Funny how easy adaptation for some things are for humans, especially when the focus is to please us faster and easier.My mind goes to that thought in reference to the computer and internet – and it’s now ‘routine’ roll in our world compared to when I was a teenager. Today’s world is certainly much faster than it used to be in many ways; and while constant change may indeed be here to stay that does not stop us from keeping up with it.In the case of old adage ‘adapt or die’, we humans seem to generally do pretty good.I began this column intending to tell a tale about going to dinner and a movie, yet realised as it unfolded how the entire event had been coordinated by using online technology. We instantly gathered all the information needed to make a plan on where and when to go on our ‘date night’.Tez and I decided recently it was time for another night on the town. For both of us that usually equates to a monthly burger and drink somewhere and, when really stretching the energy level, perhaps a movie or local music event.Even prior to the Academy Awards I had been interested in seeing The Revenant. Councillor cohort Luke Stack had recently suggested we would really like it. “I don’t want to give anything away, however I guarantee you won’t go to sleep during it,” he chuckled.A little on-line searching by Teresa provided a couple of choices of locations and times when searching for the movie. Ever wise of the purse strings, Tez recommended we opt for a ‘cheap Tuesday’ movie – which we also figured may equate to a less crowded evening. That choice sent us to the Landmark Grand Ten on Highway 33.With movie time and location in hand Tez went hunting for the food component solution to the date night. Now the criteria narrowed a tad.We wanted something new for us.Since there are so many new, funky restaurants and pubs in town Tez and I decided months ago to start experimenting a bit. Most pubs provide good food and the choice in great restaurants is across the board, so it is hard to go wrong.We desired a restaurant or pub on route to the theatre site. and preferably on the same side of the highway. Knowing the daily food special offered also helps the decision.In no time Tez had a few recommendations, however it was pretty much a slam dunk when we realized that Freddy’s Brew Pub was mere feet away from the theatre.Sound decision making all round.After stuffing ourselves with yummy (though a tad spicy) food Tez and I slowly rolled over next door to the theatre. In true Canadian movie watching tradition we then rolled up to the hot buttered popcorn counter and armed ourselves before then rolling into theatre itself.Like Luke, I will not give away anything about The Revenant away except a few impressions.For a show with a simple plot, not a huge key cast, nor an immense budget it is riveting.The camera work and scenic locations are superb. Main actor Leonardo DiCaprio is outstanding and certainly must have been physically exhausted and bruised by the end of making the film.Certainly it is one of the most intense movies I have seen.I admit to feeling a tad bit drained by the end of it. When the show ended I turned towards Tez and sarcastically giggled, “Well, that was fun and relaxing wasn’t it?”Is it a ‘great’ movie?Perhaps not.Was it worth seeing?Absolutely. Cheap movie night or not.Ironically, once the show was over I felt like I needed to go to another movie just so I could relax. Two days have passed and I still feel wound up like a coil spring.Undaunted, Tez and I fully intend to continue digestively investigating new food facilities and welcome your suggestions. We are slowly filling in our ‘cheap option calendar’ for the spring and summer for our next ‘wild’ night out.In addition, each June I write a personal tour guide Hodgepodge column for tourist and locals alike to use in planning their holiday or staycation. If you have a favourite hideaway for food or good music feel free to email me at charliehodge333@gmail.com and we will check it out.Meanwhile I wonder if there is a Hallmark movie or kid’s flick I can watch to slow down my heart rate and reduce my stress level.So much for our ‘relaxing’ night out.
The GO Team!
