Entre Nous.:

In late October I departed for Savannah. I spent a far too brief 12 days in the city, visiting the friends, popping into old haunts, and attending the Savannah Film Festival. Here's snippets of what I experience while there, in 140 characters or less.

Leaving on a jet plane... 6:14 AM Oct 28th, 2010. 1st full day back in Savannah (Friday) was filled w/ reunions galore, a bittersweet drive by my old abode, and sublime summer like weather. 5:34 AM Oct 30th, 2010 To costume or not to costume for this evenings Film Festival festivities? 5:38 AM Oct 30th, 2010 Black Swan opened the Savannah Film Festival to shock and awe. Thought provoking and thrilling. Dark yet humorous. Here we go #SAVFF 10:34 PM Oct 30th, 2010 Put in a cameo at the pre party, the thrill ride that was Black Swan, then lingered over a drink or two at the River Club after party. 10:44 PM Oct 30th, 2010 Up early after a late night in order to catch the 9:30am screening of Dressed. Worth missing a bit of sleep. Inspired, naturally. #SAVFF 9:35 PM Oct 31st, 2010 Then on to Shalom Y'all. The Jewish Food Festival was a smash, as always. Even spent a bit of $ for some sage "advice from a Jewish Mother". 9:53 PM Oct 31st, 2010 The Kid was emotionally draining in the very best way. Raw and real. Suffering caused by the hands of parents seems to be a #SAVFF theme. 10:04 PM Oct 31st, 2010 Skipped the evening festivities for a sushi run to Ta Ca. Spicy tuna and avocado app is perfection, especially coupled w/ great conversation. 10:07 PM Oct 31st, 2010 1st celeb spotting of the Film Festival, Carson Kressley. Had a brief exchange while both shopping. He's a doll. At his lecture tmw I'll be. Monday, November 01, 2010 2:52:19 PM Ultrasuede: In Search Of Halston was a raucous good time. Slight crush on director, Whitney Smith. Esp. when sporting his 70's garb. #SAVFF Monday, November 01, 2010 9:51:39 PM Not impressed w/ the calamari at Sapphire tonight. So lackluster. Apparently regular chefs night off. Though the mojitos were spot on. Monday, November 01, 2010 10:14:02 PM Spotted @StephanieKlein at "getting the gig" lecture for the Film Fest. She ducked out before I could tell her how much I adore Straight Up. Tuesday, November 02, 2010 9:59:27 AM The Illusionist (ho-hum) in the am. Then onto the Pink House for fried green tomatoes (perfection, as always) and cocktails. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:20:47 PM Back for more Film Festival in the form of Truth In Numbers? Everything, According to Wikipedia. Wowza. That one will get you dialoging. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:24:51 PM Picked up the perfect handbag from the vintage store on Wright Square, @ShopArc. I'd been coveting it for a day and talked myself into it. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:28:39 PM Grabbed a bite at Cystal Beer Parlor w/ the usual suspects. Had the usual: Greek salad and Tybee Seaspray. Surrounded by the senior set. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:39:23 PM This evenings film (director's choice) was without a doubt the only possible choice - The Conspirator. No other film was suitable. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:46:17 PM Exactly a year ago it was being filmed right around the corner from my apartment on Jones St. It was thrilling to see the end result. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:49:49 PM Especially surrounded by Savannahians gushing. Robin Wright Penn was present and lovely as herself. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:52:59 PM Justin Long is rumored to be in town with perhaps Drew. I heard from a source he had reservations at Sapphire, didn't see him at the film. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:55:46 PM Bobby Zarem was honored before the film. Who knew he coined the phrase "I heart NY"? Another Savannah success who never forgot his roots. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 8:59:34 PM The party tonight at Moon River was another dud. Got drinks in go cup. Spied Liam Nesson at the Marshall House, where we settled in. Wednesday, November 03, 2010 9:05:58 PM Saw a whopping 4 films today between 9:30am - 9:30pm. About to drop from exhaustion, but so worth it. #SAVFF Thursday, November 04, 2010 9:40:48 PM Have seen 13 films in six days. Two days left, 5 more films to go. #SAVFF Thursday, November 04, 2010 9:44:15 PM Tonights afterparty at The Mansion on Forsyth was outstanding. The ambiance was on point. Drinks were flowing. Cute boys in all directions. Thursday, November 04, 2010 9:49:55 PM Starbucks Christmas cups always always thrill me the first time I see them each season. Saturday, November 06, 2010 7:23:10 AM Sir Ian McKellen's Q&A after the screening of the "vintage" Gods&Monsters was 1 of the highlights of the fest. Esp. when he quoted Gandalf. Saturday, November 06, 2010 7:51:30 AM Someone (a young lad) fainted tonight at the screening of 127 hours. They actually stopped the movie and wheeled him out. PR stunt? #SAVFF Saturday, November 06, 2010 10:30:38 PM Tonight I experienced my first Cupcake Happy Hour at Back in the Day Bakery. In the end was more delighted by the delicious pizza. Saturday, November 06, 2010 10:38:36 PM Had to skip out on bingo though in order to make it to the film on time. Saturday, November 06, 2010 10:39:58 PM The most sublime place to be in Savannah on this crisp, yet sunny, fall day - the sculpture terrace at The Jepson Museum. Sunday, November 07, 2010 11:42:22 AM Was chauffeured home last night after the Film Festival after party by one of the festival judges. Only in Savannah. Sunday, November 07, 2010 11:50:57 AM The infused water du jour today at Paris Market was melon. The perfect way to make water more palatable. The flavor was spot on. Monday, November 08, 2010 1:53:48 PM Drinks (Georgia peach), dinner (scallops), and dessert (nutella crepes) w/ the girls last night at Local 1110. Rooftop deck is perfection. Tuesday, November 09, 2010 8:55:21 AM Made time to savor a chai tea latte (with soy) this morning at Gallery Espresso before heading to the airport. Heartbroken to be leaving. Tuesday, November 09, 2010 9:02:50 AM Hightailed it to Dick's for a burger and fries after my plane landed in Seattle. No other dinner would suffice. Wednesday, November 10, 2010 10:21:44 AM

Todd English put in an appearance on the Today Show last week and concocted this unusual appetizer recipe, Shrimp Popcorn. I had the chance to replicate this recipe on the evening of the Golden Globes and it was a smashing success. It's delicious and unusual, a perfect combination. It's a great alternative to the humdrum buttered popcorn.

Shrimp Popcorn - Chef Todd English

Ingredients

1/4 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 tablespoon unsalted sweet butter
Smoked paprika to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups rock shrimp (or small baby shrimp)
1/4 pound whole unsalted sweet butter
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
20 sprigs Italian parsley, picked and roughly chopped
10 sprigs mint, picked and roughly chopped
1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese
2 jalapenos, sliced thinly

Preparation

In a 3-quart stock pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels and heat until all popped. Transfer from pot into large mixing bowl and toss in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a saute pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and lightly toast, constantly stirring. Add shrimp and saute for 30 seconds, constantly stirring — be careful not to overcook shrimp. Finish with salt and pepper.

Pour the contents of the pan with the shrimp over the popcorn and add jalapenos, parsley, and mint. Toss until the popcorn is well coated. Place in a large serving bowl and garnish with shaved Cheddar cheese.