Here's the thing about Chautauqua County that I've discovered in my nearly five years at the OBSERVER. There are some weeks around here that are quite uneventful and I struggle to fill the many calendars I assemble. Then, there are weekends when seemingly every event in the county are scheduled for the same two days. That, my friends, is the situation we're in for the next few weeks. Prepare for your dance cards to be full!
DELISH DRINK OF THE WEEK
Blueberry Martini recipe courtesy of Hilary Diodato.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by April Diodato
This Blueberry Martini, my sister’s creation, is just as delicious as it looks. If you need a drink, use her recipe — included for your benefit — and thank me later.
Combine 3 oz. light blueberry syrup, 1.5 oz. vanilla vodka, 0.5 oz. plain vodka, a spoonful amaretto, and a dash of lemon juice over ice in a martini shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass, preferably garnished with a white sugar rim and a few blueberries.
"You may want to note that I am not referring to blueberry pancake syrup, but the blueberry syrup contained in canned blueberries packed in light syrup," Hilary advises. "Blueberry drink syrup from your local grocery store (or borrowed from an FSA coffee shop) would make a good, if somewhat artificial-tasting, substitute."
WATCH THIS
Just like Chautauqua County events, weeks and weeks of repeats drag by and then, all at once, your DVR strains to contain the plethora of programs, usually airing on the same two nights. Here's what to watch, as I once again shamelessly admit to watching all of this cheesy, trashy TV. Oh, well I can contemplate world peace during the hours of the day that aren't primetime.
The several-months-long wait is over! "Glee" finally comes back April 13 at 9:30 p.m. on FOX (note the slight time change for the spring premiere, scheduled so in order to accommodate "American Idol"). Expect guest spots from Neil Patrick Harris, Molly Shannon, an episode entirely comprised of Madonna's hits, and so much delicious drama. FOX is quite foolish to air "Glee" immediately following "American Idol," in the midst of a very weak season. All of the kids on "Glee" are light years better than any of the "Idol" hopefuls.
The season finale of "Millionaire Matchmaker" will be on Tuesday, April 13, 10 p.m. on Bravo. I was never able to stomach Patti Stanger's over-the-top sass until this season, when she either inexplicably won me over or I significantly lowered my reality television standards (I'm not sure which I've also gotten really into "The Real Housewives of New York City," which has been so dishy this season). While Patti claims to have an extremely high success rate she said "99 percent" in the earlier seasons' intro, but no matter it is so satisfying to watch one of the dates spectacularly implode.
In related questionable matchmaking news, "Tough Love: Couples" premieres on VH1 on Monday, April 12 at 9 p.m. Steve Ward and his mom, JoAnn Ward, advises troubled couples on whether they should put up or shut up (and call it quits). While couples therapy is probably not best accomplished through starring on a big, fat, mess of a VH1 reality show, it should be extra fun to watch. Fun fact: Drew Barrymore is one of the executive producers.
The series finale of "Ugly Betty" will be on April 14 at 10 p.m. on ABC. I suspect that only I and a handful of others are actually bummed about Betty's departure, but while the show certainly had some missteps, its last season was one of the best. Let the record show that I'm wagering that Betty and Daniel will end up together.
Ridiculous SyFy made-for-TV movie alert: "Mega Piranha," airing Saturday at 9 p.m., has the following premise (this is from the press release): "Barry Williams, 1980s singing sensation Tiffany and Paul Logan form an unusual alliance to stop a mutant strain of giant ferocious piranhas that have escaped from the Amazon and are eating their way to Florida." That wrote itself.
Steve Zahn and John Goodman, among others, star in HBO's newest series, "Treme," which begins Sunday, April 11 at 10 p.m., depicting several New Orleans residents from all walks of life picking up the pieces after Hurricane Katrina. I'm not so sure about this.
The Classics
In "Dangerous," (1935), on Turner Classic Movies tonight at 10 p.m., watch one of those big, splashy, melodramatic performances that separate Old Hollywood from new. Bette Davis nabbed the 1936 Best Actress Oscar for her role as Joyce Heath, a washed-up actress turned alcoholic. "Dangerous" isn't available on DVD yet so catch it while you can.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
At 41 West tonight, Heather, mistress of Tuesday/Thursday karaoke ceremonies, celebrates her birthday. On Friday, there's live music by Heard of Buffalo from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and on Saturday, music by Weapons of Jazz Destruction starts at 10 p.m. and benefits Relay For Life.
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House has a multitude of upcoming events. The musical comedy "Route 66" is tomorrow at 8 p.m. and "The Young Victoria," starring Emily Blunt ("The Devil Wears Prada," "Sunshine Cleaning," will be screened Saturday at 8 p.m. and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour comes all the way to Jamestown on Tuesday, April 13 at the Reg Lenna Civic Center on Tuesday, April 13 at 7 p.m. The collection of films captures stunning footage from 35 countries, depicting a wide variety of subjects, from mountain climbing to marine animals.
BJ's Local Showcase is tonight starting at 10 p.m., featuring three acts: Billy Mays Warmachine, Murphy's Men, and Look, The Horizon.
Tomorrow at Mojo's in Jamestown, catch Gonculator, along with The Hunger Anthem and Organ Blues, starting at 10 p.m.
April Diodato is the OBSERVER Lifestyles editor. Give her the dish on what's happening at adiodato@observertoday.com.
