriting prowess through his work as a professor.

Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles (LACLA) is a California non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural exchange through film by screening classic and contemporary films from Latin America and by USA Latinas and Latinos. LACLA also supports the film and media efforts of Los Angeles inner-city middle and high school students with its annual student film festival.

For the past quarter century, LACLA has been championing and screening both feature and short films by LatinX filmmakers from all over the Americas with LACLA’s Cine Nueva Onda showcasing young and experimental Latin narratives from up-and-coming filmmakers.

Courtesy photo, used with permission