Al Dente!

Al Dente is an italian restaurant on the top floor of City Mall in Onikan.

I stumbled upon this restaurant 2 weekends ago when i went to see a movie with some friends. After the movie we wanted to have lunch and the wooden doors that serve as the entrance to this restaurant looked so inviting. So in we went.

The ambience of this little restaurant is so lovely. Some armchairs for some tables and some of the seats have a view of the road. Okay...not so great with all the traffic and all but at night, its really nice. The artwork decorating the walls are authentic enough. Not modern scenes of Italy but depictions of old Rome. Busts of Julius Ceasar lookalikes, some reproductions of Michelangelo work. Really lovely.

The menu is basic but has variety. Sandwiches, salads, appetizers. Appetizers include classics like Buschetta and Fried Calamari. We had the calamari to start which was served with a garlic sauce. My friend had the fillet steak with a peppercorn sauce served with vegetables and french fries. Not so italian there. I opted for the Fettuccini Alfedo wich had tons of mushrooms and chicken. Not bad. The pasta selection is limited though but adequate. We didnt opt for dessert or wine but both selections seem adequate.

The service is really good too. We were shown to our table and drinks arrived in less than 5 minutes. The food arrived very quickly and the tab came to about N5,000 including service charge.

I would definitely go there again and give this cute restaurant an 8 out of 10.

David Baldacci - The Camel Club

This is a thriller not unlike what David Baldacci is known for. I am a huge fan of his and this book doesnt disappoint.

The camel club is actually a conspiracy club of sorts made up of misfits that spend most of their day firmly planted in front of the White House with placards and signs. One of the misfits however - Oliver Stone is a tormented man with deep secrets. The plot revolves around Islam, terrorists, the president, his chief security advisor and many government agencies. We must not forget Secret Service agent Alex Ford.

The book is slow to begin with but when it gets going, it really gets going. The action scenes are intense without being over the top. The plot is plausible especially in the United States of today where fear and the fallout of 9/11 has meant invasion of privacy and the formation of agencies like the Department of Homeland Security whose roles are blurred at best.

The only major complaint i have about the book is its slight preachiness in dealing with issues like Islam, religious tolerance, extremists etc. I understand what Baldacci was trying to do. He was trying to provide insight into the many misconceptions about Islam especially for the American people and giving reasons for the intense dislike for America but his execution comes through like sermons which doesnt work too well for me.

I would give this a 7 out of 10. Not a bad effort from Baldacci.

Welcome

This blog is dedicated to reviewing media that i experience. I will air my opinions on books, movies, magazines, music, restaurants, shows etc. Just my views and me having a blast. So enjoy!

The Amazing Grace

I finally got round to seeing this movie over the weekend.

This is the first Nigerian movies to be shot on 35mm and is directed by Jeta Amata. Its stars Fred Amata, Joke Jacobs and there is a cameo by Zack Amata.

I have to say that as i watched this movie, i was filled with pride. Pride in the beauty of Cross River State, pride in the beauty of the language and of our custome depicted in the movie.

I have to say though, that the movie was just okay for me. It isnt as interesting or engrossing as some of the better Nollywood efforts but obviously, the quality is a lot better. Joke Jacobs in the narrative is great as always. She has excellent command of the english language so listening to her is always a pleasure.

The premise of the story - about John Newton, the slave trader that is touched by a particular cargo of slaves and based on the folk song sung by these people, goes onto to pen Amazing Grace to that same music is believable but not perfectly executed. I didnt really feel Nick Moran's performance so much. I didnt feel the truth of his conversion. Fred Amata's performance was just okay. I have no knowledge of the Efik language but i got the feeling that his accent was off and his words forced. The best acting has to go to the beautiful young woman that played Ansa. I felt her bewilderment at their plight and at John Newton.

This movie is beautifully shot and takes advantage of the scenery of Cross River State. I know that Donald Duke must be so proud. The music in this movie is amazing. This is a soundtrack i would love to own. Sammie Okposo is to be commended in this regard.

I would give this movie a 6 out of 10. Not the most engaging plot but the beauty of the scenes, the fact that the movie stayed true to Nigerian customs and the authenticity with majority of the movie in Efik are a major plus here.