US – Tuesday, February 9
The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
The Word
Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M
Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.
 
New York Arts
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.
 
My Books
The facets of Anne Frank and her diary
Generations of schoolchildren have read and recognized their own experiences in the words of Anne Frank, finding surprising commonalities with this young girl despite the passage of generations and the unique horror of  her situation. But according to Francine Prose’s fascinating new account of the writing of Frank’s diary, our veneration of her outpourings has eclipsed a proper assessment of Anne Frank — conscientious author.

 
Movies
Channing Tatum on love and war
Channing Tatum has worked in his fair share of genres, from indie films (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”) to dance flicks (“Step Up”) to blockbusters (“G.I. Joe”). In his latest, “Dear John,” the Alabama native takes on a heavy Nicholas Sparks love story about a soldier in love while at war. He talks with us about true love and blowing stuff up.
 
Updated 19:32, August the 18th, 2009
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Beyond Le Bec-Fin

Georges Perrier runs a demanding ship at his flagship Le Bec-Fin (1523 Walnut St.). But while stories of smashed plates and tantrums are passed around the service industry, a quick count shows at least a dozen local head chefs who have Le Bec-Fin on their résumés.

Daniel Stern, who was Le Bec-Fin’s executive chef from 2002 through 2004, received plenty of notice when he went out on his own with Gayle (617 S. Third St.). He’s dropping the curtain on the restaurant early this September, but has plans to open two spots this fall: Midatlantic Restaurant and Tap Room (3711 Market St.) and R2L (2 Liberty Place), which overlooks the city from the 37th floor.

Back on the ground, Pierre Calmels and his wife Charlotte are being praised  for Bibou (1009 S. Eighth St.). Calmels, who was Le Bec-Fin’s executive chef for five years, opened the French BYOB in May.

Not far from Bibou, Fond (1623 E. Passyunk Ave.) will be opening by the end of the month. Owners Lee Styer and Jessie Prawlucki both worked at Le Bec-Fin while Tory Keomanivong, no slouch himself, learned the ropes at Lacroix.
 

Arthur Etchells is a local food blogger. Read more at www.foobooz.com.Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages. Arthur Etchells is a local food blogger. Read more at www.foobooz.com.

Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages.
 
 
 
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Music
MMMpod
The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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