Page 15 - Boca Exposure - April '25

Boca Exposure, Page 15
Film Review: The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry

By Nils A. Shapiro up front and leave to you It soon becomes clear that the bookstore is in disarray,
There are two reasons the decision of whether or the shelves overcrowded and a mess, the owner himself
for my having selected this not to view this film now drowning in alcohol and in the process losing a rare, valuable
film to review in this month’s streaming on Netflix. copy of “Tamerlane” he had been saving for a future financial
column, neither of which is The Storied Life of A.J. need. (We learn later the truth about what happened to that
my certainty that you will Fikry was directed by Hans book.)
fully enjoy it. Canosa, who has since But there is more on Alice Island that is in disarray than
The first is that the become married to the just the bookstore and A.J. Fikry’s life; the film explores
writer of the screenplay, author/screenwriter. these others as well: how his life changes when a 2-year-old
Gabrielle Zevin, was born Kunal Nayyar stars girl, Maya, is abandoned in his bookstore and the mother
and raised in Boca Raton in the role of A.J. Fikry, is found dead; his sister-in-law, Ismay’s, husband dies in
and graduated from Spanish owner of a bookstore in a car crash; the pregnant wife of an author learns that her
River Community High School in 1996. She graduated the lovely, scenic town of husband has been cheating on her; Fikry’s relationship with
from Harvard University in 2000, having concentrated on Alice Island on Cape Cod, the young book sales rep he treated poorly takes a dramatic
American Literature, then adapted the screenplay from her Massachusetts. Bearded turn toward feelings he had not expected…and much more
own 2014 national bestseller of the same title and has become and kind of scruffy looking, when we first meet him that if described more fully here would act as “spoilers.”
an award-winning author of several bestselling books. he is being visited by a young woman, Amelia “Amy” For me, the seven years covered in the film—and the
The second reason I enjoyed The Storied Life of A. J. Loman, the new sales representative of a book publishing emotional ending—brought forth enough involving moments
Fikry is its subject matter—the story of a bookseller and his company. She is there to present the new season’s titles to make this very much a worthwhile experience. I believe
world—and anyone who is a regular reader of Boca Club News but is treated rather rudely by the impatient Fikry, many of you will feel the same and I shall consider this review
and my monthly Book Review column knows that says it all! who complains that business is slow and ignores her an homage to a Boca Raton Spanish River Community High
My one hesitation is that the film received mixed suggestions about the potential of certain of her favorite School graduate who has made us all proud.
reviews when released in 2022, so I will inform you of that new titles.

Dining Out from page 14 Tablas Y Ensalada: We didn’t indulge on these tapas From the dessert tray: The dessert menu is simple
because there is a limit to what we can eat! But for a group and not overly creative. There is what’s expected – Flan
Let’s talk Tapas! To simplify this review, I’m going of three or more these charcuteries cheese and meat boards ($12); Crema Catalana ($12) a Spanish version of Crème
to offer my brief comments on some of the numerous are fantastic. As an example of items, you can have Jamon Brule; a Homemade Almond Cake and, of course, Spanish
selections of Tapas you’ll find at La Terraza. Iberico ham cured for 48-months, Manchego cheese, Spanish Churros (no difference from Mexican ones). And if all
Empanadas de Carne ($15.95) I haven’t found too Chorizo or a Spanish salad. else fails, go with a scoop or two of ice cream.
many empanadas that I don’t like and these certainly Let’s Talk Paellas: The big show of the night is Spaniard’s Check please: If you want to save yourself a trip to
aren’t among them. Nice portions with meat fillings that Paellas! Having eaten this in Spain and making it several times Spain just to eat Spanish food I suggest you give them a
won’t disappoint. at home in a proper paella pan, I have to give them accolades try. As in the Don Quixote novel, the conclusion brings us
Camarones Ajillo ($19.95) This is a great small plate on delivering a near perfect dish. The only improvement to its meaning. With a strong identity and
with perfectly cooked shrimp all blended in a preparation would have been the texture. Traditionally, you cook the rice some perseverance, you can differentiate
of hot peppers, garlic, olive oil and white wine. with a limited amount of stirring to allow the bottom rice to yourself from the rest of the crowd. La
Berenjena con Queso de Cabra e Iberico ($16.95) develop a crust finish. To avoid complaints of overcooked Terraza has certainly done this. So, as
Hungry D and I loved this one. How can you not enjoy a rice it was cooked “Boca style,” a bit softer. But the flavors with the running of the bulls, both Hungry
stuffed eggplant with goat cheese and quality Iberico ham? of saffron, the fresh seafood and spicy Chorizo of their Paella D and I will be returning soon. With our
Chueltas de Cordero ($24.95) These four non-fatty Valenciana ($38.95) was spot on. Note: Similar to a soufflé, feet stomping and our hands clapping like
well-seasoned Grilled Lamb chops are similar to Greek this dish needs time. The chefs are requesting you give them Flamenco dancers we give La Terraza three
style ones and will have you coming back soon for more. 30 minutes heads-up so they can execute the dish properly. golden toothpicks!

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