In this section:
- Dining review by Victoria Botticelli, guest writer
- Film review by Troy Mitchell, guest writer
DINING
Pao Lim Asian Bistro: A tight-wad's dream
by Victoria Botticelli, guest writer
Pao Lim Asian Bistro has been on my list to try for over a year. It is located at the very end of 15-501 business, thus making a little hidden gem. Upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant decor to be warm and inviting with a bamboo-looking bar off to the right. The atmosphere encouraged intimacy for the guests, but did not force them to eat their food in dimness (one of my pet peeves).
"I was able to consider any dish listed."
My dining partner and I were seated toward the back of the restaurant and if they could have figured out how to turn off the random cold air conditioning it would have been perfect. The menu was extensive enough for us to debate over our orders for about 15 minutes and the prices are so reasonable that I (who am on a tight budget) was able to peruse and consider any dish listed.
I settled for a cup of Hot and Sour soup, an order of Fresh Mint Rolls served with Hoisin Sauce, and the Thai Green Papaya Salad without dressing or peanuts. We also ordered an appetizer of vegetable dumplings with a soy-ginger dipping sauce. The vegetable dumplings were a healthy green and juicy. The wrap was elastic, but not chewy and the overall taste with the dipping sauce made them a perfect beginning.
"Food beautifully presented"
All of the food was beautifully presented on modern style plates with noted artistry paid to the accompaniments. The soup was not too heavy, but smooth and of a coating consistency that made it substantial, but not slimy. There were significant tofu strips and bamboo shoots throughout it. (I enjoyed it so much that I have already ordered a large container as takeout since dining at the restaurant.) My next dish, the fresh rolls, had a crisp and pleasing flavor, but did not have anything to recommend them as significant. The hoisin sauce added a sweet tang that played well with the mint leaves and I appreciated that the rolls were all vegetable rather than loaded with glass noodles.
"A tight-wad's dream"
Finally, the Thai Papaya Salad was a sizeable dish with crisp, crunchy components that hinted at their freshness. I used the leftover soy-ginger sauce as a dressing, which complemented the flavors, especially the abundance of cilantro.
Pao Lim is a tight-wad or college student’s dream with fresh, light, but substantial Asian fare at more than reasonable prices. Also, check out their well maintained website. http://www.paolim.net/
Victoria Botticelli can be reached at tbotts@gmail.com.
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El Dorado Mexican Restaurant
Entertain your clients, family and friends with polite, fast service and a full menu.
Visit our new location in Brier Creek near 70W + 540.
7961 Skyland Ridge Parkway, Raleigh. 957-1400.
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CINEMA
Juno, the surprise hit of the year
by Troy Mitchell, guest writer
Juno, a movie about a 16 year-old girl who gets pregnant and gives her baby up for adoption, has been the surprise blockbuster of the year. This comedic film written by ex-stripper Diablo Cody was written in a Starbucks of a suburban neighborhood. This was Cody’s first screenplay, and it got the attention of many producers of Hollywood. It also became a major motion picture two years later and is directed by Jason Reitman. It also includes an all-star cast of Ellen Page, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons and Michael Cera.
The film has gotten excellent reviews, being nominated for many awards including 5 Oscar nominations. It has been nominated for Best Actress, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Best Actress nominee Ellen Page, gave an electrifying performance. She reminds me of a young Janeane Garofalo, with her sarcastic and blunt attitude. Her comedic satire and sarcastic attitude made the film realistic and exciting to watch.
Everything about this movie was very well done and relatable. The setting of the movie was in a normal suburban neighborhood, with all your normal neighborhood kids. Juno’s wardrobe was that of a rocker or punk rocker, in which made her the outcast of her school. Juno loved rock and punk rock music from the 70s era, and this was most of the films music. The director of the films music is Matt Messina. The soundtrack to Juno, has risen to the top of the Billboard charts thanks to the great success of the movie. The story is very real and touching. Everyone has known someone who may have gotten pregnant at an early age, and it makes you think how people treat them after seeing this movie. Juno gives you a clear perception on how society views young pregnant women. The decisions and hardships Juno had to face were very hard. She thought about having an abortion, but couldn’t go through with the act. She then realized that she could give her a baby up for adoption to a family who couldn’t have children. Juno felt she made the right choice, but started doubting her decision when the adoptive parents started having trouble with their marriage.
I was actually very surprised how good this movie was. Witty, clever and charming, Juno keeps your attention from start to finish. I advise everyone to check this movie out. It deserves all the awards it has been nominated for, I give this movie two thumbs way up!
Troy Mitchell can be contacted at tmfecicious@hotmail.com. He resides in Raleigh, NC
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