Celebrating the upcoming release of Disney’s live-action movie “Dumbo,” Spirit Airlines unveiled its specially-themed Airbus A321 that features a larger-than-life image of the beloved Disney character Dumbo.
Spirit and Disney revealed the new plane with a time-lapse video of the decal-wrapping process which took place at Spirit’s state-of-the-art Detroit maintenance hangar. Check it out below:
The plane will join Spirit’s growing Fit Fleet of 132 aircraft, one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the country. The plane takes off on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Guests traveling between Detroit, Orlando, San Juan, Fort Lauderdale, and Baltimore/Washington will have the chance to fly with “Dumbo” on the first three days of service.
The aircraft will then travel across the country for the next two months, celebrating the movie’s release on March 29, 2019.
From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.
Tehachapi in winter is highlighted by snow covered mountains and giant wind turbines (photo by Greg Aragon)
I love a scenic, Sunday drive. And when it includes things like snow, giant wind turbines and great food, then I know it’s a winner. Such was the case this past weekend when a couple friends and I drove to the small town of Tehachapi, about 115 miles north of Los Angeles.
To get there we took the 14 Freeway north near Santa Clarita for about 60 miles until pulling off onto to a street called Backus Road, near Edwards Air Force Base. This is where the fun began.
Backus Rd is lined with rocky mountain outcroppings and rustic, desert landscape, speckled with deserted structures and a few human outposts. After about 8 miles we turned onto Tehachapi Willow Springs Rd, which wound up through mountains, lined with massive, towering wind turbines and lots of snow. Thanks to recent rains, and Tehachapi’s 4,000-ft elevation, snow was everywhere and it was a memorable sight.
Built from 1980’s on, the wind machines stand up to 200 ft.-tall and have blades spanning the length of a football field. The wind farm, which boasts more than 4,000 turbines, is one of the largest wind resource areas in California.
After admiring the wind farm, we drove a few more miles to downtown Tehachapi and parked beneath the iconic Tehachapi Water Tower. I then read a little history. The area was first occupied by the Kawaiisu Indians, before settlers arrived in the 1850s to farm, raise cattle, develop lumber, and mine for gold and limestone.
In 1876, the Southern Pacific Railroad came to the valley and created the town of Tehachapi. The town grew and railroad engineers designed the ingenious Tehachapi Loop, which made it possible for trains to climb from the San Joaquin Valley and run through Tehachapi to Mojave, Los Angeles, Barstow and other eastern destinations.
Located eight miles west of town, the Tehachapi Loop is the busiest single-track in the US, connecting San Joaquin Valley to Arizona. It is considered an engineering marvel because if a train is long enough, it can enter a tunnel and pass over itself before leaving the loop. We were lucky enough to see such a train and it was another great Tehachapi sight. The loop is a California Historical Landmark, and also a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Back in town, we learned more about trains at the Tehachapi Railroad Depot Museum (www.tehachapidepot.com), a restored train station museum, with tons of old locomotive photos, artifacts, displays, and real train tracks, with trains running by every 45 minutes. The place also has friendly volunteers that love to tell train stories.
From the depot, we walked next door to the Tehachapi Village Market Center, which is housed in a renovated 1940s potato shed. Here we discovered Kohnen’s Country Bakery, an authentic German bakery, where Thomas Kohnen bakes a variety of Danishes, éclairs, cookies and other goodies from scratch using authentic recipes he brought with him straight from his homeland.
Kohnen’s also sells a variety of fresh deli sandwiches on over 20 types of artisan breads baked daily. We went with the Reuben. Served on German rye bread, with pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, German pickle and 1000 island dressing, this might be the best Reuben sandwich I’ve ever had.
After lunch we strolled over to the Tehachapi Museum. Located in a 1932 art deco building, the compact museum features things like a 4-ft.-long femur bone from a wooly mammoth, a washing machine from 1900, a grandfather clock from 1785, an old gun collection, and displays dedicated to native Americans and Tehachapi’s WWII veterans.
From the museum we walked across the street and investigated the historic Errea House Garden. Constructed by a local doctor between 1870 and 1875, the house is built out of redwood and designed in simple, rectangular “saltbox” architectural style. Besides old furniture, the house features secluded rock garden, with shade trees and a totem pole.
Leaving the old house we walked around town, admiring the numerous large murals lining Main Street. Painted by local artists, the pictures bring to life Tehachapi’s colorful past in images such as street dancing in 1915, Native American village life, and the Tehachapi Loop.
It’s been almost a year since Marvel Studios dropped one of the biggest cliffhangers of all time on the filmgoing audience with Avengers: Infinity War. As we wait with baited breath to see how the Avengers – – as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it – – comes to a close, Marvel has one last surprise for audiences in the form of Captain Marvel, the twenty-first film in the ever-growing superhero tale that Marvel Studios has been unfolding since 2008. As the final piece of the cinematic puzzle, this franchise has become, Captain Marvel feels like a necessary step forward for the MCU, as well as back to basics approach for the series that we haven’t seen since Doctor Strange. Sometimes going back to what made your series work from the beginning gives you a fresh perspective on just how far we’ve come, which makes you appreciate what Marvel has accomplished thus far.
It helps that Captain Marvel is led by Academy Award winner Brie Larson, who gets a chance to shine not only in the first female-led film in the MCU, who really embraces the role of Carol Danvers. Her performance is something almost alien at times, which makes sense because she may or not be an alien who has no memory of her past. It’s a subtle performance at times, but it also gives her the chance to really show off her fun side, something we haven’t seen from her in a long time. More than that, she’s surrounded by a great supporting cast in Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn, both who get a lot to do within the film itself, and really add a lot to the overall MCU. Jackson especially gets a chance to flesh out Nick Fury, a character we’ve seen for years on screen, in a way we haven’t seen before. This isn’t the world-weary Fury that we’re used to, but a more youthful version of the character who can’t quite wrap his head around the idea of life off this planet. It’s really great getting to see this character in a new way, again opening our eyes to just how far we’ve come within this cinematic franchise.
But as mentioned before, it’s really Ben Mendelsohn as Talos, the leader of the shapeshifting Marvel alien race known as the Skrulls. Instead of being just another mindless horde led by a one-dimensional villain, Talos ends up being not only one of the most interesting villains in the MCU but one of the franchise’s most endearing and relatable as well. There’s a very human story here to what he’s trying to do, much like Thanos’ story in Infinity War, which really gives Mendelsohn something special to work with. One thing is for sure, for as much flack as the Marvel films have gotten for having a “villain problem,” it seems like they’ve really figured out exactly what it is that makes the best villains, and their last few films have really shown that. However, one character that could have made a great return, but ends up not doing much sadly, is Clark Gregg’s Agent Phil Coulson, making his first appearance in the films since 2012’s The Avengers. As fun as it is to see the character again, he honestly doesn’t add much to the proceedings, which is a bit frustrating for those looking for him to have a triumphant return. Is it fun seeing him again? Absolutely, but it doesn’t add much to the film’s narrative.
One thing that makes Captain Marvel very special though is that throwback 1990s setting that gives the film a fun nostalgic throwback feel. The first thing it does is let the film have a really great nostalgic 90s soundtrack, but more than that, it also lets the film live in a time that gives the movie the chance to feel like a throwback itself. Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck find a way to give the movie the feel of Independence Day mixed with Top Gun. There’s a very real feel of those big 90s and late 80s tentpoles that we all harken back to. Carol Danvers lives so well in this time frame, and it makes the movie feel a bit different from the rest of the MCU, while still feeling familiar. It’s a great balance, and it really makes me appreciate what Boden and Fleck have done within their first go in the MCU.
Honestly, what Boden and Fleck have done with the film is very impressive, especially because they haven’t made a film quite like this before. They manage to juggle some fantastic character work with great character drama, in particular, the relationship between Carol and her friend Maria Rambeau, played by Lashana Lynch in the film. For how much is happening in the movie, the character work never takes a backseat to the action, which is fantastic considering how often big blockbusters put character work in the backseat. It’s also great that instead of doing a straightforward origin film, it’s told in a more broken narrative that builds to her past through what’s happening in the present. Storytelling like that doesn’t always work, and while at times it creates a few pacing issues towards the film’s first half, but by the film’s end, it all comes together in a nice way that makes it work. For that alone, this ends up making it one of the most unique films in the MCU to date.
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, along with their stars Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson, have saved a fun 1990s throwback science fiction film for last with Captain Marvel,reminding audiences of the MCU of yesteryear, while also wetting our appetite for what’s to come with Marvel’s ultimate finale. More than that, the film feels like a unique vision within the sprawling narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe which fans will have fun with. However, its Ben Mendelsohn as Talos who really gets a chance to shine as one of the best villains in the MCU to date. For that alone, it makes Captain Marvel another winner for Marvel Studios. If anything else, it’s sure to make you even more excited for what Carol is going to add to Avengers: Endgame, which at the end of the day, means the film has done its job.
The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is an annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. This year’s newly-expanded festival will feature over 75 unique boysenberry-inspired creations crafted by the Knott’s culinary team. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing line up of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, musical stage shows and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. This year’s Boysenberry Festival runs 31 days starting March 29, operating daily through April 28, 2019.
This year’s lineup will introduce several new food items including:
Hearty boysenberry chili in a fresh-baked boysenberry sourdough bread bowl
Tender boysenberry pot roast served over rich and creamy boysenberry mashed potatoes
Grilled boysenberry BBQ chicken skewers served with a zesty boysenberry aioli dipping sauce
Boysenberry glazed salmon served on mixed greens and topped with a boysenberry vinaigrette
Spicy boysenberry habanero baked mac and cheese
Boysenberry jambalaya prepared with chicken, boysenberry sausage and bell peppers served with white rice
Boysenberry pulled pork tostada topped with creamy coleslaw and boysenberry drizzle
Boysenberry-lemon hummus served with pita bread
Grilled boysenberry sausage on a freshly baked roll topped with boysenberry ketchup, relish, and mustard
Boysenberry elote, a grilled corn on the cob smothered in fresh boysenberry butter, mayo and topped off with cotija cheese
Fresh-baked boysenberry waffles served with sweet maple boysenberry cream cheese syrup
Boysenberry cinnamon sugar tortilla crisps served with creamy boysenberry ice cream
A great way to indulge the new boysenberry food items during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $35 which offers eight tastings from a selection of fourteen boysenberry-inspired dishes. A variety of signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or at the theme park.
Guest can also take home a taste of the boysenberry festival with limited edition merchandise found throughout the park. This year’s new merchandise includes a selection of event apparel, plus new packaged food items perfect for take-home souvenirs like the boysenberry peanut, cashew and pecan brittle, boysenberry hand-dipped chocolate-covered turtles, graham crackers and honeycomb. The Knott’s Berry Market also features signature boysenberry items like the delicious boysenberry BBQ sauce or the classic jams and preserves. Unique boysenberry inspired artisan products will also be available at the Boysenberry Festival Craft Fair returning with 30 local craft vendors.
Entertainment:
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers endless entertainment options for the festival goer:
Tied up in Knott’s! – “Tied Up in Knott’s!” is a tribute art show dedicated to the rich history of Knott’s Berry Farm. Over 30 artists will be contributing 50 pieces of art to the show, which pays homage to Knott’s Berry Farm’s past, present and future in various mediums including oil paintings, illustrations, and digital mixed media. These original pieces will be hung on display at the Wilderness Dance Hall during the duration of the Boysenberry Festival.
Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree! – Guests are invited to join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts Gang in a musical stage show that will have families dancing along at the Calico Mine Stage.
Old Time Melodrama – Knott’s pays tribute to its past at the Legendary Bird Cage Theatre with a special presentation of the musical comedy melodrama with a surprising boysenberry twist!
Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies – A group of krazy talented performers will have guests toe tappin’, vine dancin’ and knee-slappin’ to a comedic country music show at the Wagon Camp stage.
Musical Performances – Various musical duos playing Country and Bluegrass tunes will take the stage at Fireman’s stage.
Old MacDonald Petting Zoo – Young ones and young at heart are invited to cozy up to the cutest critters on the farm including horses, sheep, goats and other furry friends. Old MacDonald’s farm pays tribute to one of the farm’s original attractions.
The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Additional costs apply for food tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days March 29 – April 28, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limited-time offerings.
The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2019 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $98 or five easy payments of $15.50 after an initial payment and Gold Passes are $118 or five easy payments of just $18.50 after an initial payment. These offers ends on April 28, 2019. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort invite guests to experience an exciting new dimension of sorcery at “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” with the introduction of the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle,” a powerful, original and breathtaking projection experience.
The “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will illuminate Hogwarts castle and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” nightly from April 13 – 28 at Universal Studios Hollywood then return from May 25 – 27.
Universal Orlando Resort’s experience will debut later this year with dates to be announced at a later time.
This exciting all-new experience in “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will cast a mesmerizing display of light, music and special effects, unleashing the darkest creatures and villains, including the powerful Dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
Illuminating a darker side of the Wizarding World, this spectacular new light projection experience will be a departure from previous “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” and “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.” “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will bring more intense tones and drama that reflect the Dark creatures and wizards that challenge goodness in the Wizarding World.
Guests will be asked to summon their inner strength and bravery in the face of the all-consuming Dark Arts as some of the awe-inspiring moments and creatures inspired by the films come to life within the majestic light display.
As darkness falls on Hogwarts castle, Dementors™, Death Eaters and other unspeakable creatures from Aragog and Mountain Trolls to Thestrals will cloak the castle with sinister images from the darker side of magic—even conjuring the visage of Lord Voldemort™ himself, until the Patronus spell—one of the most famous, difficult and powerful defense of the Dark Arts charms in the wizarding world—is cast.
“Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle,” a dynamic, all-new light projection experience, comes to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort
The “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will be accompanied by an exclusive musical arrangement that will emanate in a surround sound environment. It was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London, based on the original scores composed for the film series created by Academy Award®-winning composer John Williams.
Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.
From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.
With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the all-new 2019 Season Pass invites guests to experience the fun throughout the year for $149 when purchased online. Blackout dates and restrictions apply. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details.
Ever since I was a young girl, I always felt like the world wanted me to act and be a certain way. A lot of my movie heroines and idols were princesses, and they were looking for true love, and as great as that might have been, I was always more drawn to the likes of characters like Sarah Connor, Buffy, and Ellen Ripley on screen. Tough female heroes who could hold their own in a battle, and didn’t need to be the damsel in distress. So, of course, there was one Marvel superhero who would shine over many of the rest for me, and that was Carol Danvers, known more popularly by her superhero name, Captain Marvel!
So imagine my delight when I found out, not only were we getting a Captain Marvel film but even better, I’d get to cover! For me, that was a truly exciting moment that I honestly had never expected could happen. To be honest, this was my first ever press junket, and for it to be a film about a character that was empowering to me when I was young and would empower many more little girls around the world to be the heroes they never knew they could be, I had to do it! Honestly, it still doesn’t even feel real, but I got to sit in a room with Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg, Kevin Feige, Lashana Lynch, Jude Law, and directors Anna Boden, and Ryan Fleck! That’s a lot of amazing talent, and getting to listen to them break down what this film meant to all of them was truly fun.
But I’m sure you guys want to hear what they actually had to say, that’s why you’re here! Below, you’ll find some of the biggest takeaways from the press conference for Captain Marvel, which will be hitting theaters on March 8, 2019!
Kevin Feige said that Anna and Ryan’s previous work together and their focus on character is what landed them the Captain Marvel job. Feige believed they wouldn’t lose the character of Carol Danvers amongst the spectacle and action that the film offered, making them a clear choice for the film.
Anna also spoke so eloquently about Carol Danvers and female heroes that Feige felt they had to have her on the character.
Brie says that there’s a lot to love about Carol, and that’s why she was so excited to play her. She was afraid of playing a superhero who was perfect, but Danvers offered her a chance to play a character who was a major risk taker and far from perfect. That meant that things weren’t always going to work out for the best, which is true to life, and Brie could relate to that. It meant that the character would have to get back up and keep going forward, making her stronger, something everyone can relate to.
Brie also talked about how far she pushed gender norms in her training for the film, and she loved proving how much the female body could do. She was able to deadlift two hundred and twenty-five pounds, as well as push her trainer’s jeep up a hill for sixty-seconds, which Samuel L. Jackson has footage of!
When asked about how they brought the film back to the 1990s, and if it the music was chosen before shooting or done post. Ryan Fleck said that they had a playlist that they gave Marvel early on, but for the most part, they found the songs they would use in post-production with what fits best with the scenes.
Fleck also worked at a Blockbuster in 1995, so he said recreating that set brought back a lot of memories for him. We all miss Blockbuster, Mr. Fleck, so it brought back our memories too!
Jackson said his favorite part of playing Fury this time around was that we were getting to see a younger, less world-weary version of the character. He hasn’t met anyone with superpowers yet, and he doesn’t hold the weight of the cosmic knowledge on his shoulder. He said it was fun to play it less seriously in the end.
He also added it was a bonus that he got to play the role with two eyes for once since he wouldn’t have to have one covered up as we’re so used to seeing him in the films.
Jackson also joked that he felt like he was from Wakanda while making the film since he had little dots added to his face, as well as a wig to wear, to bring this younger version of Fury to life.
Feige joked that the two humans on earth who really don’t need the de-aging technology that Marvel is becoming very popular for using are the two people who it’s used on in this film, Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson. He said they haven’t aged since 1995, so it saved them a lot of money.
Brie and Lashana said that one of the grounding factors of the film that makes it work the best, and makes the film feel so natural, was that their characters were truly family. There’s so much love between them, you can truly feel the connection coming off the screen.
Clark Gregg joked that they didn’t have to really ask him to come back. “They said 90’s film, great music, buddy film with you and Sam, Anna and Ryan, oh…and Brie Larson is Captain Marvel.” He responded, “Where do I go?!”
Gregg said it was really fun to do, and he’s excited that he took his young daughter to a bunch of Marvel films early on, but now he gets to take her, a 17-year-old woman, to the premiere next week. It’s the most proud he’s ever been.
Apparently, Ryan and Anna wanted to use a standee for The Mask in the Blockbuster scene, to make a joke about the Skrulls, but the studio who owns the rights said no. So instead, they used a standee for James Cameron’s True Lies.
Brie said that she never fully wanted to feel like she had Carol, and that’s how she plays all her roles. She says that it always likes the feeling of it always being a bit elusive because you’re on the journey with the character.
When asked what each of them took away from this film, everyone answered as follows:
– Lashana said her biggest takeaway was her appreciation for single mothers and the work that they do.
– Jude Law said his was those he met and the relationships he made on set
– Brie’s was figuring out she was stronger than she knew she could be.
– Jackson’s was seeing that his friend Brie was going to be crossing over into movie star
– Gemma’s was learning if you play a blue character, you need to be on set at 3 am
– Gregg’s was after eleven years of being in this universe, over many films and multiple tv series, to go back to a space where it was an origin film and everyone was incredibly excited for what they were doing, it was a magical feeling.
– Anna’s was her finding that she is comfortable and confident in herself and being seen, instead of hiding
– Ryan’s was just learning how kick ass his directing partner Anna really is!
Samuel L. Jackson was asked about working with the cats in the film and said he is not a cat person or a pet person in general, but Reggie was snack-oriented, so he showed up to do his work.
Anna and Ryan both said that the spontaneity of what a cat can do that made having a live cat vs a CG cat more special. Reggie was apparently very respected and very easily directed.
There was so much to take away, but at the end of the day, you could tell that everyone involved with Captain Marvel really poured all of themselves into making not only the best movie possible but one that the audience would really respond to. Everyone really cared about making sure they delivered a film that was exciting, thoughtful, and also represented many people across the board. It truly shows in the film. So check out Captain Marvel when it opens on March 8, 2019!
From March 3-9, foodies can rejoice in specially crafted chef-driven lunch menu specials at Catal, Tortilla Jo’s, and Naples Ristorante e Bar in Downtown Disney as part of the annual Orange County Restaurant Week. Dishing up divine three-course meals at an unbeatable $25 per person for one week only, each venue provides the perfect setting for guests to enjoy exceptional service and genuine hospitality whether they’re in the mood for gourmet Italian, Mediterranean, or Mexican cuisine. Taste the anticipation below with more details on what each restaurant has in store and be sure to make reservations soon to take advantage of this limited time offering.
Tortilla Jo’s:
Over at Tortilla Joe’s diners can partake in a three-course Mexican feast with the choice between Black Kale Salad (Black kale salad with shaved baby vegetables, cherry tomatoes, red corn tortilla strips, panela cheese, and Caesar vinaigrette) or Tostada De Ceviche (Red snapper, lime juice, diced red onion, tomato, and cilantro, garnished with avocado and Fresno chilies). Entrees include TJs Tacos De Canasta (Corn tortilla filled with papas with chorizo or Chicharron en salsa verde served with cabbage slaw, queso fresco, and tomatillo avocado sauce) or Seafood Burrito Al Pastor (Shrimp, cod, octopus, sautéed in al pastor sauce served with refried beans, rice, avocado sauce and salsa roja). Dessert lovers are welcome to polish off a decadent Chocolate Brownie (with chocolate Abuelita sauce and fresh raspberries) to finish off their meal. To view the full menu offerings, click HERE. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://www.patinagroup.com/tortilla-jos.
Catal:
At Catal, guests can indulge in an appetizer of Manchego Salad (wild arugula, Spanish Manchego cheese, tart apple, Medjool dates, and candied walnuts) or Ahi Bruschetta (blackened pacific ahi, Mediterranean salsa, avocado, sriracha, balsamic reduction, and crostini). Entrees such as Hanger Steak (roasted fingerling potatoes, roasted mushrooms, and red wine sauce) and Chicken Paella (roasted chicken, chorizo de bilbao, saffron bomba rice, eas, and saffron aioli) are available for Restaurant Week participants to order. Those with a sweet tooth can finish off their meal with a decadent dessert such as the Chocolate Mousse Cake (Macerated berries, dark chocolate tuile) or Cheesecake (Gingersnap crumble, mixed berry sauce, fruit compote). To view, the full menu offerings click HERE. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://www.patinagroup.com/catal-restaurant
Naples:
For an authentic taste of gourmet southern Italian-inspired fare, foodies should head on over to Naples Ristorante e Bar for an unmatched dining experience. Appetizers include Salmone Salad (Seared salmon fillet, arugula salad, roasted peppers, lemon vinaigrette) or Zuppa Di Cozze (Mussels, tomato, and garlic broth, bread crostini). For the main course, guests have the choice between Ravioli (Eggplant, scamorza cheese, ricotta cheese, fresh tomato, and basil sauce) or Amalfi Pizza (D.O.C mozzarella bufala, tomato san Marzano, basil, black olives). Diners can grab a fork and dig into Naples’ signature Tiramisu (Mascarpone zabaglione, chocolate financier, espresso-soaked ladyfingers) for a blissful nightcap. To view the full menu offerings, click HERE. For more information on Naples or to make a reservation, visit https://www.patinagroup.com/naples-ristorante-e-bar
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge costumes have been revealed in a scandalous fashion show designed for cast members of the Disneyland Resort. The exclusive event was held in Tomorrowland featuring a catwalk of cast members in the newly designed garments to be showcased in the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land set to debut this summer.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Lookbook
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Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Images Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Unique costume features for the villagers of the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu is the option for cast members to mix and match their own fashion! This includes four tops and five bottoms to choose from. If that’s not impressive enough, villagers can choose their accessories as well! If you were curious about the shoes, boots, or spats, Star Wars has got you covered (pun intended). The leg wrappings and boot tops are actually sewn into the pants and features an adjustable bungee cord around the calves to keep neatly fit.
Costume Display
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(Left) Resistance and (Right) First Order. Photo Courtesy of Janina Austria
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Smuggler's Run. Photo Courtesy of Janina Austria
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Food & Beverage/Oga's Cantina. Photo Courtesy of Janina Austria
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Villagers. Photo Courtesy of Janina Austria
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Villagers. Photo Courtesy of Kate Jennings
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Villager. Photo Courtesy of Kate Jennings
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Retail costumes. Photo Courtesy of Janina Austria
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Villager with head scarf. Photo Courtesy of Kate Jennings
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Villagers of Black Spire Outpost. Photo Courtesy of Janina Austria
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Villagers with accessories. Photo Courtesy of Kate Jennings
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Villagers. Photo Courtesy of Kate Jennings
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Reversible vest. Photo Courtesy of Kate Jennings
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A positive reaction to the mix-and-match style of costumes makes the reality of the villagers on the planet even more believable. The cast members would not be totally regulated to a certain look. There is a degree of creative freedom that is rarely bestowed for onstage cast members because of the fact that not all the inhabitants of the outpost would wear the exact same outfit. Kudos to the costuming team on enhancing the storytelling.
The highlight for the special cast member exclusive event came in the form of a catwalk in a fashion show to display the look and movement of the costumes.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Fashion Show
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Fashion show. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Resistance costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Custodial costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Retail costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Oga's cantina costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Villager costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Villagers Costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Retail costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Food and Beverage/Busser costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Resistance costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Smuggler's Run costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Additional Catwalk. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Smuggler's Run costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Name Tag in English and Aurebesh. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Smuggler's Run costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Food and Beverage costumes. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Villagers costumes. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Villager costume. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
First Order with Villager costumes. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Villager Winter Attire. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
Fashion show presented on the Tomorrowland Terrace stage. Photo Courtesy of Russell Tom
There was so much to take in during the evening’s festivities. Surely there are more details in the costumes than has been revealed. This certainly paints a bright future Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge upon its June 2019 opening.
Calling all foodies – get your forks and knives ready, because the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is returning to the Disneyland Resort on March 1! Celebrating the beauty and bounty of California, the festival features unforgettable cuisine and beverages from regions across the Golden State. In addition to 14 Festival Marketplaces with incredible menus, you can enjoy family-friendly seminars, celebrity chef sightings, a dinner with Disney chefs, and so much more!
The Marketplace menus this year are jam-packed with a delicious array of new items, as well as some returning favorites. Located throughout Disney California Adventure park, you’ll want to make a stop at every kiosk! Paradise Garden Grill and the Festival Beer Garden are also featuring their own offerings, including a wonderful selection of beer flights and unique dishes.
In addition, the Sip and Savor Pass is a great way to taste your way through the festival and is now available to all guests. This pass includes a souvenir lanyard and credential, entitling you to eight select food or non-alcoholic beverage items from any participating Marketplaces, Paradise Garden Grill and select Festival Food & Beverage Carts. Use all eight coupons in a single day, or spread them out over multiple visits – the choice is up to you! You can purchase the Sip and Savor Pass at various locations throughout the park, including Trolley Treats, Elias & Co., Seaside Souvenirs, the Sip and Savor Cart, the Festival Marketplaces, Festival Gift and Artist Corner and Studio Store in Hollywood Land.
Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Here is our official Foodie Guide with all of the juicy menu details and Marketplace locations for the 2019 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. And when you visit the park, be sure to pick up a Tasting Passport, which includes all of this information and more! Happy snacking!
NUTS ABOUT CHEESE (near Carthay Circle Restaurant at the Festival Entrance) Food:
Fiscalini White Cheddar Lager Soup served in a Mini Boudin Sourdough Bread Bowl (V)
Ham and Vella Jack Cheese Pinwheel with Smoked Pistachios
Creamy Oikos Yogurt Cheesecake (V)
Beverages:
Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Columbia Street, Amber Lager, San Diego
UNCORK CALIFORNIA (near Carthay Circle Restaurant at the Festival Entrance) Food:
California Artisan Cheese Selection – Select from either Point Reyes Blue of Fiscalini White Cheddar Hand-crafted California Cheese (V)
Beverages:
White Wine Flight
Twomey Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa-Sonoma County
Simi, Chardonnay, “Reserve,” Russian River Valley, California
Patz & Hall, Chardonnay, “Dutton Ranch,” Russian River Valley, California
Red Wine Flight
Erath, Pinot Noir, Oregon
Klinker Brick Winery, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi
Rowen, Blend, Sonoma County, California
Mimosa Flight
Hibiscus Mimosa
Tropical Mimosa
Mixed Berry Mimosa
Chandon Brut, Sparkling Wine, California
Assorted Wine Varietals
CITRUS GROVE (near Carthay Circle Restaurant at the Festival Entrance) Food:
Orange Chicken and Rice
Citrus-brined Pork Roast with Tangy Barbecue Sauce and Lemon Pepper Slaw
Meyer Lemon Blue Diamond Almond Macaron (GF, V)
Beverages:
Meyer Lemon Ginger Mule
Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic)
CALIFORNIA CRAFT BREWS (near the Cars Land Entrance) Food:
Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls with Marinara and Pesto Sauce
Beverages:
Bright and Balanced Beer Flight
Pizza Port California Honey Golden Ale
Hangar 24 Orange Wheat
Left Coast Pink Bikini Raspberry Wheat
Karl Strauss Columbia Street Amber Lager
Hobby and Bold Beer Flight
Smog City Sabre-Toothed Squirrel Amber Ale
Lost Winds Tropiclemente Tropical Ale IPA
Towne Park Blacksmith Black IPA
Asylum Rorschach Brown Ale
By the Glass – Bright and Balanced
Pizza Port Brewing Company, California Honey, Golden Ale, Solana Beach
Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Orange Wheat, American Wheat Ale, Redlands
Left Coast Brewing Co., Pink Bikini, Raspberry Wheat, San Clemente
Three Weavers Brewing Company, Day Job, Pale Ale, Inglewood
Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Columbia Street, Amber Lager, San Diego
By the Glass – Hoppy and Bold
Smog City Brewing Co., Sabre-Toothed Squirrel, Hoppy Amber Ale, Torrance
Stereo Brewing Company, Perfect Day, American IPA, Placentia
Lost Winds Brewing Company, Tropiclemente, Tropical IPA, San Clemente
Towne Park Brew Co., Blacksmith, Black IPA, Anaheim
Asylum Brewing, Rorschach, Brown Ale with Kenyan Coffee, Anaheim
BERRY PATCH (near the Cars Land Entrance)
Food:
Strawberry and Coconut Rice “Frushi” with Sweet Oikos Yogurt Wasabi Sauce (GF, V)
Fresh California Berry Pie (V)
Beverages:
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk
Strawberry Float with Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and Crunchy Cereal Garnish (non-alcoholic)
PEPPERS CALI-ENTE (near Wine Country Trattoria) Food:
Verlasso Sustainable Salmon Peruvian Poke with Cucumber-Lime Salad and Aji Verde Salsa (GF)
Ghost Pepper Mac and Cheese with Chili Cheese Corn Chip Dust (V)
Beverages:
Jalapeño-Lime Margarita
VEGGIE, VEGGIE, FRUIT, FRUIT (near Wine Country Trattoria) Food:
Grilled Asparagus Chicken Caesar Salad
Cauliflower Ceviche with Chile Corn Crumble and Tortilla Strips (VG)
Duo of Frozen Fruit Fruit Bars – Lime and Strawberry
Beverages:
Cool Lime Michelada with Frozen Lime Ice
Davis Bynum, Sauvignon Blanc, “Virginia’s Block,” Russian River Valley, California
SIGNATURE EVENTS
The festival’s signature events are also experiences worth checking out! One of my favorites is Sweet Sundays, which is returning this year. This popular event makes for a sweet start to your day, allowing you to join a celebrity pastry chef for an entertaining dessert-centric demonstration, an interview with the chef, and a light brunch buffet featuring one of the chef’s dishes! If you’ve ever wanted to hone your pastry and baking techniques and indulge in yummy desserts, this is definitely the event for you. This event occurs on select Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park for the duration of the festival, and space is limited, so be sure to make your reservations today!
March 10 – Jean-Marc Viallet, Disneyland Resort Executive Pastry Chef
March 24 – Matt Lewis, Baked NY and Tokyo, Baked: New Frontiers in Baking
April 7 – Emily Ellyn, Food Network Star and Cutthroat Kitchen
April 21 – Keegan Gerard, Food Network Challenge
Another exciting event is the Dinner with the Disney Chefs. This sumptuous dinner is on Thursday, March 28, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Vineyard Room at Wine Country Trattoria. Here, you’ll get to meet the Disneyland Resort chefs and sommeliers featured in the new Disney Festivals Cookbook, all while enjoying a four-course dinner with dishes inspired by the festival recipes and paired with hand-selected wines and cocktails. This event is a great way to enhance your Food & Wine Festival experience.
For more information on the 2019 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, full menus, event info, and to make reservations, visit the Disneyland Resort website.
V Vegetarian
VG Vegan
GF Gluten Friendly
California’s majestic Central Coast is speckled with hidden gems lining the Pacific Ocean and none shine brighter than the tiny town of Cayucos by-the-Sea. This is especially true in March when the temperature rises, flowers blossom along the hillsides and the city hosts its annual Sea Glass Festival.
Located off California Highway 1, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cayucos by-the-Sea sits peacefully between the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills of open ranchland that is dotted with grazing cattle and old oak trees. Often referred to as “the last of the California beach towns,” the town possesses a colorful history that dates back to the days of Spanish land grants, sailing ships and steamers, as well as rum runners and revenuers. Gamblers and seafarers met in the Old Cayucos Tavern, and adventurers and romantics of all kinds still meet there today.
Cayucos by-the-Sea is a California beach town with lots of history and an annual Sea Glass Festival (photo by Greg Aragon)
One of my favorite times to visit Cayucos is in March when the weather is perfect for hikes and walks along the beach, and the town comes to life for the Sea Glass Festival, now in its 9th season.
One of the premier cultural events on the Central Coast, the festival, held Saturday and Sunday, March 9 – 10, will treat guests to a weekend of sunshine, local artisan goods, live music, and authentic mermaid creations. Visitors can shop in an extensive marketplace of the finest sea glass art, curios, and collectibles, as well as enjoy regional food and beverages from local wineries and breweries. Accompanying the Sea Glass Festival is the 3rd Annual Mermaid Ball on Friday, March 8.
The Sea Glass festival is held in the Cayucos Sea Glass Festival Pavilion on the beach at the base of the historic pier. This is a chance to shop and explore an extensive marketplace shimmering with the finest sea glass art, curios and collectibles. And when not shopping, guests can enjoy delicious local food and beverages and groove to great live music all weekend long.
After a day of fun, visitors can also enjoy a night of merriment at the Mermaid Ball, held 6pm – 10pm. This exciting evening will feature live music and dancing, photo-ops with live mermaids, a seafood chowder cook-off, and locally produced wine & artisan brews. Guests are encouraged to come in costume for the chance to be named the Sea Glass King & Queen of 2019.
Surrounding festival weekend, Cayucos by-the-Sea celebrates “Mermaids in March.” Sea glass pieces are affectionately known as mermaid tears, making mermaids an integral part of the festival. Throughout the entire month of March, visitors can stroll through town enjoying multi-media displays of mermaids ranging from stained glass and paper-mâché mermaids to metal and wooden mermaid sculptures. Each mermaid is created by a local business and is an individual artistic expression embodying the spirit of the Sea Glass Festival.
Other things to do while visiting Cayucos include sampling the Central Coast’s legendary wine at the many tasting rooms along the coast; and a short drive to the Hearst Castle, which is one of the most sought after tourist attractions in California. The castle is the former home of famous newspaper tycoon William Randolf Hearst and is nestled 23 miles north in the hills of San Simeon with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
The town of Cayucos is highlighted by numerous quaint shops and stores, as well as the Cass House – original home of Capt. James Cass, founder of Cayucos – and the large dolphin statue at the foot of the town’s historic pier. Below the pier, Cayucos beach offers soft sand for sunbathing, tide pools for exploring, and an invigorating (five-mile) walk along the water to Morro Bay and its iconic 500 ft-tall rock.
The Cayucos Sea Glass Festival opens 10 am-5 pm on Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Admission is $7 per person per day and $15 per person for Saturday preview shopping. Children 7 and under are free. Mermaid Ball Tickets are $25 and are available on event website at cayucosseaglass.com/pages/mermaid-ball
It’s honestly hard to believe that I’ve seen Alita: Battle Angel. After following the film’s production for what feels like the last ten or fifteen years, the adaptation of Yukito Kishiro’s manga Battle Angel Alita, James Cameron (Avatar, The Terminator, Titanic) has finally brought the film to life with the help of director Robert Rodriguez (Desperado, Sin City). Together, the two have brought the cyberpunk world of Alita vividly to life, creating a film that is both visually appealing and wickedly fun to watch. While not a flawless adaptation, Alita: Battle Angel is a great step forward for this potential franchise.
Set in 2563, three hundred years after an event only known as “The Fall”, a man named Dr. Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained) finds the dismembered body of a cyborg woman while scouting a junkyard in Iron City for parts. After rebuilding the cyborg, they come to find she has no memory of her previous life, or what she was built for. As Ito reintroduces her to the world, he gives her the name Alita. But as the divide between the last remaining flying city of Zalem and those left alive below in Iron City grows, Alita finds that there may be more to the world – – and her past – – then those around her are telling her. Determined to unlock her past, Alita sets off to figure out the truth that binds her to Zalem, and what that means for the future of the world.
When it comes to Alita: Battle Angel, it’s easy to see where audiences might get lost in the mythology-heavy world, but to the credit of screenwriters James Cameron and Laeta Kalogridis, they handle a lot of the exposition in a way that is easily digestible, and never really drags the movie down. A lot of credit must also go to Robert Rodriguez, who keeps the film moving at a pretty quick pace, never stopping to pander to the audience, but instead hoping they’ll buy into the journey that he and his writers have set forward to tell. It’s always hard to balance talking down to the audience and not telling them enough, and Alita actually lands the balance fairly well.
However, while the world is great, many of the characters suffer from being underwritten, mostly there to drive the plot versus being real characters. In particular, Keean Johnson, who plays Alita’s love interest Hugo – – who, unfortunately, also feels woefully miscast – – never really does anything in the story of any interest. Every move his character makes feels like it’s directly done to drive the story, not to further the character, making for some seriously frustrating moments with him. Hugo just never feels like a full character, and unfortunately, that feels like it can be said about many of the other side characters in the film as well. While the story makes room for the world, it sadly puts a lot of character by the wayside in the process.
Thankfully though, Alita herself, who is played splendidly by Rosa Salazar, feels like a fully defined character that the audience can rally behind. It helps that Salazar is so fantastic in the role that you buy her immediately as Alita, and you feel for her as she tries to find her place in the world. There’s a real sense of wonder that she brings to the role that is palpable, making her engaging for the audience because we’ve all been in her shoes as we discover new things, as well as just how life seems to work. It’s a truly great performance that honestly saves the movie from careening off the tracks. If the audience doesn’t buy into Alita or her story, this movie would be dead in the water, but Salazar truly puts the movie on her shoulders and not only delivers a great performance but a truly memorable one as well. This is the kind of breakout performance that makes stars, and here’s hoping that Salazar gets more work from this, because she is a star on the rise.
But outside of the performances, Robert Rodriguez deserves all the creed in the world for bringing the world of Alita: Battle Angel so brilliantly to life. This film is a technical marvel, featuring some of the best motion capture on film with the work being done on Alita herself. It’s honestly truly breathtaking, and you can tell the team at WETA worked tirelessly to bring her to life. Not all the characters look nearly as great as Alita does, but across the board, the visual effects work truly is pretty stunning. Not only that, Rodriguez really makes the world feel real as well, and everything about it just pops. Post-apocalyptic worlds can feel like a dime a dozen, but this is one of the most unique feeling worlds we’ve seen on screen in some time. Everything about it feels lived in and tangible, and honestly, feels like a reflection of our current world if our society were to have a similar societal crumble. It’s easy to get lost just looking at the details of the world itself, and it’s amazing they’re able to make it work as well as they do.
If there’s one thing that really makes the movie work though it’s the action that Rodriguez brings to the table. Every action beat in Alita: Battle Angel feels fun, fresh, and visually stunning. Rodriguez brings some of his more punk rock filmmaking from his El Mariachi and Desperado days wildly to life through the lens of cyberpunk anime, delivering some action we’ve never quite seen before. In particular, the extended Motorball sequence in the film’s third act is almost so crazy that it feels like sensory overload, but at the same time, it’s never to the point that it feels too much. The line that he walks with the sequence is thin, but he makes that sequence pop like nothing you’ve seen before. That sequence alone is honestly worth the price of admission alone if you weren’t already excited to check out the film.
Alita: Battle Angel is a visually stunning piece of technical filmmaking that is also a ton of fun. While the film suffers in the character department, it doesn’t stop the action from coming fast and furious, making a truly great popcorn film for audiences. But it’s really Rosa Salazar as the titular Alita that shines, giving a performance that audiences will truly be wowed by. Honestly, there’s just so much to like about this film, and this world is so interesting, it would be a waste to only get one film. The film leaves left me wanting more of Alita and her adventures, so here’s hoping that the audiences deem Rodriguez and co. worthy of diving back into this world. This is a treat early in the year for film fans that they won’t want to miss.
From the Academy Award-winning team, directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and producer Peter Del Vecho and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad, and the music of Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.
BoxLunch is delighted to introduce its Disney's A Goofy Movie Collection, a whimsical and heartfelt gathering of more than 30 treasured products paying tribute...
