US – Tuesday, February 9
The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
The Word
Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M
Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.
 
New York Arts
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.
 
My Books
The facets of Anne Frank and her diary
Generations of schoolchildren have read and recognized their own experiences in the words of Anne Frank, finding surprising commonalities with this young girl despite the passage of generations and the unique horror of  her situation. But according to Francine Prose’s fascinating new account of the writing of Frank’s diary, our veneration of her outpourings has eclipsed a proper assessment of Anne Frank — conscientious author.

 
Movies
Channing Tatum on love and war
Channing Tatum has worked in his fair share of genres, from indie films (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”) to dance flicks (“Step Up”) to blockbusters (“G.I. Joe”). In his latest, “Dear John,” the Alabama native takes on a heavy Nicholas Sparks love story about a soldier in love while at war. He talks with us about true love and blowing stuff up.
 
Published 21:46, April the 14th, 2009
Send
 

It’s time for a taste of spring

Spring reaches us in different ways: the warmer temperatures, the aromatic air, the renewed bustle of people in the city’s parks. It also shows up on menus, where chefs are celebrating new and fresh ingredients.  And around here, ramps — think a combination of onion and garlic — have become the culinary equivalent of the cherry blossom.

Matyson (37 S. 19th St., 215-564-2925, www.matyson.com) has included the ingredient in its last two weekly tasting menus, this week stirring it in with another harbinger of summer, the softshell crab. Look for ramps at other restaurants where the menu changes with the season, such as Johnny Brenda’s (1201 Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com), where they’re serving up ramps on a shad sandwich.

Keep an eye peeled for other tastes of the season on the special $50 ham menu at Marigold Kitchen (501 S. 45th St., 215-222-3699, www.marigold kitchenbyob.com). In addition to three types of ham, you can order up chicken breast stuffed with morel mushrooms and sugar snap peas, as well as a rhubarb tart for dessert.

Particularly excited for the season is chef Jonathan McDonald of Pub & Kitchen (1946 Lombard St., 215-545-0350, www.thepubandkitchen.com), where the popular gastropub will celebrate its first spring with a new affordable bottle wine list, perfect for sharing as you people-watch along the sidewalk. For now, try the Kelly Point scallops, which are served up with wild mushrooms and — you guessed it — ramps!

Arthur Etchells is a local food blogger. Read more at www.foobooz.com.
 
 
Share
 
Music
MMMpod
The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
Read more