Movie Review: New Moon

"OMFG! I die! I die!"

That might as well have been what the girls were thinking every time they squealed over a pair of pretty pecs (and there are many) in New Moon.

So what the heck was Miss Tea doing in a movie theater with a bunch of teenage twits? Darling, please. If someone placed in front of you a chocolate ice cream sundae, swathed in hot fudge and sprinkled with walnuts, with a ripe cherry on top, wouldn't you have stopped yourself to take a look? Don't lie.

For many of the young viewers (and Miss Tea), the "hunk" factor seemed to be the memorable highlight of New Moon. But was it better than Twilight? Eh.

In fact, Miss Tea thought everything (film, story, "teen angst" acting) was on the exact same level as Twilight. Where the first film focused on Edward, New Moon focuses on the awkwardly flirtatious Jacob, thus putting Bella in quite the pickle (lucky hussy). New Moon moves at a decent pace (better than Twilight) and has impressive animation, although the werewolves look more like oversized Shiba Inu puppies than ferocious predators (what? they look soooo cute! I want one!).

Overall, Miss Tea enjoyed the flick and as she said before, it's the fluff needed to get to the good stuff...which would be Eclipse and Breaking Dawn (read the books - don't worry, it's at a 3rd grade reading level, you'll finish all four in a week).

There is one scene that will throw almost all viewers off and if you've seen the film, you know exactly which scene Miss Tea is talking about: the Hansel and Gretel scene. WTF is that? Did the producers run out of $$$? For such a dark moment in the film, why does the director think we need to cut to a frolic in the woods, skipping along as if we are off to grandmother's house? Ugh.

Another New Moon peeve of Miss Tea's is the main character Bella, annoyingly portrayed by Kristin Stewart. Not that Miss Tea expects any of these three to hit the Oscars for their acting chops, but ... is Kristin even acting? After watching a few interviews of Kristin au natural, it doesn't seem like it. Miss Tea would like to smack the stutter out of her. Hopefully Bella will be different when she turns into a vampire.


This picture sums up the visual for New Moon. It's almost like 300, but for teens.

Some people may be disappointed that Edward is hardly in this film. But if you give a fair chance, you might not mind.





Hence, the debate tearing fans apart: Team Edward or Team Jacob. What team is Miss Tea on? She'll never tell. ;o)

PS: For those of you who are clueless on the Twilight Saga, visit: http://www.twilightthemovie.com/

New Moon Friday

Don't get Miss Tea all wrong. She is not a cougar twi-tarte. But of course Miss Tea will go out tonight and see New Moon, the second book of the four-book Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer.

The premise is basically this: Edward kindly dumps Bella for fear of putting her in danger with his vampire clan. Bella turns her attention towards the comforting Jacob of the werewolf clan. Miss Tea believes this is the fluff you have to get through in order to get to the good stuff (Eclipse and Breaking Dawn). Critics are panning this flick but that's okay because it's for the countless fans out there (Miss Tea included). And if you haven't figured out that there's going to be some hunk in the film, check out these posters!

Miss Tea has only one word: DAMN!

Boys didn't look like this when Miss Tea was in high school. Shoot.

New Moon opens Friday, November 20. Good luck getting a ticket! :o)

Tapas in Union Square

It's been awhile since Miss Tea saw her dear friend MLS and last night we finally met up! Of course, Miss Tea was in the mood for something new to dine and catch up. Big thank you to Miss Lala for suggesting Pipa Tapas y Mas, at Union Square. It's the restaurant that's part of the ABC Carpet store.

With an abundant amount of dimly lit chandeliers (and price tags hanging down in case you had an urge to splurge) spread throughout the room against the brick walls and dark wood, the restaurant is definitely 'muy romantico' and, judging from the crowd last night, definitely popular. Thank goodness Miss Lala told Miss Tea rsvp ahead of time.

The menu has a few sopas, a few ensaladas and a lot of tapas. Miss Tea and MLS both started with the Maiz Dulce (Hot) which is sweet corn and milk soup. MLS had the patatas bravas while Miss Tea nibbled on the crispy calamari with smoked paprika aioli, a little sweet but delish nonetheless. Miss Tea also had a glass of the Torrentes from Argentina.

Miss Tea definitely liked the vibe of this resto and wouldn't mind coming back just to hang out at the bar because of the Village crowd. Pipa is a welcomed addition to the list of USQ standbys: Heartland Brewery, Republic and Coffee Shop.

Incidentally, for those of you who have not heard, my beloved Pamplona hangout has closed. Wah! So Miss Tea must search for her next neighborhood hangout. Courage!

Visit www.pipa-nyc.com for reserverations, directions and menu. Ciao-ciao!

The Garden at Four Seasons NYC

Well, hello you!

That is probably what Miss Tea sounded like after a glass of the Ruinart champagne, served during the opening event of The Garden, the new restaurant and wine bar to hit the Four Seasons Hotel in New York. Luckily Miss Tea was able to bring a few plus ones to enjoy the event with her! Miss Lala, Rocky and Pdizzle were all in tow and mingled with the suits and high-maintenance chicks that cruised this "swanky party" (as Pdizzle would say). We also had the pleasure of meeting other people on the Manhattan Magazine circuit, and then some. ;o)

Aside from the bottomless glasses of champagne, we nibbled on serrano ham, machego cheese, goat cheese and flatbread crackers while waiters served passed apps of prociutto-stuffed and salami-stuffed dates, breaded risotto balls, spicy shrimp skewers and pate on top of toasted bread.

On top that, each of us got $50 off dinner to boot! How you doin'!

The Garden Restaurant and Wine Bar can be found on the lobby level of the Four Season Hotel.

http://www.fourseasons.com/