We had an anniversary data. We went to Clavel for the first time, after hearing so much hype about it, and it did not disappoint. We got there right as they opened and there was a line formed around the building.
We had the ceviche with shrimp and sea bass – delicious.
The queso is served bubbling hot in an iron skillet, and has onions and jalapeño. This is my favorite fancy queso so far.
Honestly, the cevechie and queso was enough, but I’m glad we sampled to tacos. It was all delicious, and I love the space. I love cucumber as a garnish.
After that, we walked down to the Charles theater, and watched Sanctuary. This was the first time I’ve ever sat in a theater to watch a film that I have:
- No previous indication as to what I’m going to see
- Never heard of the film I’m going to watch
That experience alone was fun. And, I think Sanctuary was even more fun.
It’s a dark comedy a wealthy heir and his longtime employee. They struggle for control over their relationship in this twisty duet. The entire film takes place in a hotel suite (with a couple of scenes in the hallway and elevator). It was filmed in just 18 days, and could be a wonderful play. I like the NYT review, and the only thing that I haven’t read in other reviews so far is that I believe the writers understood their subjects in a way that adds a lot depth to the story.
I found myself leaning forward in my seat in the theater, and I’m very happy with the ending. It reminded me strongly of 1982’s Deathtrap (Christopher Reeve, Michael Caine, Dyan Cannon) – not so much because of plot inventions, although Sanctuary certainly delivers a windy road – but maybe more because of the intimate setting and emotional content.
I haven’t seen Christopher Abbott in anything yet, and honestly didn’t recognize Margaret Qualley until I googled her. She was in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, as seen here with my man Brad Pitt. As an aside, I saw Once Upon a Time in Hollywood at the Senator Theater when it came out. It’s my favorite Quentin Tarantino film, and I recommend reading the companion novel by the same title. The book isn’t an exact retelling of the movie, strictly speaking, but more like bonus scenes and deep cuts. It explains a lot about the characters, and has a ton of Hollywood folklore, which makes it really fun.
Anyway, Abbott and Qualley really bring Sanctuary home.
We ended the evening out by wandering into Tapas Teatro for their flourless chocolate cake – a delight unto itself, my friends.
