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The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
My Television
Back in the trenches
Steven Spielberg makes strikingly vivid, breathtakingly poetic movies about some of the most terrifying conflicts in the history of man. The filmmaking aesthetic he pioneered with “Saving Private Ryan” — and continues to perfect in HBO’s new WWII miniseries, “The Pacific” — was born out of a desire to translate as honestly as possible his conversations with veterans on their combat experience.
 
Movies
Pattinson: A vampire in Brooklyn
Robert Pattinson has been playing Americans so often that he has forgotten how to talk like a Brit. In his latest, “Remember Me,” the “Twilight” heartthrob stars as a soulful young New Yorker attending NYU, but he insists he didn’t need any help sounding like a native. “I’ve never had a dialect coach or anything,” Pattinson says. “Ironically, I’ve only had a dialect coach for this film I’m doing now, which I’m doing in an English accent. I guess I’ve forgotten how to do an English accent.”
 
The Word
Is nothing in her life real anymore?
When we first read that Heidi Pratt was firing husband Spencer Pratt as her manager, we thought, “Yay! Heidi’s new face is finally doing something right!” But then we found out that although she did fire Spencer, it seems like she’s replacing him with psychic Aiden Chase to take the reigns on her “career” — and then we got scared.
 
Movies
Movie can’t make it past minor ‘League’
REVIEW. Lame Hollywood romantic comedies love women; they just don’t like to identify them by name. We’ve seen  “She’s All That,” “She’s Out of Control,” “She’s the Man” and “She’s the One” in our local cineplexes. If you remember the plot of one of them, gold star for you.
 
Published 22:07, October the 15th, 2009
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This is not a prop motorcycle — Buddakan chef Lon Symensma really does ride.This is not a prop motorcycle — Buddakan chef Lon Symensma really does ride.
Photo: KATHERINE BRYANT FLAHERTY
 

From dumplings to ducks to motorcycles

It’s been four years since the Meatpacking District hot-spot Buddakan opened. Chef Lon Symensma has worked at the majestic Asian restaurant since its launch and is currently at the helm — and loving it. And we love the 32-year-old for referencing “Lady and the Tramp.” Coupled with the fact that he rides a motorcycle, this guy is awesome.

How many dishes do you think you’ve overseen since Buddakan opened?

I can’t even imagine. On any night, there can be 5,000 that leave the restaurant — I honestly can’t even imagine. I bet we’ve sold a million plates of the edamame dumplings alone.

What’s your go-to dish to make if you want to impress a lady?

We do this hot pot dish with won-tons with duck breasts and legs, and it’s served with this duck broth. You can do that “Lady and the Tramp” thing with the slurping of the noodles.

Is that a prop motorcycle in this photo or do you really ride? Or is that a moped?

There’s no moped involved — my bike would run right over one of those. Plus, I have a leather jacket, so that’s kind of cool, right?

Buddakan
75 Ninth Ave., 212-989-6699
www.buddakannyc.com

DOROTHY ROBINSON
 
 
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Music
MMMpod
The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.
 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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