ALT: Joel Kinnaman as Tak Kovacs in a dark, strange world, wearing a blue coat and shirt; he's looking around in wonder. Oh god, I didn't know whether I could get past the first episode: I love dystopian futures, but this seemed hackneyed... Altered Carbon has the feel of sometimes The Hunger Games , sometimes Harry Potter , often Repo! The Genetic Opera or Gotham City or Narcopolis .There's martial arts, comic booky treatments, digital effects and story content. Some of it is dumb, and the names for things in the future are lazy: The Array is the internet, a sleeve is a host, ONIs are basically smartphones, Poe is like TNG's Data, Meths are the 1%, and paying my chip-implanted fingers is technology that's already here. The "strong, independent woman cop" is the lamest character attempt/trope out there, and the actress is terrible. The producers seem to be trying to appease audiences on every front rather than trying to make a solid, consistent produ
I was recently taken to dinner at La Bruschetta Restaurant at 1317 St. Clair Ave. W. between Dufferin and Lansdowne. I've eaten at some pretty upscale Italian restaurants in this city but this is a notable place both in terms of cuisine and atmosphere. Silvia Piantoni welcomed us warmly--not as 'clients' but as people. She discussed the menu in a way that showed her love of the food, not just as today's fare. And, yes, the eponymous appetizer was fantastic! We took her advice and had the insalata with mushrooms, gorgonzola and fresh figs--the latter a first for me, and I appreciated that the cheese did not overpower the salad. My companion marveled over his flaky black cod and I enjoyed the best penne (homemade) arrabiata I've ever had. A pino grigio was served properly chilled not cold, which was a refreshing change. We shared a torta (della) nonna, a light ending to a perfect meal. I hadn't intended to blog about this Umbrian gem, but my friend was right in suggesting it. It's no wonder it's a serious hangout for celebs visiting TO. You would be wise to make reservations by calling 416.656.8622 or emailing labruschetta@hotmail.com. Dinner is offered from 5:30-10pm Monday to Saturday, with lunch on Wednesday and Thursday 12-2pm. You can view their menu at http://www.labru.ca/ . Buon appetito!
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