Thursday, October 24, 2013

Aladdin Gyrocery: Magical Gyros

Aladdin Gyrocery
The Ave & 42nd-ish
7/10 on my bangin' scale

Having lived or worked in the U-District for 5 years, I can say with confidence that the lamb gyro at Aladdin Gyrocery is among the U-District's best fare.

The gyro meat is deliciously spiced, and the yogurt sauce is quite tasty, too. They don't skimp on salad toppings (iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion), either. A combo meal ($7.50) includes a gyro, a soda, and your choice of fries, rice, or salad. I usually choose the rice because the yellow rice is delish.

The falafel pita is also a decent bet, but not quite as good as the gyro.

Lamb Gyro Combo: Lamb Gyro, rice with yogurt sauce, and soda ($7.50)
Expect to wait several minutes for your order. They grill everything up after you order. At least this way everything always comes out super warm!

No need to ask a genie for a place to get a halfway decent meal in the U-District, just head over to Aladdin Gyrocery.


Aladdin Gyrocery on Urbanspoon

"The Fosters" is "7th Heaven" for Lesbians

This week Netflix recommended I watch its new release "The Fosters."

To decide if I should watch it, I asked myself three questions:
1) Do I want to watch an ABC Family show about lesbians?
2) Do I want to risk watching a show with such a lame name ("The Fosters" is the family name, reflects the fact that the couple are foster parents, AND I hope may be a reference to Jodie Foster.....)?
3) Does anyone want to watch a show executive produced by JLo?

Obviously, my answers to all three were a resounding "YES!" Four days later, I've finished all 10 episodes. What can I say about this show? It is definitely "7th Heaven" for lesbians.

Here's the basic plot: Two super-lesbimoms have a bajillion kids, and teen/family drama ensues.

Warning: There will be some minor plot giveaways below.

Stef Foster and Lena Adams = Eric and Annie Camden
I guess the moms have to be like Eric and Annie because they are the parents. They have five kids... like the original cast of "7th Heaven!" Stef is a police officer, and Lena is a vice principal at a fancy charter school. Neither are a minister, but their actions preach since they have no discernible character flaws. Although they are given a ton of crazy conflicts, they always seem to have the best possible reaction to everything. Lesbimoms are the best type of moms!

Brandon Foster = Matt Camden
Brandon is the oldest brother (like Matt), and is Stef's biological son from a previous marriage. He generally has his shit together (also like Matt), and therefore is rather boring.

Callie Jacob = Mary Camden
Callie is new to the family as a foster child. She's around Brandon's age, maybe 16 or 17? I almost chose Jesus (below) to be Mary, but Callie has more issues, so she gets the cake. Multiple dark horses/forbidden loves like her (like Mary aka Jessica Biel!), she just came out of juvie (didn't Mary get arrested at some point?), and has generally had the hardest time of all the kids (MARY).

Jesus Foster = Lucy Camden
Jesus is the 15-year-old adoptive son of Stef and Lena, and is Mariana's twin brother. He's the hot dude with ADD, who can get any popular girl he wants (Lucy had a lot of boyfriends and was popular). Too bad he likes Mariana's best friend!

Mariana Foster = Simon Camden
Mariana is the twin sister of Jesus. She doesn't have a ton of friends (sorry, but no one likes you, Simon), and she gives her biological mom money when she asks her for it (Bank of Simon).

Jude Jacob = Ruthie Camden
At 12, Jude is the youngest (foster) kid, and is therefore the most like Ruthie. He's cute, doesn't talk bad about anyone, and gets bullied at school.

Family Lessons = Family Lessons
The family lessons are at the heart of this show, as they were in "7th Heaven."  What's refreshing is that the morals are more like what I'd personally want to hear. We learn about teen contraception, gay marriage, religion and gays, bullying in school, undocumented immigrants, alcoholism, and rape.

If you were still wondering if "The Fosters" really is "7th Heaven" for lesbians, take a look at who officiated their wedding....