When I arrive at the Mustache’s restaurant in Plaka, on a street with many of the handsome neoclassical buildings that were the architecture of preference for the new Greek state in the 1830’s after its Bavarian king arrived bringing his Munich classicism with him, a group of friends and strangers is sitting inside, drinking coldContinue reading “RKS Travel (Travels in Greece): Dining at Mustache’s in the Plaka (Patricia Storace)”
Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)
RKS POLISH Literature: Misery and Heartache Everywhere in the Village (Władysław Reymont)
The farmers have trouble aplenty… One is agitating what’s best to stuff his guts with, and another, who he can lend to at the highest percentage, but none of them trouble about the poor. Even were they to die at their fences….My God, they all sit in the same village, across a baulk, and itContinue reading “RKS POLISH Literature: Misery and Heartache Everywhere in the Village (Władysław Reymont)”
RKS New Zealand Literature: If Only Isabel Had Not Gone to Paris…. (Katherine Mansfield)
But the imbecile thing, the absolutely extraordinary thing was that he hadn’t the slightest idea that Isabel wasn’t as happy as he. God, what blindness! He hadn’t the remotest notion in those days that she really hated that inconvenient little house, that she thought the fat nanny was ruining the babies, that she was desperatelyContinue reading “RKS New Zealand Literature: If Only Isabel Had Not Gone to Paris…. (Katherine Mansfield)”
RKS American Literature: The Professional Injustice of Being an Optician (Sinclair Lewis)
Orlo Vay, the Chippewa Avenue Optician, Smart-Art Harlequin Tinted-Tortus Frames Our Speciality, was a public figure, as public as a cemetery. He was resentful that his profession, like that of an undertaker, a professor of art, or a Mormon missionary, was not appreciated for its patience and technical skills, as are the callings of wholesaleContinue reading “RKS American Literature: The Professional Injustice of Being an Optician (Sinclair Lewis)”
RKS American Literature: Should Dr. Allan Cedar Murder His Fat and Vicious Wife Bertha (Sinclair Lewis)
It occurred to Allan to murder her, but not to refuse to go along. Many American males confuse their wives and the policeman on the beat. “Virga Vay & Allan Cedar”, Sinclair Lewis, 1945
RKS Short Films: Shorts Not Pants Film Festival: “The End”: Mega Brilliant: Mega Enjoyable and it Sort of Happened to Me on 10September2026!
Shorts Not Pants Film Festival returns after a one-year hiatus, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. This year’s festival boasts a carefully curated selection of outstanding short films from 17 countries: 23 narrative, 11 animated, and 9 documentary short films; 19 of those films are Canadian. The festival will take place in Toronto from Friday, NovemberContinue reading “RKS Short Films: Shorts Not Pants Film Festival: “The End”: Mega Brilliant: Mega Enjoyable and it Sort of Happened to Me on 10September2026!”
RKS Ontario Wine: Lighthall 2023 Pinot Noir From “The County”
Prince Edward County lies approximately two hundred kilometers east of Toronto. Home to somewhere near forty active wineries particularly popular with Quebecers. Not all of the wines are from grapes grown in The County as many are trucked in from Niagara. Pinot Noir from The County tends to be lean. We try a Lighthall 2023Continue reading “RKS Ontario Wine: Lighthall 2023 Pinot Noir From “The County””
RKS AMERICAN Literature: Ben Not Enjoying His Overnighter at the Buckley’s (Ring Lardner)
Well their guest room was terribly cold: it took hours to fill the bathtub; there was no reading lamp by the bed; three reporters called to interview Ben, two of them kittenish young girls; the breakfasts were just fruit and cereal and toast; coffee was not served at luncheon; the faucets in the wash-basin wereContinue reading “RKS AMERICAN Literature: Ben Not Enjoying His Overnighter at the Buckley’s (Ring Lardner)”
RKS AMERICAN Literature: A Law Against Invitations That Go Beyond Dinner and Bridge! (Ring Lardner)
He absolutely abhors visiting and thinks there ought to be a law against invitations that go beyond dinner and bridge. He doesn’t mind hotels where there is decent light for reading in bed and one for shaving, and where you can order meals, with coffee, anytime you want them. But I really believe he wouldContinue reading “RKS AMERICAN Literature: A Law Against Invitations That Go Beyond Dinner and Bridge! (Ring Lardner)”
RKS French Wines: Is There an Affordable High-Quality Pinot Noir in Burgundy?
Sure, there are affordable high-quality Pinot Noirs in Burgundy. You just require some effort to find those which are imported into your jurisdiction. And don’t expect to pay $16.95. More like in the high twenties close to the low thirties (CDN). We have here Bourgogne Pinot Noir Nuiton-Beaunoy (2024) Aroma: Gentle smoke, ripe raspberry andContinue reading “RKS French Wines: Is There an Affordable High-Quality Pinot Noir in Burgundy?”
