Author: Francine Brokaw

Margarita’s – and cocktails – in a can

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Southern California company Southnorte has created some delicious selections for margarita and unique cocktail lovers. Yes, these canned beverages do contain alcohol so they are not for those under 21, however even though National Margarita Day has come and gone, it’s still time to grab your cans to celebrate Cinco De Mayo or just enjoy with your dinner.

The company has crafted the beverages with the flavors of Mexico and from now until April 4, 2023 the following varieties will be available at local Stater Bros. in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire in Southern California.

So what varieties can you indulge in this spring? How about Paloma, Mexican Mule, and Matador and, of course, the mainstay in Mexico, the Margarita.  Crafted with premium tequila and orange liqueur, real lime juice, and agave syrup, there are no artificial flavores or ingredients. They are rich, smooth, and fizzy and ready made.

The Matador combines the tequila with pineapple, lime and club soda (hence the fizz), and is a refreshing libation. The Paloma mixes the tequila with red grapefruit and lemon-lime soda. It’s another refreshing concoction. The Mexican Mule has a kick (no pun intended) with tequila, ginger beer with lime, mint, and a touch of jalapeno. And the margarita is, well, a fizzy margarita.

With all of these cocktails premixed in easy-to-open cans, they are the perfect addition to any outdoor bar-be-que or get-together. Just chill them and they’re ready to drink.

Check their website for the locations offering the unique beverages. And yes, they were supplied to me for the reason of reviewing the quality and taste.

Of course, we definitely want to stress these are for ADULTS ONLY. Please drink responsibility.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists,  is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Coffee maker and Donut shop – for kids

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Red Toolbox’s Tasty Jr. line of interactive toys has some fun new products that will have kids creating donuts and serving up coffee just like grown ups. Let’s face it, many of us drive through the coffee houses all the time for our caffeine fix, or we create our own at home with one of the coffee makers on the market. And who drives past a Duncan Donut shop (or Krispy Kreme) and mentions how good a donut would be right now? Well, little kids catch on quickly to our everyday habits and now they have their own products to be just like mom or dad.

The Red Toolbox Tasty Jr. Donut Shop Set consists of a donut maker, several donuts, and a little cart to transport donuts. What makes this so much fun for kids is the fact the unit talks, has fun sounds, push buttons, and colorful decorations for their pretend donuts. Unfortunately these delicious looking treats are only for pretend, but if they were real they would definitely be delectable. Gather their stuffed animals and dolls around for a fun little party. With eight donuts included in the set, there is enough for a fun tea party or get together with pretend friends.For ages 3+, this cute and colorful set lists for $39.99. This unit requires 3 AA batteries which are not included.

And next time mom or dad pops a pod into a coffee maker or brews a delicious cup of java, kids can join in as well. With the Red Toolbox Tasty Jr. Coffee Maker Set kids can play barista in their own home. This pretend espresso machine might not brew up a real cup of joe, but for kids it is just as nice. There are lights and sounds and buttons to push for the perfect cup of coffee. And it really does spew out liquid. Fill the dispenser with water, place the pod into the machine, turn it on and voila – a nice cup of espresso. Unfortunately this isn’t real. The only thing this machine is missing is the scent of freshly made coffee.

For ages 3+ the coffee maker set lists for $27.99. It comes with 2 batteries.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Food and Wine Festival returns to Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s back. The Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration at Disney California Adventure and from March 3 – April 25, 2023 guests can experience a variety of food, wine, and entertainment throughout the park.

 

Also returning is the “Sip and Savor Pass” which is an additional purchase but well worth it. It’s $59 ($54 for Magic Key holders) and includes eight tabs, which are redeemable at any of the Festival locations. If you don’t wan to purchase this pass you can still purchase items individually, however the pass makes it more convenient.

 

My recommendation is to look over the Foodie Guide before you go. Select a variety of items then once you enter the park you can exchange the tabs on the pass for all of your selections at the same time in the same place. This way you have your selections already made and all you have to do is, when you are ready to eat or drink, go to the “Pick Up” area of the booth where you item is created and show your receipt. This way you only stand in the “Order” line one time. Ordering everything in advance cuts down on the waiting in line process. Order your items then go off and play in the park. When you want one item, just retrieve it from the booth and enjoy your selection. Note: the Tasting Passport (foodie guide) is also available free in the park.

There are many new items on the menu this year and, sadly, some from last year are not returning. Here is what I selected:

 

California Artisan Cheese Plate featuring Marin French Cheese Co. Jalapeno Triple Cream Brie (delicious), Fiscalini Farmstead Purple Moon Cheddar (yummy), and Craft Beer Cheddar (excellent). This comes along with grapes, nuts, cranberries, and crackers.  This item is available at Uncork California.

IMPOSSIBLE Nacho Mac and Cheese with IMPOSSIBLE (plant based) ground beef, tomatoes olives, jalapenos, and guacamole. (Yummy) This item is available at Avocado Time.

 

IMPOSSIBLE Gyro-inspired naan, which includes Gyro-inspired flatbread with IMPOSSIBLE ground beef, chipotle hummus, tzatzike, and spiced crispy chickpeas. If you like Greek food you’ll enjoy this. This is available at LA Style.

 

Artichoke Toast with Olive Tapenade is a toasted slice of baguette with artichoke cream cheese topped with olive and artichoke tapenade with a drizzle of olive oil. It’s not fabulous but ok. This is available at I Heart Artichokes.

 

Petite Burrata is grilled ciabatta with tomato and olive jam, currata cheese, pesto, and balsamic. I don’t think I would recommend this unless you are wild about these ingredients. It’s available at Nuts About Cheese.

 

Elote Paleta is a sweet corn paleta with parm crema, chile-lime seasoning, corn crunch, and cilantro. It’s like a creamy corn soft popsicle. My first bite was not impressive however it did grow on me. It’s at Golden Dreams.

 

Also at Golden Dreams is the Roasted beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread with basil pesto. Again, not our favorite.

 

And for a beverage I selected from Golden Dreams the Central California Cooler concocted of peach puree, apple, orange and lemon juices. I thought this was OK.

Interestingly, I did not order any of the desserts this time around. Last year I did partake in plenty of the sweet delights and every one was superb. Besides the items listed above, there are many, many more choices available.

 

In addition to the festival food and beverage booths, many of the restaurants have festival selections.  And, besides the food and beverages, there is plenty of entertainment throughout the park to delight guests.

 

Enjoy your time at the Food & Wine Festival 2023 at Disney California Adventure. It’s well worth it.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

“Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl’ now streaming on Disney+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Last November the Hollywood Bowl put on a special performance of the popular Disney animated film Encanto. This live performance was enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and now everyone can experience the magic of the Family Madrigal on Disney+.

With the original cast portraying on stage their animated characters, the story of Mirabel comes to life with music, colorful costumes, humor, a live orchestra, some clips from the movie, and plenty of projections around the bowl immersing the audience in the magic and wonder of Encanto. This story has resonated with families around the world, and even though the Madrigal family is Colombian, all families will see parts of themselves in these characters and their stories.

This was truly an immersive experience for those attending the production, however for viewers of Disney+ there is still the enjoyment of watching this extraordinary performance with all the flare expected from a Disney presentation.

The colors are amazing and because the performance was at night, the brightness of the costumes and the projections are vibrant and even electrifying. Color color everywhere. And let’s not forget about the wonderful music from the film, which is brought to the story via a live orchestra.

There are often clips from the film shown on the screen above the stage to help move the story along. And the characters often walk among the attendees. But don’t fear – all that magic is still there when watching via Disney+.

What adds to the streaming version is looking at the faces of the kids in the crowd. Watching their faces light up when the songs are sung, the dances are danced, and the story unfolds is like watching a child on Christmas morning. Their eyes are wide and they sing along with the cast. Even the adults are enchanted with the performance and sing along as well, but just watching the faces of the small children enjoying the show is priceless and heartwarming.

If you have yet to check out Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl, it’s time to return to the Madrigal family with all their love, magic, and heart.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

photos courtesy Disney+

‘SuperKitties’ is great fun for kids

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The new series SuperKitties is geared to ages 2-7 and adults will also enjoy watching along with their kids. Each episode includes two 11-minute stories. In the stories the four “super kitties” help solve problems in the town of Kittydale.

Ginny, Sparks, Buddy, and Bitsy are four adorable kitties who, when called upon to help others, turn into the SuperKitties. These superheroes are not only cute, they are helpful and always willing to help others.

When they get the “SuperKitty Call” they spring into action. Usually the problem they must solve is caused by Cat Burglar, Lab Rat, Zsa-Zsa, or Mr. Puppypaws. The kitties use their exceptional skills to help others. As kids watch these furry crime fighters, they learn about kindness, friendship, and empathy.

Their skills along with some special tools are part of what makes the show entertaining and enjoyable for kids. The four kitties are fun to watch and are Brave, Smart, Strong, and Kind. That is what they represent, along with their cuteness.

Bitsy, the smallest, has a special friend – a yarn animal named Mr. Greenie. Her relationship with Mr. Greenie is endearing, to say the least. These cute, cuddly crime fighters are always willing and able to help. Their teamwork as well as their abilities always right the wrongs.

This is a cute series that airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and on the Disney Now app. The app has additional fun activities for kids. These interactive games add to the enjoyment of the foursome.

SuperKitties is rated TV-Y. In my watch group that previewed the series, both kids and adults enjoyed the antics and especially the four furry friends.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Print out the image below for some coloring fun for your kids.

‘The Menu’ is a dark yet intriguing story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The Menu is a twisted, dark, gruesome, yet at times interesting story of conceit and revenge. It’s touted as a “dark comedy” yet there is little in the way of comedy. It is definitely dark, however.

Ralph Fiennes stars as Chef Slowik who owns and runs a high-end restaurant on a secluded island. This film takes place in one night as several guests gather for a lavish meal. Included on the guest list are a rich and self-centered couple (Reed Birney and Judith Light), a movie star and his assistant (John Leguizamo and Aimee Carrero), a famous food critic and her friend (Janet McTeer and Paul Adelstein), a group of businessmen (Rob Yang, Arturo Castro, Mark St. Cyr), and a foodie with his friend (Nicholas Hoult and Anya Taylor-Joy). They all expect a fabulous meal but what they get is murder.

The island and restaurant are amazing. The setting is beautiful and the food presentation is magnificent. But there is something off about the night. Chef Slowik insists on referencing every course with a personal discussion about a story related to the course and what went into creating the food.

While everyone in the restaurant was invited for this special night, there is one last minute substitution. Margot (Taylor-Joy) was not invited and was brought by foodie Tyler who is over-the-moon at being able to eat in the establishment of his idol. Margot, on the other hand, is not excited about the food or the Chef. He is intrigued by her as Tyler’s date and does everything he can to learn more about this uninvited guest.

This black comedy (I would refer to as dark horror) has received good reviews by critics. While there are some interesting elements, the film is definitely a twisted look at life and revenge.

The Menu is now available digitally and will be available on Blu-ray on January 17, 2023. It is rated R for strong/disturbing violent content, language throughout and some sexual references. It’s not for kids or the squeamish.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Draft Top – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

When I first learned about the Draft Top tool I thought this was made for me. I’m one of those people who inevitably spill when drinking from a can. I turn to a straw or a cup to avoid messes. Yes, I am a messy can drinker. But that problem has been solved!

I was sent a Draft Top to test and I can honestly say it lives up to the hype. It is a simple to use tool that easily removes the top of a can thus turning it into its own drinking vessel. Yep, you read correctly. After placing the tool correctly on the top of a can, with a minimal amount of pressure on the levers and a few simple twists, the top is seamlessly removed. And the opening of the can is smooth and easy to use as a cup in itself.

These days people are concerned with saving the planet by using less plastic. So the Draft Top eliminates the need for plastic straws. Plus, if you normally pour your drink into a throwaway plastic cup, that is eliminated as well.

I love flavored cola. When the top is removed there is plenty of room to squeeze a lemon to make lemon cola, or add chocolate syrup for a chocolate cola. (If you haven’t tried these, you’re missing some good drinks.) And once some of the liquid has been consumed, it is easy to add an ice cube or two to cool down the soda or whatever is in the can.

This handy tool can be used for soda cans, juice cans, and alcoholic beverage cans. It is safe to handle however keep little fingers away as the blade can be a source for trouble when it comes to kids and their curiosity.

Think about taking this tool to the beach and eliminating the need to bring cups. Or if you’re having a party this also makes things easier for guests.

 

By turning the cans with the flip top into a rimless can, it is therefore turned into a vessel that is easy to drink from and doesn’t require additional tools  – like straws or cups.

These make great hostess gifts as well as unique thank-you gifts. At $24.99 you just might want to get a couple for yourself.

So, the bottom line is this is a tool that I will be using often and one I will be giving as gifts. I think when they designed this they were thinking of all of us who end up spilling when drinking from a can, whether it is from the opening or the liquid that has gathered in the groove. You know what I mean.

Before using the Draft Top I suggest washing the can first, just as you should when drinking from a flip top. It’s just common sense for cleanliness.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists,  is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Strange World’ is Disney’s newest adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Disney’s newest epic adventure, Strange World, has several interesting aspects. The visuals are beautiful and the characters are endearing. When it comes down to it, the basis of this film is family.

Although the film is filled with woke characteristics, the story revolves around family, specifically the Clades. Their village of Avalonia is in trouble. Surrounded by mountains, Jaeger Clade decides to venture out to get to the other side of the mountain range to find a solution to their troubles. Adventure is in his blood and he takes his son Searcher on this expedition to save Avalonia. But along the way, before they can get to the other side of the mountains, Searcher discovers a solution. He finds a plant that is filled with energy, something Avalonia desperately needs.

Jaeger is a stubborn man and insists on his goal of getting to the other side of the mountains, something no one has ever achieved. So he travels on while Searcher and the remaining members of the expedition return to Avalonia with their miracle plant.

Fast forward many years and Avalonia is thriving – until it stops. Another expedition is mounted to find the reason the plant named Pando is dying. If they can return it to its glory, Avalonia will continue to thrive.

The film takes off with this new expedition where the adventurers encounter several strange beings, including one gelatinous blob which Ethan Clade, Searcher’s son, names Splat. Along for the adventure is their three-legged dog Legend.

There are some interesting vehicles designed for this film. The color palette lends itself to the storyline. The movie itself is colorful and the end result is interesting.

The film might remind viewers of the 1966 movie Fantastic Voyage. It shares many of the same aspects but is done in a flamboyant and animated way.

Strange World is now available on Digital and will be released on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD February 14. There are several bonus features, including how anatomy was carefully studied to create realistic aspects of the story, a look at the three generations of Clade men, and many Easter Eggs. There are some deleted scenes and a cute look into the recording boot at some of the flubs. While animators at the Disney studio usually go to locations to recreate them in their films, this group of animators went to scientists to help them recreate anatomy.

With the inclusion of a mixed race couple and a gay character, this movie has definitely added some aspects that have not previously appeared in Disney films. Jake Gyllenhaal voices Searcher, Dennis Quaid voices Jaeger, Jaboukie Young-White voices Ethan, Gabrielle Union supplies the voice of Searcher’s wife Meridian, and Lucy Liu is the voice of Callisto Mal, the president of Avalonia.

Strange World is rated PG by the MPAA for action/peril and some thematic elements.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Living’ – movie review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Bill Nighy stars in this dark yet hopeful story. Living is set in London in the early 1950s and focuses on Mr. Williams (Nighy), a supervisor in a county office where everyone dresses the same, conducts their business the same, and continues to live in a bland world where they push papers around and get little accomplished.

When Williams learns he has only a few months left to live, he takes stock in his existence. What has he really done that is worthwhile? What has he contributed to society? What, if anything, has made him truly happy?

Being an administrator he has done what his fellow civil servant administrators do. He passes the buck to another department. This is the way things have been done and what he continues to do, until he decides he must do something worthwhile before he dies.

The film is a remake of the Japanese film Ikiru (translation – “To Live”) about life and death. It’s a melancholy tale that drips of sarcasm and as the characters move slowly through their dreary days, viewers will see the conflicts arise in them.

When Williams changes course and begins to actually get something accomplished, he is an uplifting source of inspiration to his staff. But will they continue to follow his lead after he is gone or will they return to their boring and mostly useless jobs?

It is rare to see Williams smile as he goes through his life. Every once in awhile viewers see that he is not a zombie-like creature, but a man with feelings. That is rare. His ultimate demise changes the way in which he looks at the world, his life, and his job. And he does provide inspiration to his co-workers. Most notably is Miss Harris (Aimee Lou Wood), a former coworker who left the office to work at a restaurant. In her he confides his story and together they are able to justify his life.

This is not a film that will have wide appeal to the masses. It is dark and slow, however the acting is wonderful and the sets take viewers back to the 1950s.

Living is rated PG-13 for some suggestive material and smoking. It opens in theaters December 23, 2022.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.