The Wooden Nickel

Located at 105 North Churton Street in Hillsborough, The Wooden Nickel offers craft beers and pub fare. There is a full bar, limited outdoor seating, and bulk orders of wings are available for catering. Food and drink specials change regularly.

This is a bar. It’s not a sports bar, it’s not a gastropub, it’s not a “bar and…” It’s a bar. It’s small, the décor is predictable (beer signs and televisions), and it can be loud. Accept that about it and expect no more or no less from it, and The Wooden Nickel can be pretty satisfying.

The menu here is limited (wings, apps, sandwiches, and burgers), but there is no shortage of appealing options. Appetizer aficionados can take in everything from homemade pork skins to fried banana peppers while burgers come in more than just beef. For our first visit, I went with a kobe burger (with horseradish cheddar, onions, and ale mustard) and fries while my fiancée opted for the burger-of-the-week (blue cheese and onion relish). Both were tasty with creamy cheeses and sauces that were sharply flavored without being overwhelming. Moreover, the natural-cut fries were crisp and so well-seasoned that they didn’t even need ketchup.

At $12.50 and $12 respectively, pricing may seem high for “bar” food, but it’s on par for a good-quality half-pound burger. The fast and efficient service means you won’t wait long to enjoy it.

The lack of space may make coming here at a popular time a bit of a gamble, but if you’re able to find a table and don’t mind paying a bit more for better-than-usual pub grub, The Wooden Nickel is a good place to enjoy a drink or a casual meal.

8/10 

The Martian

In the not-too-distant future, a dust storm causes a manned mission to Mars to go awry. The crew of the Ares III is forced to evacuate, and astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead and left behind. Watney, who turns out to be very much alive, must use his botany and engineering background to navigate a series of challenges that range from extending his food supply to establishing contact with Earth to eventually finding a way off of the planet. Meanwhile, news of Watney’s survival has created massive public pressure to bring the astronaut home, forcing NASA personnel to create a solution.

Many a time has a Matt Damon character been stranded somewhere, and billions of dollars and countless hours have gone toward retrieving him. In light of that, it’s tempting to forgo this latest outing and simply buy Damon a GPS. However, while The Martian evokes both previous space fare and Damon misadventures alike, it gets by on inspiration and astute craftsmanship far more than it does on déjà vu.

Given its writer (Daredevil creator Drew Goddard, adapting Andy Weir’s novel) and director (Ridley Scott), The Martian is a surprisingly optimistic film. Whereas Damon’s character in Interstellar faced a similar predicament and snapped from the isolation, Watney never gives up hope. Though he endures injuries and setbacks, he is determined to not die on Mars and desperately innovates as the situation dictates. In that way, he is a bit of a kindred spirit to Cast Away’s Chuck Noland albeit considerably more (understandably) profane and sarcastic. These latter qualities also help give the film a humorous edge and steer it away from hollow sentimentality.

The Martian also benefits from supporting roles that are both well-written and capably acted. These include Jessica Chastain as Lewis, the mission commander who must balance her concern for Mark with her responsibilities to the rest of the team and Donald Glover as Rich, a brilliant-but-scatterbrained astrodynamicist who comes up with a risky solution. A lesser film would have turned NASA director Teddy Sanders (a deadpan Jeff Daniels) into an obstructive bureaucrat or made Chinese space officials into antagonists, but The Martian realistically keeps these characters sympathetic even when they don’t see eye-to-eye with everyone else.

Speaking of realism, this film succeeds in making the implausible look possible. Whether a product of Weir’s copious research or NASA’s behind-the-scenes involvement (or both), The Martian takes something that sounds outlandish on paper (i.e. using duct tape to repair a breach) and presents it in a way is convincing. Moreover, this is a movie that is willing to show its work. For those tired of simplistic Hollywood magic, listening to Watney explain (via a video journal) how he was able to grow crops in space will be a welcome relief.

If there is one criticism to be made, it is that the film is at times almost too serene. This isn’t to say that it lacks tension – it doesn’t – but rather that characters from Watney to mission control to the Ares crew sometimes come across as a bit too at ease with the potentially catastrophic decisions that they make. Granted, this may come from them being trained professionals, but seeing everyone sign up for a risky rescue mission in a blink of an eye is disconcerting.

While there are more superlatives that can be offered – the red desert cinematography is striking, the intentionally lame 70s soundtrack is amusingly appropriate, etc. – you are best served seeing this one for yourself, preferably on a large screen. Even those who are sick of Damon’s habitual waywardness will be rooting for him to pull through this one.

8.5/10 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

In the three decades following the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the First Order, led by the sinister Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), has risen in its stead. It is opposed by The Resistance – the military wing of the Republic – led by princess-turned-general Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher). Leia’s brother Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last Jedi, has disappeared, prompting ace Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) to obtain a map to his location. Poe is captured by the First Order, but not before passing the map off to his BB-8 droid for safekeeping. While he eventually receives aid from conflicted stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega), BB-8 joins up with Rey (Daisy Ridley), a desert scavenger. It isn’t long before they are all pursued by First Order forces under the auspices of the ruthless General Hux (Domhall Gleeson) and the dark warrior Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). However, an unexpected discovery brings some new allies into the fold.

As a cultural phenomenon and cross-media empire (pun not intended), Star Wars is nearly unparalleled in its ability to inspire fervor among its fans and generate lots and lots of money for its makers. Thus, from the moment this long-awaited sequel was confirmed, it became a virtual certainty that, win or lose, The Force Awakens would be a big deal. Fortunately, the timing could not have been better. This year already saw a successful revival of the Jurassic Park franchise, demonstrating that cinematic resurrection is sometimes more than wishful thinking. Add to that a director (J.J. Abrams, who also helmed the Star Trek reboot and its sequel) well-versed in both big-budget action and demanding fanbases, several credible new stars, and the return of many key contributors to the original series, and there was enough cause for a new hope (pun very much intended) despite gargantuan expectations.

The end product does its best to reward the faithful, but it’s also a satisfyingly entertaining film absent any philia or phobia toward the franchise. Those with no investment in Star Wars lore can still appreciate brisk pacing and exhilarating action – the aerial combat sequences in particular stand out – along with characters that are quite a bit more complex than they initially appear.

For those with any appreciation of the original films, however, the rewards multiply. For starters, The Force Awakens gets the look and feel down pat. Much of the action takes place on the dessert planet of Jakku, a gritty environ reminiscent of Tatooine. The returning cast members are older and grayer, but the essences of their characters remain intact. Harrison Ford’s Han Solo is still the quick-thinking rogue and Chewie is still….Chewie.

What elevates this film above mere nostalgic pandering, however, is the way in which old and new come together. The Force Awakens treats the leaders of the Resistance as near-mythical figures, and the newcomers must grapple accepting roles in a struggle that predates their own existence. Meanwhile, the antagonists look upon the Empire’s two most dreaded weapons – the Death Star and Darth Vader himself – as benchmarks to be surpassed. There is a sense of the changing of the guard here, but it’s done in such a way that does not dishonor the past but rather uses it to set up the future.

Despite this, there are those who will see this film as a little too derivative of the original. On a superficial level, it’s a valid charge, and that – plus a few too many contrived plotting coincidences – keeps The Force Awakens from being a perfect movie. It is, however, an immensely enjoyable one, and it’s a collective triumph for everyone involved.

8.75/10

Map to the Stars

Several years after setting her family’s house on fire, newly rehabilitated Agatha (Mia Wasikowska) returns to Los Angeles where she befriends aspiring actor/writer/limo driver Jerome (Robert Pattinson) and finds work as an assistant to Havana Segrand (Julianne Moore), a fading actress who lives in the shadow of her late mother. Coincidentally, Havana receives treatment from Stafford Weiss (John Cusack), a psychologist to the stars and Agatha’s father. Along with his wife Cristina (Olivia Williams), Stafford manages the career of their 13-year-old son, petulant but popular actor Benjie (Evan Bird). While Agatha’s return threatens to upend the Weiss family’s ambitions, a remake of one of her mother’s films drives Havana into a determined frenzy to win the leading role.

From body horror to organized crime, the subjects of David Cronenberg’s films have varied greatly during his long career. His latest fixations seem to be turning a critical eye toward power and influence and Robert Pattinson riding around in limousines. Whereas 2012’s Cosmopolis took on Wall Street, Map to the Stars is a vicious, if uneven, takedown of Hollywood.

Regardless of the subject, there is an inscrutable strangeness that permeates much of Cronenberg’s work, and Map to the Stars is no exception. Characters repeat mantras, are haunted by judgmental apparitions, and generally seem to be playing with less than a full deck of cards upstairs. Were this done entirely tongue-in-cheek, it would have served the movie’s satirical aims quite well. Instead, Map to the Stars isn’t content with merely being darkly humorous; it wants to be contemplative and tragic as well. The resulting tonal whiplash – more on that in a moment – makes it more than a little hard to take.

Despite the murky ambitions of Bruce Wagner’s script, the cast is mostly game. Wasikowska is excellent as a tempest behind a low-key façade, but between this and Stoker, she should take care to avoid typecasting. Though Moore’s aging diva is more caricature than character, she nails it, switching from pathetic tantrum to condescending bravado in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, Cusack is downright scary as the manipulative, abusive, media-savvy Stafford while Pattinson and Williams add a touch of realism in more understated performances. The one weak link here is Bird, whose Justin Beiber-esque character is appropriately hateable but whose awkward line delivery and limited range reveal a lack of experience.

If Map to the Stars were split into two films – one a drama about a young woman trying to reconnect with her family and the other a snide sendup of fading stardom – each may have been successful on its own merits. But tying these two threads together within the same film causes them to weaken one another. As a result, Map to the Stars is a perfectly watchable mess. It’s sometimes shocking, sometimes funny, and sometimes moving, but the parts are greater than the sum.

7/10

Char Bar 7

Located at 3724 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, Char Bar 7 offers salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees for lunch and dinner. There is a full bar, and daily drink specials are available.

With other locations in Charlotte, Asheville, and Matthews, Char Bar 7 may soon be a familiar name statewide. But if the Greensboro location is anything to go by, this may be a case where familiarity breeds contempt.

Housed at the end of a shopping plaza, Char Bar 7 is spacious and stylish but devoid of much charm. Inside this upscale sports bar, you will find plenty of televisions and a surprisingly manageable noise level (even the requisite bass thudding in the background wasn’t too obtrusive) but a lack of a person touch. Some establishments remind you of home or of an exotic locale; Char Bar 7 calls to mind a focus group.

After being seated by a bored-looking hostess, it took several minutes of awkwardly sitting around for a waitress to notice us. Fortunately, the server we did end up with, Christine (or was it Christina?), proved to be upbeat and provided helpful answers to a few questions. Char Bar 7’s menu, while limited, had plenty of appeal: everything from steaks and ribs to mahi tacos and shortrib risotto. Burgers called the loudest though, and so we opted for a Texas brisket burger (cheddar, onion rings, and sauce), a CB7 (blue cheese slaw, bacon, Swiss, and sauce on a pretzel roll), and an order of hot pretzels to start.

The food proved to be a largely underwhelming experience. Though our app came quickly and the pretzels were satisfyingly fresh and hot, there were a mere medium-sized two of them for $4.65, accompanied by an unpleasantly processed-tasting queso. The wait for the burgers was substantially longer, but that can be perhaps chalked up to a large group that came in after us rather than a slow kitchen. Still, the results were inconsistent to say the least. The meat seemed to be of good quality and it paired well with the sauce but it had little flavor in and of itself. The same could be said for the fries: they were hot and crisp, but they desperately needed salt. The pretzel bun on the CB7 burger, however, was a limp and chewy disappointment. At $10+ per, the burgers here need to be a lot more impressive to compete, especially in this town.

To say that there is no compelling reason for CB7’s existence would be an overstatement: it’s cleaner and shinier than a neighborhood sports bar, and its menu is well-suited to its concept. However, poor bang for the buck coupled with mediocre food do give plenty of incentive to turn elsewhere.

6/10

The Girl on the Train

After being fired from her job, depressed alcoholic divorcee Rachel rides the train every day to trick her landlady into believing she is going to work. The train regularly passes by a couple’s house, and Rachel imagines their idyllic lives. However, one day, Rachel spots the wife with a man who is not her husband, and shortly thereafter, the woman goes missing.

Paula Hawkins’ debut novel is one that both requires patience and rewards readers for displaying it. From the onset, Rachel is not a particularly likeable protagonist. She comes across as a helpless sad sack who is hopelessly adrift in life. It takes several chapters of meandering through her ineptitude and daydreaming before the book finds its footing, but once it does, it stays (pardon the train pun) on track.

Like any good writer, Hawkins leaves her characters room to grow and change. But in place of cheesy epiphany moments, she deftly peels back layers to reveal what was hiding there the whole time. In this way, she alters our perceptions not only of Rachel, but of her ex-husband Tom, Tom’s antagonistic (from Rachel’s perspective, anyway) replacement wife Anna, of Megan, the missing woman, and of Scott, Megan’s conflicted husband. Because the novel offers multiple perspectives – the narrators alternate between Rachel, Anna, and Megan – we gain a more nuanced view of the who and the why as the novel progresses. This nuance is compounded by Rachel’s unreliable memory, which lends a hazy ambiguity to the proceedings.

Hawkins also succeeds in creating plenty of red herrings. Mysteries tend to involve a certain degree of misdirection, and while Hawkins is guilty of that, she never changes course in a way that seems wildly improbable. The extent to which readers will welcome or scorn the final twist will vary, but there are both more predictable and more contrived ways for the book to have wrapped up.

The Girls on the Train is a divisive book. Some will find it an effectively engaging mashup of Alfred Hitchcock and Gillian Flynn; others will regard it as a confusing slog through broken lives. Regardless of your final take on it, it merits reading if only to see how your reaction to it changes from beginning to end.

8/10

Mac's Speed Shop

Located at 1218 Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, Mac’s Speed Shop specializes in barbeque and offers platters, sandwiches, salads, and more. There is a full bar with daily drink specials, and catering and occasional live music are available.

This motorcycle-themed regional chain opened its garage doors back in August, giving the likes of Stamey’s, Smokey Bones, and Shane’s Rib Shack another competitor. While the more established presences needn’t start quaking in their boots, Mac’s has demonstrated popularity and staying power despite some flaws in its execution.

Housed in a former repair shop, Mac’s picked a good location for its biker bar motif. There is a surprising amount of space here, but be forewarned: it does get quite loud. If the constant stream of chatter and 80s hard rock doesn’t faze you, then it is still possible to enjoy your time here, but be prepared to speak up if you want to be heard.

For such a boisterous, bustling operation, Mac’s service is much better than expected. We showed up on a Saturday night to a nearly packed house yet still had no trouble getting a table. Our order was placed correctly – sans noise-related miscues – and our food arrived surprisingly quickly. The staff appear to be well-trained to handle the volume.

The food itself is a decidedly mixed bag. We started with an order of tabasco fried pickles, and the peppery kick elevated this above comparable offerings elsewhere. With an eye toward leftovers, we moved on to a four-meat combo platter: brisket, sausage, pulled pork, and ribs. All of the meats were cooked well, and none were dried out. The brisket, ribs, and sausage were nicely flavored. The pork was a bit on the bland side, but that was nothing an application of sauce (choose from among red, Carolina, mustard, or vinegar) couldn’t fix. The sides, on the other hand, fared worse. The green bean casserole tasted OK, but the texture was unpleasantly mushy. A homestyle mac and cheese was buttery but not particularly cheesy. Sweet potato fries and coleslaw left no room for complaint, but unlike the app, they weren’t standouts either.

While the pricing here doesn’t scream value, the portion sizes are actually quite generous. For $4, we got a very full basket of pickles. The $28 combo platter miraculously fit on one dish but still yielded plenty of leftovers.

With the right set of expectations, Mac’s appeal isn’t difficult to fathom. Come here expecting a quiet meal of top-notch barbeque, and you’ll hate this place. Show up willing to abide the noise for the sake of decent food, and you’ll motor away satisfied.

7.5/10

The Guest

After its oldest son, Caleb, dies in combat in Afghanistan, the Peterson family receives a visit from David Collins (Dan Stevens), one of Caleb’s brothers-in-arms. The family takes David in and at first finds him to be helpful and polite. However, it later becomes clear that David harbors several secrets and may not be all that he claims to be.

Directed by Adam Wingard and scripted by Simon Barrett, The Guest is both a throwback to 1980s-style thrillers (think The Stepfather with a dash of The Terminator thrown in for good measure) and one that fully engages more contemporary concerns. Neither of these things make it a truly good movie, but for the cheap thrills that it provides, it’s a lot better than it needs to be.

There are a number of elements present here that work to elevate The Guest above the B-movie fray. First, it uses what would have otherwise been an overly convenient plot point (David’s military background) to make a fairly effective statement about the dehumanizing nature of war. Next, it boasts a memorably idiosyncratic goth and indie-rock dominated soundtrack. Synths a la Clan of Xymox form an ironic counterweight to the onscreen carnage. Lastly, it benefits from some unexpectedly solid performances. Stevens’ seeming sincerity and well-mannered charisma make his eventual course of action all the more disconcerting while the always-reliable Lance Reddick exudes authority and competence as a military officer with connections to his past.

Despite these perks, The Guest also manages to fall prey to the worst conventions of the genre. When the danger increases, several characters display a naiveté and a lack of self-preservation that is annoying as it is predictable. The ambiguous final scene may have been intended as a Halloween homage, but it comes across as a dull surprise. In addition, some of the other performances – such as Maika Monroe’s flat rendition of the eldest Peterson daughter – simply aren’t good.

The Guest doesn’t shine enough to win over non-horror fans, but it is far more accomplished than the average time-filler.

7.25/10

Matthew's Chocolates

Located at 107 North Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough, Matthew’s Chocolates offers chocolates, confectionaries, gelato, coffee drinks, and more. A customer loyalty program allows for purchases to accrue toward free products.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, this place is a must. One look at the display cases is enough to inspire Homer Simpson-style drooling. Barks, truffles, and other blissful bites come in different shapes, colors, and chocolates dark and milk and white. All are homemade, and those sampled have tasted every bit as good as they looked. The clusters, for instance, have a good nut-to-chocolate ratio while spicier offerings pair ginger and Asian seasonings to bring a little heat to the sweet. Such is the quality that it absolutely justifies what seems at first to be overly ambitious pricing. You may balk at spending $2 to $3 for something that disappears in two bites, but when said bites are through, you’ll be glad that you did so.

If Matthew’s Chocolates has one Achilles’ heel, it isn’t the layout (the brightly marked chalkboards are easy to read) or the staff (quirky and typically friendly if occasionally harried) but rather the establishment’s own success. This isn’t a big space, and when it fills, lines will form, your view of the goods will be obstructed or blocked, and your patience may wear thin. Remind yourself that the chocolate is worth the wait, and you’ll appreciate it even more when that wait is through.

9/10

La Place Louisiana Cookery

Located at 111 North Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough, La Place offers Cajun cuisine for lunch and dinner. There is a brunch on weekends, limited outdoor seating, and a full-service bar. Food, drink, and dessert specials change regularly.

I have a weakness for Cajun and thus tend to be more forgiving of an establishment’s flaws if it delivers the right flavors. In La Place’s case, no such pardon is needed. Named for the Andouille Capital of the World, this restaurant not only nails the food but also gives ample motivation to keep coming back.

Owner/chef Joe Tullos, a native of the region, succeeded in capturing the look and feel of a New Orleans-area establishment. The long wooden bar, the photos on the walls, and the specials written on chalkboards all preserve a certain vintage charm. However, this classic presentation should not be taken for an unwillingness to experiment as La Place’s menu is deceptively varied. Yes, you will find po boys, gumbo, and other traditional fixtures here, but you will also encounter novel twists on biscuits and gravy (with green onion sausage) and the BLT (with smoked chicken) as well as a whole slew of creative cocktails (including one with cereal, milk, and bourbon).

Whether your tastes run experimental or conservative, you are likely to be satisfied no matter what you order. For a late brunch, my fiancée and I went with the meat bol and the crawfish etouffee. The former – various house-made sausages served over two eggs, grits, and a biscuit – featured smoky meats and grits that were good enough to be a meal on their own. The latter was creamy, well-seasoned, and no less enjoyable.

Add to this a team of outgoing and knowledgeable bartenders, and it’s hard to find fault with La Place. The pricing ($15 for the meat bol, $12 for the etouffee) is moderate, but it’s fair given the quality of the ingredients – though I do wish the portion size on the latter ran larger. And while our Saturday afternoon visit was a comfortable experience, La Place’s relatively small size makes me wonder if dining during a dinner rush would tell a different tale.

With a pleasingly vintage aesthetic and terrific food, La Place is a worthwhile destination for anyone in the area, Cajun-phile or not.

8.5/10

nOma Food & Co

Located at 2403 Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, nOma Food & Co offers Vietnamese and Thai soups, sandwiches, curries, rolls, and bowls for lunch and dinner. Online ordering is available.

nOma’s motto is “Fresh. Asian. Fast.” and that is a good indicator of what you can expect here: Viet/Thai-inspired dishes made to order in a fast casual setting. It’s an appealing concept, and one that the owners (one of whom, Kieuanh, also owns Boba House) are determined to make work. While there is definitely room for continued improvement, there is also enough promise here to suggest staying power.

Nestled in a shopping plaza near Maxie B’s and Krispy Kreme, nOma tries to make the most out of limited physical space. The green-hued interior is bright and clean with descriptive, easy to read menus and a bird’s eye view of food preparation. It is, however, still quite small, and despite the decorative touches, it may be better suited for take-out than dine-in.

The menu here is limited: don’t expect more than banh mi, pho, rolls, bowls, curry, and bubble teas. However, keeping it simple allows for some measure of quality control, and many of the dishes are customizable. Not only are vegan fillings available (as well as beef, pork, and chicken), but larger and smaller portion sizes are also among the options. Even the larger (32 ounce) phos and bowls top out at $7.95, which makes for a fairly decent value.

Further, nOma lives up to its promise of freshness: dishes are prepared in front of you, and the ingredients appear to be quality. The creamy Thai curry is a standout: try it with chicken and jasmine rice. Unfortunately, other dishes simply fail to eclipse the competition. Pho Hien Vuong has better pho, Saigon Bakery has better sandwiches, and both have better rolls. Nothing here was unpleasant, but the flavors came across as somewhat muted.

Though nOma would not be my first choice for Vietnamese or Thai, it has all the makings of a solid option for quick, cheap, healthy eats.

7.75/10

Vida Pour Tea

Located at 412 State Street in Greensboro, Vida Pour Tea offers house-blended teas and other beverages as well as a selection of baked goods from local sources. There is a wellness lounge that can be reserved for groups and events. Vida Pour also offers custom blends, tea accessories, and shipping across the country.

Let’s cut to the chase: this whole review is a build-up to the punishingly punny pronouncement that Vida Pour is tea-riffic. Of course, it would be hard to get away with such a crime against language if this establishment didn’t have so much going for it. Among Vida Pour’s many virtues are an expansive selection (greens, whites, reds, herbals, and everything in between), reasonable pricing ($2 to $2.25 depending on the size for a cup of tea), a helpful and passionate owner in Sarah Chapman, and some high-quality products. An apple pie tea sweetened with local honey was the best hot beverage of recent memory while an apple pumpkin chai muffin managed to satisfy despite “organic” and “vegan” hitting my brain like toxic waste warning labels.

You don’t have to be a tea connoisseur to appreciate this place though it definitely won’t hurt. One certain-tea is that you will have a hard time finding fault with Vida Pour.

9/10

Mizumi Hibachi & Sushi

Located at 309 State Street in Greensboro, Mizumi Hibachi and Sushi offers Japanese fare seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Wine, beer, and sake are available, and there are daily drink specials. The establishment also offers an all-you-can-eat sushi dine-in special.

Subpar Chinese buffets have made me an avowed skeptic of all-you-can-eat anything, but some fonder memories of AYCE sushi in New Jersey (and the availability of a discounted Groupon) made me willing to give Mizumi’s rendition a go. Though nothing about the experience blew me away, it was by no means a leave-Matt-Harvey-in-the-game-level blunder.

Nestled in the State Street-Golden Gate area of shops, Mizumi has an odd ambiance. There are a few tables near the front door and a separate dining area behind and up a short flight of stairs. The front area is lacking in décor (you can see a surge protector awkwardly taped to a wall), but the rear/upper area is classier and better appointed.

These sorts of contradictions pepper the rest of the dining experience here. For instance, if you should partake of the AYCE sushi option, be prepared to finish within two hours and pay for any leftovers. While these aren’t unreasonable measures, they do create an expectation of uptight fastidiousness that was belied by our generally friendly and helpful servers. Just when we thought we could expect that to be a constant, however, a few larger groups walked in, and the service slowed accordingly. Again, this wasn’t unreasonable, but it made it hard to get a read on what to expect from this place.

The food here is similarly uneven. Since the AYCE special grants you access to certain apps as well as sushi, my fiancée and I got to try quite a bit. The tempura dishes (heavily battered but decidedly not greasy) and the teriyaki snapper were delicious while the edamame were served hot and well-salted. The gyoza and shumai, on the other hand, were so-so, not unappealing, but lacking in depth of flavor. Among the sushi, anything with crunch and spicy sauce delivered on texture (especially when balanced by creamy avocado) and taste, but rolls with pink seaweed (a strange sight) and fish on the outside (slippery) were not the best choices.

Mizumi does not rate among the best sushi or overall Japanese cuisine in town. If I’m craving a great roll or rice bowl, I’ll set my bearings for Tate rather than State. However, the AYCE option is absolutely worth it. You don’t need to be ravenous or gluttonous to get your money’s worth, and there is enough culinary competence to elevate this above the level of mere fill-up food.

7.5/10

Jurassic World

In the years following John Hammond’s death, billionaire Simon Masrani (Irrfan Khan) has continued his vision by transforming Jurassic Park into Jurassic World, a highly successful theme park off the coast of Central America. The day-to-day operations are overseen by Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard), who is too preoccupied to spend much time with her visiting nephews Zach (Nick Robinson) and Gray (Ty Simpkins). Meanwhile, InGen security chief Hoskins (Vincent D’Onofrio) envisions a military application for the park’s raptors, an idea that Navy veteran-turned-raptor trainer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) resists. When the park’s newest attraction, the genetically modified Indominus rex, shows high levels of aggression, Masrani brings Owen in to consult, much to the chagrin of Claire. However, it isn’t long before a security breach forces them to work together to save lives.

Reboots are all the rage these days, so the decision to follow up 2001’s dreadful Jurassic Park III with a sequel instead inspired nothing if not curiosity. That curiosity then turned to equal parts skepticism (indie film helmsman Colin Trevorrow was tapped to direct while almost none of the original cast returns) and promise (Planet of the Apes reboot veterans Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver wrote the script and Pratt, fresh off his Guardians of the Galaxy momentum, took one of the leads). Add to that the long production cycle, the budget, and the inevitable tie-in/marketing blitz, and Jurassic World had a lot riding on it. While the end result has some noticeable weak spots, it is far from the Apatosaurus-sized disaster that it could have been.

By far, Jurassic World’s biggest strength is its dexterity. It capably balances knowingness and nostalgia and it appeals to a modern audience while still evoking the grand sense of adventure (think old-school Spielberg) of a prior era. The film is both a product of and a response to its own mythology. IT specialist Lowery (Jake Johnson) is blasted for insensitively wearing a Jurassic Park t-shirt, chief geneticist Henry Wu (BD Wong, the lone holdover from the previous films) admits to genetic tampering to explain away the dinosaurs’ lack of feathers and other inauthenticities, and there is a whole Asset Containment Unit trained to deal with the inevitable rampaging dinos on the loose. Despite this, Jurassic World still delivers plenty of audience-pleasing action. The visually-arresting set pieces (featuring both competent camerawork and fairly convincing effects) include vehicle chases, dino-on-dino combat, and plenty of people placed in precariously perilous situations. In short, this is a movie that acknowledges the grievances of the jaded among us and still gives reason to say “Hey, that was cool.”

On the other hand, the characterization very nearly kills whatever fun is to be had. Many of the roles are both underdeveloped and unoriginal. Pratt acquits himself as best he can, but his character, a cross between Alan Grant and Robert Muldoon, is dulled by a lack of major flaws. Benevolent boss Masrani all too easily evokes Hammond before him, fat and untrustworthy Hoskins channels fat and untrustworthy Nedry, and the kids once again nearly doom everyone with their impetuous stupidity only to gain some measure of usefulness much later on. The only character who comes across as both fully formed and not a mere rehash is Claire. Howard plays her as decent-but-harried and though she convincingly projects terror at the opportune time, she also keeps her wits under pressure. If someone in this film had to be more than just a type, it’s a good thing that it ended up being the true protagonist.

Some franchise films that have big shoes to fill try to sidestep comparisons by offering a clean break with the past. Jurassic World not only addresses its origins head-on; it makes acknowledging all that came before a central part of the experience. While this approach has its limits – and while the sequel hook here is cloyingly transparent – the fourth film in this series did more than enough to win back anyone put off by the prior two. If box office returns are anything to go by, it isn’t just the dinosaurs that are returning to theaters; it’s the fans.

8/10

Black Mass

In the mid-1970s, James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp), leader of South Boston’s Winter Hill Gang, reconnects with John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), an old friend from the neighborhood who is now an FBI agent. Bulger agrees to supply Connolly with information to crush the Mafia in exchange for protection from prosecution. Given a wide berth as an FBI informant, Bulger increases his power and influence, dropping several bodies along the way all while Connolly and Bulger’s state senator brother Billy (Benedict Cumberbatch) turn a blind eye.

Given the similar subject matter, Scott Cooper’s adaptation of Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill’s book invites an obvious comparison to The Departed. Mentioning Cooper and Martin Scorsese in the same breath is not nearly as blasphemous as it sounds. The former, like the latter, has a good eye for period detail, a good ear for period music, and a penchant for going to uncomfortable places. But whereas The Departed, boosted by a crazed Jack Nicholson as a fictionalized Bulger, dared to have some fun, Black Mass is, as the title indicates, a somber affair from beginning to end.

Serious, however, is not synonymous with dull, at least not in this context. Depp’s Bulger oozes menace, and all who come into contact with him seem like they are one wrong word away from eating a bullet. Thanks to heavy makeup and a convincing accent, Depp is able to completely disappear into the role. Shedding the vestigial pluckiness of Jack Sparrow, he plays Bulger as brutal, calculating, and ruthlessly opportunistic (The lip service paid to familial devotion and the well-documented racism that was excised from the film make Bulger more human but no less villainous).

Such is the magnitude of his evil that nearly every other character (save for an innocent wife and a few straight arrow Feds) comes across as both a victim and a complicit enabler. Connolly, a career climber and wannabe tough guy, advocates for Bulger to a ludicrous degree, but even this can be read as his slavish determination for upholding the values of his neighborhood. Steve Flemmi (Rory Cochrane), Kevin Weeks (Jesse Plemmons), and Johnny Martorano (W. Earl Brown), Bulger’s Winter Hill accomplices, are reduced to mere underlings despite being stone cold killers in their own right. Even Billy Bulger (played ably by Cumberbatch, despite the poor physical resemblance), who spends most of his brief screen time glad-handing voters and avoiding any discussion of his brother’s activities, seems, for all his clout, a man with his hands permanently glued over his ears.

This overstatement serves dramatic purposes well though it does undercut the film’s veracity, as do some fudging of names and dates. A bigger issue here is the paucity of secondary characters, particularly women. While the Winter Hill muscle comes across as somewhat flat, that’s more than can be said for Bulger’s paramour Lindsay Cyr (Dakota Johnson), who drops out of the film relatively early with minimal impact, or for Flemmi’s naïve, doomed street-walking stepdaughter Deborah Hussey (Juno Temple). Only Marianne Connolly (Julianne Nicholson), John’s conflicted wife, shows any kind of agency.

Despite these shortcomings, Black Mass remains a harrowing look at the man who dominated a city and its inhabitants for nearly two decades as well as all those who allowed that to happen. It may not be everyone’s cup of chowdah, but it gives the ghosts of Southie their due.

8/10

This Dark Road to Mercy

Following her mother’s death, twelve-year-old Easter is forced to grow up in a hurry. She looks after her younger sister Ruby in foster care until their absent father Wade, a former minor league baseball player, emerges out of the blue and absconds with them. As Easter tries to piece together the kind of trouble Wade is in, he tries to mend their broken relationship. Meanwhile, the trio is pursued independently by both Brady Weller, the girls’ dutiful court-appointed guardian, and by Robert Pruitt, a mysterious and sinister man who has long harbored a grudge against Wade. As time passes, all three parties threaten to violently converge.

Like an eclectic friend’s literary mix tape, Wiley Cash’s second novel deftly blends several genres and influences. This Dark Road to Mercy is part road trip, part family drama, part sports story, part crime thriller, and part Southern Gothic adventure. The family dynamics read like a dark echo of Harper Lee, the working-class North Carolina milieu evokes Ron Rash, and the criminal stupidity and sarcastic dialogue evoke Elmore Leonard. That Cash can weave all of this together into something not only cohesive but taut and lean is a testament to his skill as a writer and storyteller.

At times, however, this efficiency can be a double-edged sword. Easter is a sympathetic and engaging character, but since we spend so much of the novel with her on the run, the action stilts her development in a way. And while Cash’s economy spares the reader excess, it sometimes seems like he is flinching. It’s true that the most chilling images are often the ones we are left to conjure ourselves, but Cash’s tiptoeing around the aftermath Pruitt’s violent rampage lowers the stakes and neuters the character’s menace.

With so many books bloated by minutiae and needless digression This Dark Road to Mercy is that rare read that could really benefit from more. Still, what’s there is enough to make a lasting impression.

8/10

913 Whiskey Bar and Southern Kitchen

Located at 913 South Chapman Street in Greensboro, 913 Whiskey Bar and Southern Kitchen specializes in whiskies, bourbons, cocktails, and Southern-inspired sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and plates. Limited outdoor seating is available, and drink specials change frequently. The establishment is open Wednesday through Saturday.

For those who enjoy a good drink, the draw here is obvious: there are more than two dozen whiskeys (to say nothing of ryes and scotches and bourbons) from near and far and enough appealingly creative cocktails to inspire a mad quest to try them all. But even those who don’t imbibe can find a lot to like at 913. Don’t let “I’m not a whiskey drinker” keep you from giving this establishment its due.

To begin, 913 is a very comfortable place to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. Three different seating areas (bar, main, and patio) ensure that there is enough space to go around. The ambiance is classy without being stuffy: think somewhere between sports bar and martini bar with the friendliness of the former and the panache of the latter.

Service is another plus here. Steven, one of two bartenders on duty during our visit, proved to be quite knowledgeable and helpful in guiding my fiancée toward a whiskey. Instead of trying to upsell, he took the time to listen and explain and ultimately made a very good impression. Wait time for food proved to be minimal as well. Though it wasn’t crowded during our visit, all indications are that 913 runs a very tight ship.

Further, the food gives credence to the idea that “southern kitchen” is more than just an afterthought. The menu offers up both tried-and-true classics (wings, collards, okra, pulled pork, chicken and waffles) as well as some novel combinations (a gouda/mushroom/okra/garlic sandwich). My fiancée rolled the dice with The Farmhand (a pesto/tomato/mushroom/okra flatbread topped with two cheeses and various herbs) while I opted for a smoked mac and cheese (with pulled pork and tomato onion jam) sandwich on sourdough and tater tots. Neither of us regretted our decision. The sourdough held the sandwich together well, and the mac and cheese within was creamy without being overbearingly rich (the tomato jam added a hint of sweetness). The flatbread likewise offered a great fusion of flavors and textures. At $8 and $10 respectively, both dishes were reasonably priced and well worth the money spent.

Honestly, there is very little not to like here. The hours are somewhat limited (5 p.m. to 11 or midnight, four days a week), and if you don’t luck into a space across the street, finding parking can be a guessing game. That aside, 913 offers a good combination of food, service, ambiance, and affordability for whiskeyphiles and teetotalers alike.

8.75/10

Bib's Downtown

Located at 675 West 5^th Street in downtown Winston-Salem, Bib’s Downtown offers barbeque for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine are available, as is outdoor seating. For events, Bib’s both caters and offers private dining in The Hickory Room. There are wing specials on Wednesdays, and pizza specials change monthly.

With its myriad styles and regional variations, barbeque, like pizza, welcomes debate. But no matter what your specific preference (dry or wet, vinegar or tomato, etc.), there are certain universal expectations. Meats should be moist and flavorful, sauces should enhance (but not overwhelm) the dish, and sides should be a worthwhile complement. By these standards, Bib’s nails certain targets while falling decidedly short of others.

First, the good: Bib’s is rather accommodating. There is plenty of seating indoors and out, and all of the staff are friendly and personable. The ladies and gentlemen behind the registers had plenty of patience, and overall-clad pitmaster Mark Little can often be found checking in on patrons. Food also arrived from the kitchen relatively promptly, a definite plus given the tempting smells in the air.

Speaking of food, Bib’s delivers on variety and value. While there are apps and salads here, the meats – be they in platter or sandwich form – take center stage. With everything from pork (pulled or tenderloin) and chicken to brisket and ribs, there is a nice assortment to choose from, and the indecisive can always opt for a two or three meat combo. Single meat platters run in the $8 to $10 range and include slaw, hush puppies, and a choice of side. Come hungry, and you will get your money’s worth.

In terms of flavor, however, Bib’s is decidedly more uneven. During our first visit, my fiancée and I split a sausage and brisket combo with red (BBQ) slaw and mac and cheese. The meats were juicy, and the sausage had a nice smoky flavor. The brisket could have done with more seasoning, and the watery sauces (of which there were only two) did little to remedy that. Among the sides, the red slaw balanced sweet and vinegary while the hush puppies (an odd ball-shaped variant with delicious black pepper notes) were well above average. The mac and cheese, on the other hand, was creamy but quite bland.

If there is one other drawback to dining at Bib’s, it’s the acoustics. We visited when the restaurant was less than half full, but the sound indicated a far busier establishment. Come when it’s crowded and you may have to yell to be heard.

All told, Bib’s won’t settle any great BBQ debates, but it does have great service, variety, and enough tasty food to make it worth a return.

7.75/10

Zac Rates Atlanta: Day Three

Recently, my fiancee, mother, father, brother, and I spent the better part of a week taking in Atlanta. I hadn’t seen my family in months and thus we had much (an engagement, a promotion, milestone birthdays, etc.) to catch up on and celebrate. Doing so gave us the opportunity to take in some of the best – and worst – that Atlanta had to offer.

Day Three

Given the rather extensive (more than ten miles!) amount of walking the day before, we set about making day three of our trip somewhat lighter. We started with the nearby Inside CNN Studio Tour (190 Marietta Street NW), a behind-the-scenes look at the cable news leader. As a former print journalist, I’ve always had a somewhat low opinion of television news. This tour did nothing to change that, but it was a reasonably informative overview of the cable news production process.

The tour begins in an atrium shared with the Omni Hotel. From there, you ride the world’s steepest elevator up eight floors and are led, room by room, on a tour that shows off the CNN and HLN newsrooms, smartboard and green screen technology, teleprompters, and other aspects of news production.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and did a good job of fielding questions, but the tour lacked interactivity. Though the Inside CNN tour wasn’t the time-waster that World of Coca Cola proved to be, it isn’t a must-see unless you are an avid CNN viewer.

7/10

Following the tour, we took another MARTA ride out to the Georgia Tech area for lunch at The Varsity, a renowned local fast food chain. The original location (61 North Avenue NW) is home to the world’s largest drive-in, and we arrived in the thick of lunchtime, so we anticipated some crowding. Despite that anticipation, it was astounding to see how busy this place gets. There must have been at least half a dozen registers open and lines more than ten people deep at each one. I shudder to think how much more foot traffic The Varsity sees during the school year.

Despite this, the food proved was very nearly worth the wait. The hot dogs were nothing fancy (and the chili was a bit weak) but are tastier than you can find many places. The signature Frosted Orange had a very synthetic flavor yet still managed to satisfy on a hot day. It was like drinking an orange creamsicle. The onion rings were tastily greasy.

Truth be told, nothing at The Varsity was exemplary, but as others have said, part of the reason you go to iconic eateries is for the experience, and by that measure, The Varsity – and it’s endless bustle – succeeded.

7.25/10

Another bit of walking sent us back toward the Centennial Olympic Park area where we picked up another attraction: the Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard). Having toured Greensboro’s International Civil Rights Center and Museum, I was already familiar with a lot of the history. However, Atlanta’s relatively new (opened 2014) addition still managed to surprise.

For starters, this museum is not for the meek. As expected, it documents the deaths of the victims of white supremacist violence quite well. It also gives those willing a chance to step in the shoes of a sit-in protestor and have pre-recorded verbal abuse heaped on you for a few minutes. That, plus some effects taken from Martin Luther King’s funeral, makes for a very affecting experience.

The upper floor of the museum moves beyond the Civil Rights era and looks at human rights progress and abuses across the globe. One wall depicts oppressive dictators, another activists striving to make a difference, and another still shows the status of human rights in every country.

For as comprehensive as all this seems, however, there are several glaring omissions. For instance, the museum does not really address the Holocaust or even Leo Frank, a Jewish Atlanta man whose lynching helped reinvigorate the KKK.

Despite its somewhat narrow focus, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is a powerful representation of some of the darker chapters of recent history as well as those who fought for positive change.

8/10

Following this, we took the Atlanta Streetcar (free until 2016!) out to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Though a fitting testament to the man and his legacy, I was quite tired during the time of our visit and shall refrain from trying to offer a review.

Day Three ended at Ruth’s Chris Steak House (267 Marietta Street NW) for a meal to celebrate the good news of the past few months. This Atlanta location of the national chain did not disappoint. The filet I ordered was cooked to the desired medium rare and was quite flavorful, as were the shared sides (creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and sweet potato casserole). The desserts here are equally satisfying: the chocolate sin cake is decadent while the berries and cream are light and refreshing.

As befits an upscale steakhouse, prices are high. All dishes are served a la carte, and it is very easy to eclipse $50 per person. However, you will feel like you are getting your money’s worth. In addition to the quality food and quiet ambiance, our server was very helpful. I was up for a cider (which they did not carry), and he was able to recommend a wheat ale that substituted nicely.

Ruth’s Chris proved to be the perfect venue for a memorable meal. Those in search of an “occasion” restaurant should put this atop their lists.

9/10

Zac Rates Atlanta: Day Two

Recently, my fiancee, mother, father, brother, and I spent the better part of a week taking in Atlanta. I hadn’t seen my family in months and thus we had much (an engagement, a promotion, milestone birthdays, etc.) to catch up on and celebrate. Doing so gave us the opportunity to take in some of the best – and worst – that Atlanta had to offer.

Day Two

The second day of our Atlanta excursion began with a visit to the College Football Hall of Fame (250 Marietta Street Northwest). As several members of our group attended D-3 schools not known for football prowess and/or had minimal interest in college ball, this became a destination due to logistics (it was practically across the street from where we were staying) rather than to fervor. Nevertheless, it proved to be one of the better museums of the trip.

First and foremost, the Hall is very well-organized. Upon entry, each visitor is given an RFID-chipped badge and an opportunity to select a school. The foyer contains a massive wall of helmets, and after your selection, your school’s helmet will light up. Come within close proximity of any of the Hall’s many displays and kiosks, and you will be recognized by name. Some will give you a chance to answer trivia questions, others will display information, and others still will play videos. This is a very effective way to utilize technology to promote interactivity.

Speaking of interactivity, did you ever want to call a broadcast or attempt to kick a field goal? You can do that here too. The ever-patient staff won’t mock you for your futility, and you’ll likely end up having fun no matter how badly you fare.

For those with more interest in the sport, there is much, much more to appreciate. One room breaks down each Hall of Fame Class by year. Another houses trophies in all their shimmery glory. Gameday traditions, rivalries, and even uniforms round out a comprehensive list of exhibits.

At $20/ticket for adults, the price is reasonable for the experience offered. Also, those irked by massive lines at other Atlanta attractions will find a welcome respite here. We showed up on a Sunday morning and had no wait, but even later in the day, there wasn’t a huge crowd.

Though it certainly helps, you do not have to be a college football fan to appreciate all the College Football Hall of Fame has to offer. Modern, comprehensive, and welcoming, this museum is a winner.

9/10

Following the Hall, we walked a short distance to the nearby MARTA station, caught an eastbound train to Inman Park, and walked some more until we reached the Little Five Points neighborhood. Described as the Haight-Asbury of the Southeast, this area had a distinctive alt vibe. Record stores, tattoo parlors, retro fashion, and funky murals give the neighborhood a colorful character.

Criminal Records (1154-A Euclid Avenue NE) is one such shop, and one worth visiting. In addition to music, this place offers comic books and graphic novels, cult films, and much more. The selection is promising (the mainstream comingles seamlessly with the rare and offbeat), the ambiance isn’t forbiddingly elitist, and the pricing is moderate: not highway robbery but easily beatable online. Were I an Atlanta resident, I could see Criminal Records becoming a regular haunt.

8.25/10

Day two of the trip ended on a quest for Southern cuisine. Though there was no shortage of options in the area, we settled on the venerable Pittypat’s Porch (25 Andrew Young International Boulevard). This establishment dates back to 1967, and it looks its age – not necessarily a bad thing when you are craving homestyle cooking. Though the menu included everything from ribs to pork chops to salmon, three-fifths of our group opted for the fried chicken. My fiancée and I, the holdouts, went with shrimp and grits and fried catfish respectively.

True to form, the food took a while to arrive. Fortunately, Pittypat’s had an excellent salad bar (the sideboard) to tide us over. The availability of pickled watermelon rind proved to be a pleasant surprise. When our entrees finally did arrive, they largely met expectations. My shrimp were nicely blackened, and the accompanying grits were creamy enough without being runny. Though not the best preparation of this dish that I’ve had (the long pepper strips were odd), it did not disappoint. The fried chicken (moist on the inside, crispy on the outside) was similarly well-received though the chunkiness of the mashed potatoes was off-putting. Pittypat’s also offers desserts that should not be missed. Both the pecan pie and the bread pudding were very sweet yet had satisfyingly complex flavors (thanks to the use of Southern Comfort and bourbon-based sauces, respectively). All told, the meal delivered.

With entrees in the upper teens and twenties, the food here is no bargain. Mary Mac’s Tea Room offers much of the same fare for less. However, Pittypat’s pricing isn’t out-of-line for the immediate area. Our server was personable, knowledgeable, and left no reason for complaint.

Pittypat’s Porch has a few rough edges and plenty of competition, but if you are seeking a good Southern meal, you can still get it here.

8/10

Zac Rates Atlanta: Day One

Recently, my fiancee, mother, father, brother, and I spent the better part of a week taking in Atlanta. I hadn’t seen my family in months and thus we had much (an engagement, a promotion, milestone birthdays, etc.) to catch up on and celebrate. Doing so gave us the opportunity to take in some of the best – and worst – that Atlanta had to offer.

Day One

The Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Atlanta (275 Baker Street) served as our base for the first half of the trip. In terms of location, you would be hard-pressed to find a better spot. Situated just across from Centennial Olympic Park, the Hilton is within walking distance of several major attractions as well as a MARTA station. Beyond that, the rooms are comfortably sized and nicely appointed, and the front desk staff is helpful and accommodating.

That said, we did experience a few drawbacks. The entrance to the hotel is not well-marked, and it is easy enough to walk right past it. Our stay coincided with several family reunions, which made waiting for – and squeezing into – an elevator a bit taxing. Lastly, while the rates are reasonable given the location, charges for parking and breakfast make the Hilton pricier than first glance suggests.

7.75/10

We were hungry after checking in, and thankfully we didn’t have to travel far for a great lunch. Located across the street, Twin Smokers BBQ (300 Marietta Street NW) provided some of the best barbeque I’ve had anywhere.

Though the establishment’s name refers to its pair of wood-fired smokers, it could just as easily allude to the two styles – Texas and Southern – served here. The environment is appropriately rustic, and the lengths of hickory and mesquite stacked along the walls add a nice touch of authenticity. If you aren’t already hungry walking in the door, one whiff of the aroma here will change that promptly.

Our group opted for a Pride and Joy, a $75 combo platter that feeds four to six. The quantities were generous, and the food did not disappoint. The ribs were smoky, the pulled pork moist, the sausage nicely spiced, the mac n cheese creamy, and the collards well-seasoned. The free homemade pork rinds will make converts out of skeptics, and the assortment of half a dozen sauces (from sweet to spicy to vinegary) means you will find at least one to your liking.

Twin Smokers may not have the cachet of a legendary BBQ joint, but give it time. The food is all-around excellent.

9/10

Our sight-seeing commenced after lunch and began with a trip to the Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker Street). The largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, this is also the only place in this part of the world to find whale sharks. Between them, belugas, giant manta rays, an albino alligator, and countless fish, the collection here offers astounding depth and breadth. The Ocean Voyager exhibit in particular is impressive: a conveyor belt moves you through an underwater tunnel while sea life swims all around you.

Despite this majesty, visiting the Georgia Aquarium is not an altogether pleasant experience. Entry lines can be exceedingly long (pro tip: get a CityPass), and once you are inside, expect significant crowding at some of the exhibits. Since much of the aquarium is family-oriented, expect a fair share of screaming children as well. At $39 for adults, general admission is quite steep as well though the aquarium does run several discounts.

Overall, there is lots of sea to see here, but squeezing past waves of fellow patrons may put a damper on your experience.

7.75/10

Following the aquarium, we took in World of Coca Cola (121 Baker Street) next door. A museum dedicated to all things Coke, this is proved to be a disappointment. After clearing a security checkpoint, visitors are herded into a series of waiting areas. When the doors finally open for your group, you are subjected to an introductory spiel and a promotional video. Presumably, this was done to prevent a mad rush to the more popular exhibits, but it still felt like corporate indoctrination and a waste of time.

The exhibits themselves include a soda bottling production line, a collection of Coke-themed pop art (including the requisite Andy Warhol composition), and, of course, the tasting room. The latter grants you unlimited samples of Coke products from around the world. While it’s easy to see the appeal in that, it isn’t all that it could be. Even with multiple sample stations (one for each continent), there tends to be heavy crowding. And for every decent flavor you stumble across, there is another that will inspire regret (Beverly, an aperitif marketed in Italy, is notoriously bitter and unappealing).

World of Coca Cola offers a few bright spots, but even loyal Cocaphiles will likely leave underwhelmed.

6/10

Day One ended by taking in a lighter meal at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria (300 Marietta Street NW). Since none of us was up for pizza, we couldn’t attest to the signature offerings, but a glance at the rather limited menu suggests a good assortment of meats (sausage, pepperoni, capicola, salami) and cheeses (mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, feta, goat) at slightly high ($15- to $19 for a 12-inch pie) prices. Instead, we all opted for the $10 salad and half sandwich combo. The Italian sandwich was satisfying albeit a bit heavy on the hot peppers while the Caesar salad, though basic, tasted fresh and hit the spot. The ambiance was lively and comfortable, and service proved adequate.

Though it is not a standout eatery, you could do far worse than Max’s.

7.5/10