6/28/24 Volume 3 Issue 26
Five on Friday
June 28, 2024
“Heard, chef.” The Bear
One: The Bear
This week’s topic is not the bear in the woods (which many women would rather face than a man) but The Bear on Hulu. All three seasons are now available.

I love The Bear, the show. I liked season two more than the first, but I liked it enough to rewatch both seasons before the third came out. Before I share my thoughts, you should know I have worked as a server in several restaurants. In my twenties, I worked at TGI Fridays wearing suspenders adorned with pieces of flair, and later, while I was teaching, I wore a shirt and tie, working summers and weekends at an Italian restaurant in Beacon Hill. Like in The Bear, I would call out “corner” and “behind you.” At Friday’s we had to sing “Happy Birthday” constantly and when the restaurant opened, we had to sing a song when we delivered a chicken chimichanga. We had shift meals in the Italian restaurant and a nice yearly Christmas feast. I have fond memories of hanging out with co-workers socially; you form a bond over the trials of waiting on demanding customers. After working in a restaurant, you have a new respect for those working there.
My thoughts on The Bear:
Season one introduces the characters Carmy, Richie “cousin,” Sydney, Marcus, Tina, Sugar, Neil “Fak,” and The Beef. The restaurant is a character in the show; it has its arc as the seasons continue. You learn a little about their troubled past and the struggles of owning a restaurant.
In Season Two, the characters develop and change. A few of my favorite episodes center around Marcus, Tina, and Richie’s growth.
Read in The New York Times, Why Do We Love ‘The Bear’ So Much?
The show is a drama with heavy topics, including addiction and mental illness. IMDb labels it as a psychological drama, workplace drama, and comedy. There is a lot of drama, with some funny moments sprinkled throughout the episodes. I would label it as a dark comedy/drama.
The Bear has won ten Emmy awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jeremy Allen White), Outstanding Directing, Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Supporting Actor (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Outstanding Cast. Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri also won Golden Globe awards.
If you haven’t watched it yet, I would recommend it. You should know that IMDb correctly labels the profanity as severe. One four-letter word is used 403 times during the first season and 578 times in season two.
After watching it, you might find yourself in your kitchen responding to your family with, “Yes, chef!”
And if you find yourself more interested in the culinary world, read about the terms in The Washington Post, ‘The Bear’ is packed with culinary lingo. Here’s what it all means.
Two: What to Watch
Netflix:
Read: June new releases from Tulum and from Vulture.

A Family Affair — Netflix Film, The only thing worse than being the assistant to a high-maintenance movie star who doesn’t take you seriously? Finding out he’s hooking up with your mom.
That ‘90s Show, part 2 — Netflix Series, Kitty and Red Forman welcome a new generation of teenagers into their basement when their granddaughter Leia decides to spend her summer in Wisconsin.
The Mole, season 2 — Netflix Series, Twelve players complete challenges while trying to identify the one among them who’s sabotaging their missions in this reboot of the cult-classic series.
Worst Roommate Ever, season 2 — Netflix Documentary, Violent con artists. Stone-cold killers. These terrifying true stories unveil some of the worst cohabitation experiences one could ever imagine.
Owning Manhattan — Netflix Series, Real estate mogul Ryan Serhant leads one of the biggest firms in New York and pushes his agents to greatness while tackling the most expensive listings.
Kaulitz & Kaulitz — Netflix Documentary, Twin brothers and superstars Tom and Bill Kaulitz offer a glimpse into their private lives in LA and Germany in this funny and intimate reality series.
Unicorn Academy, chapter 2 — Netflix Family
Max (HBO):
June 2024 from Vulture
One South: Portrait Of A Psych Unit (documentary), “One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit” offers an intimate and uplifting look at one of the only inpatient units in the U.S. that specializes in treating college students for serious mental health issues. The film echoes the trajectory of a hospital admission, from intake to discharge, and spends time with patients through the ups and downs of treatment.
Breaking New Ground (reality series), The six-episode series follows Broadway performer, entrepreneur, and educator Robert Hartwell as he takes on the challenge of transforming a 200-year-old house with a complicated history into a home filled with love.
Hulu:
New on Hulu: June 2024 from Vulture.
FX’s The Bear, (complete season 3), A young chef from the fine dining world returns to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop.

Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, documentary premiere (Hulu Original), An unprecedented look at the non-stop life of a cultural luminary. At a time when gender equality and women’s issues are at the forefront, Diane von Furstenberg’s life exemplifies empowerment, resilience, entrepreneurship and style.
Breakin’ On The One, documentary premiere (Hulu Original), In 1981 NYC, a breaking battle between the Rocksteady Crew and the Dynamic Rockers sparks a movement that grows to influence the highest ranks of sports and entertainment.
The Invitation (2022 film)
Disney+:
New on Disney+: June 2024 from Vulture.
Amazon Prime:
New on Amazon Prime Video: June 2024 from Vulture.

I Am: Celine Dion (Amazon Original documentary film), Serving as a love letter to her fans, Celine Dion highlights the music that has guided her life while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit as she struggles with a life-altering illness.
My Lady Jane (drama series), Jane Grey is unexpectedly crowned queen overnight and finds herself the target of villains.
Peacock:
New on Peacock: June 2024 from Vulture.
TikTok Murders (Peacock Original documentary) The documentary follows the entire tragic story, tracking each step of the case including the recent trial and headline-making verdict. About: Ali Abulaban
Kung Fu Panda 3
Apple TV+:
New on Apple TV from Digital Trends

Fancy Dance (2023 drama film), Since her sister’s disappearance, Jax has cared for her niece, Roki, by scraping by on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma. Every spare minute goes into finding her missing sister while also helping Roki prepare for an upcoming powwow.
WondLa (animated series), Forced to flee her underground sanctuary for Earth’s surface, Eva discovers a world unlike anything she expected; as she journeys across perilous terrain and unknown civilizations, Eva asks whether she is the last human.
Paramount+:
New On Paramount+
In Theaters:

A Quiet Place: Day One (PG-13 2024 ‧ Horror/Sci-fi), When New York City comes under attack from an alien invasion, a woman and other survivors try to find a way to safety. They soon learn that they must remain absolutely silent as the mysterious creatures are drawn to the slightest sound.

Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1 (R 2024 ‧ Western/Drama), Families, friends and foes discover the lure of the Old West as the Civil War divides the country.

Daddio (R 2023 ‧ Drama), A woman gets into a taxi at New York airport and gradually tells the driver about her unfortunate decisions that led to an affair with a married man; the driver also reveals more and more about his life.

A Sacrifice (R 2024 ‧ Thriller/Drama), American social psychologist Ben Monroe investigates a local cult in Berlin that is linked to a disturbing event, while his daughter becomes drawn into the world of a mysterious boy.
Three: What to Wear
A White Tee:

From The Washington Post, Why have T-shirts gotten so heavy? “The sold-out thick tees worn by Jeremy Allen White in hit TV show ‘The Bear’ embody current fashion trends.“

The white t-shirt from The Bear – How to nail the look from SANVT Journal
For women:
From Who, What, Wear: Trust Me—This Relaxed Outfit Formula Is *the* Cool Look for Summer


Four: What to Try
The omelet from The Bear:
Season 2, Episode 9: Sydney makes an omelet for Natalie that I can’t stop thinking about. Eggs, stuffed with Boursin cheese with sour cream and onion rippled chips and chives as a garnish. Yum! I haven’t tried to make it yet, but here is a similar recipe if you are up for the challenge.

From All Recipes, I Made the Omelet From “The Bear” and Yes, You Should Too
Five: What to Do
Get ready for the 4th:

Thursday is July 4th, plan your day. Find local fireworks, plan a BBQ, or just find a place to chill.
7 Places to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks Around Boston

And if ketchup is your favorite condiment, check out this collab: Fashion Meets Flavor: HEINZ and kate spade new york Debut Red-Hot Capsule Collection
Addicted to word game? Try Strands.

From CNN, With ‘Strands,’ the New York Times has found its next hit game
In Boston (source: BSide):
Open Newbury Street Sundays are back for the summer, and things are kicking off this week.
Check out the 2024 Best of Boston. If you want to find a good place to dine out after watching The Bear: Best of Boston Dining.
Cambridge Rollerama Summer 2024: FREE Roller Skating & Rentals
Somerville’s All She Wrote is hosting their annual Pride book fair on Saturday. During the day, admission is free and all-ages. But after 8 p.m. it’s grown-ups only, with $10 tickets, queer performers, snacks, and their spiciest reads.
Boston Landing’s first ever Community Fit Fest is on Saturday, with eats, beats, and a bunch of FREE workout classes all day. Or, catch a fitness freebie double-header at Franklin Park at their walking group series and yoga class.

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