Antonio da Silva Film-Reviews

 

I recently viewed a couple of art-house films (movies) by the Portuguese cinematographer Antonio da Silva. They contain full-frontal nudity, close-ups of genitalia and sexual acts. So, definitely NSFW! Do not read any further, and certainly do not click on the links if the reader is likely to take offence (offense).

[Image description: da Silva hiding behind a palm, © https://mubi.com/cast/antonio-da-silva]

“Julian” (2012) Review

I am queer demisexual. The vast majority of porn, indeed most people in fact do not spark in my psyche the slightest sexual frisson. I can nonetheless appreciate the homoërotic nature of the cast and the æsthetic quality of the imagery in this short. At times the dialogue (mostly monologue ?) did merge into a poëtic art-form - and I wished those moments could have been extended. However, at other points the script felt stilted and jarred within me. I did feel the oral & visual narrative form a complete entity and as such I felt satisfied at the end. I agree this short very much feels like a love-poëm to Julian. I should very much watch on another occasion.

https://antoniodasilvafilms.com/julian

“Dancers” (2014) Review

Wow - as far as I am concerned this is a masterpiece: flawless cinematography; nigh-on perfect image-sound editing; dazzling dance-movement; and (I am assuming) careful choreography.

No choreographer is credited as far as I could see: so did the director dictate the movements or was it serendipitous, improvised moments that were cleverly woven to form this pæan to free masculinity in its animistic atavism, unfettered physicality, uncensored sexuality, glorious creätivity and intense emotion?

I started at the belt whip-crack. I gasped at the young men’s beauty and talent. I laughed at the Amen. I “Ouf!”d at the ejaculations. And I wanted to hug some of them in the (seemingly) vulnerable moments when they collected up their clothing. This is probably one of the most intimate films I have ever had the pleasure and privilege to view.

Usually porn makes me feel like a voyeur, uncomfortable and thus unable to enter the fantasy proffered. This homoërotic short did not point the finger-of-blame at the viewer, but rather drew us - indeed me - into the performances. This is a veritable tête-à-tête where the watcher is thoroughly inveigled into the dance, pulled in as each performer’s very own personal dance- and ultimately sex-partner. If this is classed as porn, then I did not feel dirty for eyeing it. In fact, I came away feeling somehow refreshed and cleansed.

Masculinity is usually traduced in the media and within popular culture. In “Dancers” positive facets of our manhood are proudly displayed, for which a huge OBRIGADO to Antonio da Silva.

https://antoniodasilvafilms.com/dancers

Steman Restaurant: a Review

Sometimes the nicest things occur quite unexpectedly. For our last night in Vienna, we had hoped to dine at one of our favourite Viennese eateries. It was a warm, pleasant evening so we slowly strolled over to the restaurant. Alas, the whole place was taken for a private function. We headed back and decided we should stop at the first place that took our fancy.

[Image Description: the outer façade]

We found ourselves at Steman (on the corner opposite our most visited eating-place, Café Jelinek - see previous reviews). Outside was thronged with garrulous city residents. We entered the practically deserted interior. A charming waiter - as we thought - rushed over and enquired whether we wished to dine inside or outside. It was a fifty-fifty split. However, there had been a cancellation so there was a table for two available. Luck was finally on our side!

The red-headed chap turned out to be the maître d’ and he spoke impeccable English (and without a US-American drawl). He even coped with our attempts at speaking Wienerisch, the local dialect.

[Image description: Rindknödelsuppe, beef & dumpling soup]

Steman is highly rated on various websites. This is not a place to sample haute cuisine, but rather the local dishes cooked in a homely manner. The staff are amiable and helpful, without being overbearing.

[Image descriptions: top, black-pudding & pan-fried potatoes;

bottom, Spätzle, a sort of ham & scrambled-egg but better!]

We sampled several dishes. The portions - for us at least - were too generous and despite our best efforts we were unable to consume every last scrap (image below). The food was tasty and hearty - as can be seen from the images. Given the quantity and quality the food represented very good value for money.

At the end our kindly maître d’ gifted us a glass of a locally concocted spirit - apple Schnapps. It was warming and quite delicious: a delightful digéstif to end the repast.

Steman is definitely recommended. We shall be back when next in Vienna - hopefully for a Christmas Market weekend.

Café Jelinek: a Review

What is the first thing one thinks of at the mention of Vienna? Well, for me it is coffee-house culture: coffee and cakes, Kaffee und Kuchen. According to the Vienna Now * Forever website, in 2011 UNESCO added Viennese coffee-house culture to its list of intangible cultural heritage. And unwittingly I chose my favourite café without knowing it is considered one of the six best in the whole city.

It certainly is not pristine; indeed, it is rather faded. It is not even situated next to any of the famous sights and in fact one has to wander a little off the Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s main shopping thoroughfare, to discover its treasures. As can be seen in the photograph above, the flooring is tread-worn; the wallpaper is faded and tabacco-stained; the furniture, fixtures and fittings have all seen better days. So what keeps folk returning to this particular Kaffeehaus?

Well, it serves traditional, homemade cakes - not the wonderful confections found in cake-shops throughout the city, but rather the kind of baking that reminds one of one’s Grandmother’s or Mother’s cakes. The environment and food offerings create the famous gemütlich ambience for which Austria is so famous. (See this Wikipedia article for a fuller explanation of Gemütlichkeit.)

There is additionally ample outside seating for when the sun shines. It is easier to tuck a wheelchair under these tables than navigating the interior. As well as cakes, breakfast is served here all day, because (per VisitingVienna):

‘ “The early bird can go take a running jump” (the polite translation).’

During my latest visit to Vienna I visited the terrace three times. On two of those occasions I opted for the same light-bite from the menu (see image below): Sacherwürstel with Senf (mustard), Kren (horseradish in Austrian German, Meerrittich in German German) and a Semmel (bread-roll, Brötchen in German German).

As can be seen, these snacks were accompanied by beers, in this instance a light and citrusy lager named Wieselburger Bier. This perfectly accompanied the heat from the horseradish and the sweetness from the mustard.

Staff on every occasion I have visited Café Jelinek are calm and unfussed. They will not bother a customer unless beckoned. One will not be asked to leave or order more if one is peacefully reading one of the gratis newspapers or magazines. Neither will one be badgered to pay the bill until one is ready to do so. A totally relaxed environment.

For those in wheelchairs, alas the toilets are not accessible. Also, for those who are ambulant but unsteady on their feet, I suggest taking a friend to open the doors.

The clientele is very mixed: students; academics; shoppers; lovers; tourists and even the odd local celebrity.

And finally, what about the coffee served? In the top-most image one can see a Wiener Melange, a strong coffee with warmed milk and topped with Schlagobers (whipped cream, German German Schlagsahne). I always take this once on any visit to Vienna. However, as can be imagined, it is incredibly rich, nonetheless it goes well with cake. Mostly I drink Große Brauner, which is a double mocha with a drop of warmed milk. Delicious both, as no doubt are the rest of the coffee varieties listed in the menu.

Of course I thoroughly recommend the authentic Viennese coffee-house culture of Café Jelinek. If in Vienna, it is a must-see!

*

My apologies for the white background, I have tried all sorts to try to get back to the normal colour but Blogger will have none of it - as ever it does its own thing!

Sardus Cucina, Altrincham - a Review

It’s many a year since I had a date in a restaurant. Usually I dine with friends or a carer. I wanted somewhere nice to take my date-friend. Somewhere that would be intimate enough for conversation, but not claustrophobic. Sardus Cucina looked perfect. (There is a nice gallery of images on their website (q.v.).) Plus it was an opportunity to try genuine Sardinian cuisine. I had driven past the restaurant front in the day-time and the modern façade appealed. Whilst not situated right in the centre of Altrincham, it is only a five minute or so walk from the transport hub and only a couple of minutes from where we chose to park.

In the evening the subdued lighting and candles drew us in like moths to the flame. We were cordially welcomed by the young maître d’. And, as we passed the bar, the young bar-keep also greeted us. We were shown to a table for two at the end of a long banquette. My date took the place on it and I the suitable-for-me hard-backed chair on the opposite side. The subtle lighting, the low-level music and the candle at table all added to the relaxed - hopefully romantic - ambience.

The maître d’ offered to take our coats then brought over the main menu, the wine list and the specials list. He bubbled over with enthusiasm for the food, explaining a little of the distinctive culture and cuisine of Sardinia. Whilst I was snapping the photographs for this blog-post, he came over and chatted with us about his photographic hobby and how he takes the images for Sardus’ Instagram page (q.v.). An altogether pleasant, polite, enthusiastic and interesting young man.

From the maître d’s explanations and from reading the various menus, I found I was so heavily salivating I had begun to drool a wee bit. This is not a customary reäction to my being in a restaurant. Thankfully thick napkins were to hand! I was quite astounded at the breadth of the selection on offer. Even with my food allergy, I was not severely limited as in many eateries. The vast majority of dishes are made from scratch when ordered. This is a boon to anyone with a true food allergy or food intolerance.

We ordered a non-alcoholic cocktail whilst we ploughed through the offerings. Regrettably it is not included on the published mocktails menu but was itemised on the bill. It’s called a Crodino. The beverage has an orange base and was described as being similar to Apérol (which I personally do not like). The flavour was simultaneously sweet and bitter. It was so light on the palate and literally evaporated. These were served to us with complimentary flat-breads, a Spanish-style dip (not for me, but date loved it) and fresh, creamy, soft pecorino - absolutely delicious. (These items are all included in the photo above.) I did not even know that pecorino came in a variety other than the famous hard version (housemate’s fave cheese). The Flat-breads were delightfully thin - thinner than any Indian poppadum I have ever had. They seemed to melt on the tongue. Incredible buccal experiences and this prior to actually ordering!

For starters (image above) I ordered coratella, chicken livers cooked with red-onion, chestnuts and Sardinian “Sherry”. Housemate is not at all keen on liver, so I never purchase to cook at home. For me just having liver is a treat. However, this dish was perfectly prepared. The onions were beautifully soft and the meat-flesh required almost no chewing. As I write this I am salivating again. Perhaps that gives a sense of just how delicious I found this dish.

My companion ordered the frittura di mare (image above), which consisted of calamari & prawns and thin juliennes of carrot & courgette coated in a tempura batter. I sampled a courgette strip after picking it off date’s plate with my fingers - it was so light and no greasiness at all.  This dish was served with aioli, which I cannot have. He ate the lot; from his plate, not a scrap went back to the kitchen. So thumbs up for the frittura and the coratella.

As my date was driving our starters were accompanied by sparkling mineral-water. Normally I should not comment on water. This was branded Ferrarelle and was very light on the palate. It is a true mineral-water, but did not have the salty flavour that many have. Definitely worth looking out for in the shops.

My main dish was fregola frutti di mare. I had to try it: firstly because, well sea-food; secondly because I had never tried fregola. It is a pasta made from semolina dough and then toasted. It is supposedly similar to berkoukes from North Africa and to moghrabieh from the Middle-East. It was a tasty dish and an interesting experience. Definitely worth trying.

Date selected a specials item for his main. Alas it is only listed as TODAYS SPECIAL (sic), so I cannot let the reader know what it is called in Italian. It consisted of boar in a thick ragoût (‘ragu’). He mmm’d and ahhh’d whilst eating. Again the plate was scraped clean. I think we can safely determine that it too was scrumptious!

These days I can rarely eat three courses; but Italian ice-cream was on offer for dessert. Apologies to the Cornish (my second favourite), but Italian ice-cream is the best in the world. I could not pass on a walnut & maple confection served with aranzada & crushed biscotti. Divine! My companion also managed to squeeze in a chocolate soufflé, zicculate, made just for him. Heavenly!

The bill for food & drinks was under £80. This represented excellent value for money in respect to both quantity and quality. Service levels throughout the repast were excellent if at times a tad (justifiably in my opinion) enthusiastic. The staff are all young and delightful on the eye. I truly hope Sardus stays with us for years to come. I have already made arrangements to visit again next month with some of my neighbours who also have tried Sardus once and wish to return.

My Sexual Health Review

No wonder folk do NOT go to STI/GUM clinics: I have had to make three separate visits because my local clinic (the sole clinic in Trafford), serving some 230,000 adults, do not make appointments and it’s first-come-first-served, mornings only, Monday-Friday. No afternoons. No evenings. No weekends.

[image description; banana & two kiwis]

Finally I managed to have the Hepatitis B jab and the test for Hepatitis C, which my G.P. wanted. Also I was advised to have a Hepatitis A jab as well. Apparently it can be passed via sex and not just from contaminated water or foodstuffs, such as seafood. My G.P. didn’t know that! However, Manchester is currently in the grips of a Hep. A “epidemic” (their word not mine). You may wish to consider getting your own jab!

G.P. practices are now expected to run early morning, evening and weekend appointments to fit around patients’ needs. Folk are having sex round the clock, so the clinics ought to have much more extended hours. This could also reduce the need for folk to use A&E departments. Oh, that’s right, our area doesn’t even have one of those now!

***

Just received the results from my sexual-health check:

Chlamydia - negative

Gonorrhœa - negative

Hepatitis A - negative

Hepatitis B - negative

Hepatitis C - negative

HIV - negative

Syphilis - negative

Big sigh of relief!

I always practise safer sex/safe sex, but there is also invariably a theoretical risk even using condoms.

Please use a condom every time! And get yourself checked! %)

Stonemasons, Timperley Village: a Review

After nigh on thirteen years of residence in West Timperley, I had not actually dined in Timperley Village. A couple of months back I did attempt to eat at the Stonemasons, but found it shut for a further refurbishment. Yesterday my housemate & I finally had reason to have our Sunday luncheon made for us, so telephoned to book a table. Don’t bother unless your party is six or more!

For Sports’ Fans

We turned up about six-thirty, after the late-afternoon soccer on the TV-screens. These cannot be avoided as there are some five displays throughout the pub-restaurant.

Noise Levels

Additionally, music was at a level that anyone with hearing difficulties would struggle to be able to converse. So we shall not be returning with housemate’s Mater! If we want a peaceful repast with good conversation our first choice shall remain as Bramley Farm, our nearest pub-restaurant. We shall, however, be returning to the Stonemasons. Read on to determine why for.

My Meal [image above]

I ordered sirloin steak (rare) which came with roasted cherry tomatoes, peas, chips, mushrooms and onion-rings. The latter I dislike so asked for those to be omitted and pointed out my severe food-allergy. Chef was really diligent, for he came out to check himself that I should be okay with the meal prior to his cooking it. I have had this allergy for about fourteen years and regularly dine out. In all that time only a handful of chefs have come out to speak to me. So top-marks for prudence!

I should say the steak was cooked medium-rare, as there was not a trace of blood - which I should have preferred. Nonetheless it was deliciously tasty - matured for twenty-eight days apparently. The flesh was reddy-brown rather than bright red, which usually demonstrates that it is better meat. It was so easy to cut with the Brazilian steak-knife proffered. A slight amount of gristle & fat - but that helps to give the meat its full flavour. When next I visit I shall be unafraid to order my sirloin bleu (US blue), my preferred manner.

The mushrooms were divine, succulent and full of flavour. The peas were somewhat shrivelled in appearance, but had a good flavour. The tommies were perfectly cooked - firm enough that they did not explode everywhere when poked with the tines of a fork. The chips were fluffy and floury, but slightly on the dry side - but certainly not soggy.

Other than the aforesaid gristle & fat, nothing remained on my plate. I rate the dish as being good.

Companion’s Meal [image above]

My housemate, apart from sampling a little of everything on my plate, actually ordered his own meal: beef & ale pie with chips, sprouts, broccoli florets and juliennes of carrots. It also came with its own little sauce-boat of thick, dark gravy.

The pie was filled to the top of the crust with meat & sauce. My friend did not feel at all cheated. Whilst he enjoyed the “hot-water pastry”, he felt there was far too much of it - not that such prevented him from demolishing the lot and then complaining about being overly full!

Housemate can be a tad fastidious about his veggies, so they must have been on the softer side of al dente otherwise there would have been a whinge! They were all gobbled down as well.

A few spots of gravy and three small chips went back to the kitchen - only because he was full. My friend enjoyed his pie, but he’ll try the chicken one next time as this has a cover of puff-pastry, so should be somewhat lighter on the tummy.

He also rated his meal as good.

Dessert

Housemate insisted he did not want a dessert. I ordered jam rolly-poly with ice-cream to share. There came two slices of a surprisingly light pudding with one scoop of ice-cream, which I split between the two. It certainly was not the stodgy, suet pudding of my childhood. Although it was also not as generous as these puddings of yore in respect to the amount of jam. Nonetheless, a strawberry sauce had been patterned across the plate and its contents to make up for the dearth of jam.

We both rated dessert as good and furthermore we should both happily opt for it on another occasion.

Beverages

Housemate was driving, so was pleased that he could obtain an alcohol-free beer - something many eateries still fail to offer. I had a glass of Prosecco which had a fruity bouquet, but failed to impress the palate. A large glass of Malbec went perfectly with the steak as it had a distinct pepperiness. And thanks to Jack for offering to bring it over as well as taking our second-course order from table.

Take-Away (US Take-Out)

Stonemasons does a fair range of pizzas, made from scratch when ordered. These can be collected for take-away. Looking at the prices, they compare favourably with our current vendor, whose tomato-sauce I cannot have due to my allergy. So, next time we fancy pizza, we shall definitely be trying Stonemasons.

I did not enquire whether other dishes from their large menu can be purchased for take-away.

Staff

I have already mentioned the chef and Jack; but the other staff with whom we came into contact were also affable, professional and personable. Zoey particularly had a good natter with us.

Children & Dogs

Stonemasons is child-friendly, for those who want to take their wee bairns with them. I did not see any hounds, so am unable to comment on the house’s dog policy.

Accessibility

I did not check out the disabled wc, but my carer did so for this review and said it was sufficiently large to turn my above-average sized wheelchair. You will need your RADAR-key.

I could not see a flat-access entry-point. The main entrance is up a shallow step and then a very steep step. Wheelchair-users, including electric ones, would probably need assistance up the larger step. Thereafter it is an even surface for much of the establishment. There is a pull-handle on the right of the main entrance, but not on the left - the side I need.

Recommendation

Both of us enjoyed our meals and our time in a very friendly environment where locals will chat to you. We shall definitely be returning and shall try their take-away-pizzas. Over all rating: good. %)

Crowne Plaza Barcelona - Fira Center, Hotel: a Review

Last June - yes I know nigh on a year ago - my principal carer needed to attend a Pharma conference at the Crowne Plaza hotel next to the Fira Center (sic) in Barcelona. As there were no carers available to look after in my home, Rico had to take me with him. All travel exhausts me, so I knew prior to arrival that I would be holed up in our shared hotel room until I ameliorated.

Lobby & Main Reception

We had taken a taxi from the airport, which dropped us, our luggage and my wheelchair about ten to fifteen metres from the main entrance. There was no doorman to assist Rico with the luggage, supporting me and manhandling the wheelchair. We eventually struggled to get him, me, the chair and the luggage through the revolving-door. No member of staff came to assist either of us. It was not until after being in the hotel several days that a doorman explained that there is a door which can be opened only by staff for easier access by disabled folk, etc. This was not a great start. We were tired from being up early for our flight, the flight itself, driving into the heart of Barcelona and then struggling to actually enter the hotel.

I can speak and understand Spanish quite well, when I have my faculties about me. But by this point I was exhausted and ready to collapse. The young lady at main reception explained that we had been upgraded and that we now needed to go up a couple of floors and check in elsewhere. At said point all we really wanted to do was crash out in our room.

Nonetheless we headed for the lift (elevator) with all our paraphernalia and still no assistance and stepped out to access the Club Lounge.

Club Lounge (i)

We finally could sit down and were offered a beverage, I cannot be sure of my facts after nearly a year but I think Andreu from Sabadell quickly checked us in and explained how the club lounge worked - one's room-key gave one access from breakfast- to closing-time. Theses keys proved rather unreliable, and several times we had to have them refreshed.

The Room

We gladly took our room-keys (the programmed card type) and headed upstairs. I am a fresh air fiend, but alas the windows did not fully open. One could however slide them in such a way as to permit the flow of outside air in, along with any street noise. For siestas we kept the windows ajar. However, at nighttime, we immediately discovered that what seems quiet during the day, transmogrifies into a cacophony at night. So, we had to use the air-con during the dark hours.

Even with the air-con, I was too warm under the duvets. A single sheet option would have been appreciated.

[Image description: the two large, comfortable beds looking towards the windows (top)

and the door (bottom)]

Above, the wide-screen TV, which we barely used other than for the news of a morning. Also a large desk area, which Rico found useful for doing a few computer things for the conference and keeping in touch with his employer. Here also was an instant hot drink-making tray. These facilities were situated opposite the ends of the twin beds.

The bathroom was very clean, with some nice toiletries.

There was a separate wc & bidet behind frosted glass for some privacy. Next to this was the free-standing shower, which appeared mould-free (mold-free). 

The bathtub was ampler than most Spanish tubs, but I imagine Brits and US Americans might struggle to lie comfortably length-ways.

A courtesy robe apiece was also made available.

The only criticisms we had here was loose flooring between the bathroom and bedroom as well as the room needing a freshen-up with new paint.

Club Lounge (ii)

This was a godsend to myself, for I was too unwell to leave the hotel for the first three days, whilst I recuperated from the travel. From my room I could hobble to the lift, descend a couple of floors and walk into the club lounge. There I could prepare myself a beverage, including a wide choice of alcoholic drinks, and pick up a snack. In the morning, after breakfast, there would be pastries, later cold sandwiches & snacks, and in the evening some hot foods would be brought out - or magically appear - depending whether one noticed or not the servers.

Reading matter, daily newspapers, games and TV were also available throughout the day.

And there was always a member of staff at the desk who would try to answer one's queries, book tickets for entertainment on one's behalf or make restaurant reservations.

My main hobby here was either using social media on my laptop or chatting with & making new friends.

Spa

As Rico was busy with his conference, I booked myself in for a massage in the hotel's Serena Spa. A full-body massage lasting just under an hour cost €74. I am used to paying £45 at my local physiotherapist in the UK and on the Costa del Sol I pay between €45-55. For €55 I have twice had a massage with hot stones. There was nothing special about the massage. The masseuse was professional enough but lacked any affability. She did not want to know how I felt afterwards and made no effort, despite my trying in Spanish, to make small-talk.

I was at liberty to use the spa's pool - at the time the hotel's sole pool - but declined as the massage had made me feel relaxed and tired (my usual responses). Had I known I could have used the pool, I should have done so prior to the massage.

Conference Facilities

Rico has attended a fair few conferences over the years - we are both quite mature in years - and was rather excited about the one he attended at the hotel. So much so, that one evening around nineish, he took me to the ground floor to show me the set-up. And whilst there, we saw diligent staff preparing for the next day: moving furniture in/out; putting out literature on tables; erecting signage;…

Main Restaurant

In the club lounge I made friends with two ladies from Vienna (my most favourite place on Earth!), Kristina and her Mater. They had a half-board deal with the hotel. When they attempted to dine in the restaurant they were told they could not order from the restaurant's menu, but would have to have whatever the chef dictated. I am not surprised this outlandish behaviour was offensive to the two ladies. They complained to hotel management and the issue was eventually resolved, but the restaurant staff involved did not apologise to my new friend. I had absolutely no willingness to be treated badly, so gave the restaurant a wide birth.

Staff & Service

Club Lounge staff were ALL delightful, often affable, but always professional even when hotel guests were outright rude to them. I certainly would not have kept such a calm demeanour on being treated badly by mostly Asian sub-continent and Middle-Eastern visitors. On a couple of occasions I felt like telling the guests what for, but that is not my place; so I bit my tongue and kept my opinions to myself. One Indian family permitted their child to climb upon, run over and jump off the furniture disturbing the rest of the guests and showing no respect for others' properties.

I have to say from my own experiences on trying to access/egress the hotel, that the lobby staff were the most unhelpful. I personally did not encounter a single rude member of staff, but, shall I say, some were less than helpful.

Recommendation

Both Rico & I should dearly like to revisit this Crowne Plaza hotel. It's near so many tourist attractions and is on the edge of Poble Sec, an up-and-coming barrio from a foodie perspective. We also wish to try out the new pool-ette on the roof, and imbibe a cocktail from the bar there whilst watching the sunset.