Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 5, 2013

9

FOOD & DRINK

Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 5, 2013 


A BIT OF BAVARIA IN ARCADIA

Oktoberfest October 12th Santa Anita Race Track

Get Your lederhosens out of the Closet!

Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-
Hildburghausen on 12th October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities 
held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields have been 
named Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s fields”) in 
honor of the Crown Princess ever since, although 
the locals have since abbreviated the name simply 
to the “Wies’n”.

Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family 
marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision 
to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest.

In 1811 an added feature to the horse races was the first Agricultural Show, designed to boost Bavarian 
agriculture. The horse races, which were the oldest and - at one time - the most popular event of the 
festival are no longer held today. But the Agricultural Show is still held every three years during the 
Oktoberfest on the southern part of the festival grounds.

In the first few decades the choice of amusements was sparse. The first carousel and two swings were 
set up in 1818. Visitors were able to quench their thirst at small beer stands which grew rapidly in 
number. In 1896 the beer stands were replaced by the first beer tents and halls set up by enterprising 
landlords with the backing of the breweries.

The remainder of the festival site was taken up by a fun-fair. The range of carousels etc. on offer was 
already increasing rapidly in the 1870s as the fairground trade continued to grow and develop in 
Germany.

Fast Forward to Oktoberfest 2013

Today, the Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world, with an international flavor characteristic 
of the 21th century: some 6 million visitors from all around the world converge on the Oktoberfest 
each year.

And since the Oktoberfest is still held on the Theresienwiese, the locals still refer to the event simply 
as the “Wies’n”. So “welcome to the Wies’n” means nothing other than “welcome to the Oktoberfest”!

Authentic German foods, beers and traditional 
German music will all be offered on Saturday, 
Oct. 12, as Santa Anita Park and Dog Haus 
hosts their first-ever Oktoberfest in the track’s 
spacious Infield AreaIn addition to traditional 
German fare, beer and music, attendees can also 
rock out with The Spazmatics and special guests 
Boogie Knights, live in concert.

There are many admission packages available 
Fans are encouraged to register as soon as 
possible for the Santa Anita Oktoberfest on Oct. 
12 at santaanita.com. Enter the promo code 
GERMAN for 50 percent off ticket purchase. 
First race post time on Oct. 12 is at 1 p.m. For 
additional information, visit their website, or 
call (626) 574-RACE.

Listen to Dining with Dills every Sunday 5PM 790 AM KABC

 FOR OKTOBERFEST:

 BEER BRATS

TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com

INGREDIENTS:

4 (12 ounce) cans beer

1 large onion, diced

10 bratwurst

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes 

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat. When hot, lightly oil grate. 

2. Combine the beer and onions in a large pot; bring to a boil. Submerge the bratwurst in the beer; 
add the red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook another 
10 to 12 minutes. Remove the bratwurst from the beer mixture; reduce heat to low, and continue 
cooking the onions. 

3. Cook the bratwurst on the preheated grill, turning once, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with the beer 
mixture as a topping or side. 


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT


JASMINE’S CORNER

Book Reviews by Jasmine Kelsey Williams 

SEAN’S SHAMELESS REVIEWS: 

Review by: Sean Kayden

KINGS OF LEON

RULES By Cynthia Lord

 We have now made it to October, dear readers, and we can 
finally feel that early autumn sensation of cooler days and the 
anticipation of Halloween. However, this first selection for 
the month of October follows a more serious tone, like “The 
Middlesteins” previously, but also highlights on a sensitive 
subject. I introduce to you “Rules” by Cynthia Lord, and its 
simple title alone should make you raise an eyebrow or at least 
the odd image of the rubber duck and goldfish. The summary 
and overall plot of “Rules” by Cynthia Lord is on the subject of 
autism, and how our central character, 12 year old Catherine, tries 
to deal with this matter as her younger brother is autistic. This 
is where Lord works her magic with the youthful yet bittersweet 
tone that Catherine holds when explaining the various rules to 
her brother in everyday life (such as no toys in the fish tank 
and keeping his pants on). Readers will appreciate the youthful 
spirit of Catherine, but may also be able to sympathize as well; 
how Catherine voices her frustrations, and especially how her frustration eventually manifests 
when she meets Jason and Kristi, the two types of friends that she’s always desired. When 
this happens for Catherine, her current situation and outlook does a 180 as she discovers it 
is her own behavior that is the most surprising which brings up the question of what normal 
is. Although youthful and with a bit of wit, readers will be able to pick up the seriousness of 
“Rules” as autism is the subject matter, and readers can be able to understand where Catherine 
is coming from, especially for you readers who are in a similar predicament and have a form of 
autism or have individuals in your life that have been diagnosed with autism. This columnist 
herself lives through it daily because I myself was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (a form of autism) 
around when I started high school (even though I’ve had it my whole life; my family was unsure 
in my younger years) and can see the effects of how everyone involved in my life has been 
affected. 

 Cynthia Lord highlights the good, sometimes bad, the odd, funny, and quirky aspects with 
Catherine in “Rules” and that in spite of her brother’s autism, the unusual spark that he brings 
to her life and family overall. Copyrighted in 2006 (so this pick maybe a bit of an older pick), 
and receiving praise from Booklist, as well as positive acknowledgment from various critics, 
“Rules” is another interesting read for readers of various ages, and is helpful when you want to 
learn something better, or to just appreciate the uniqueness of someone or something in your 
life, in spite of any challenges that come your way. 

Description: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nF3IHXXvvIk/TEh3lFu-bfI/AAAAAAAABOU/6_fCNg7szJY/s200/rules_cover.jpg 
Call them overrated, 
underrated, rock Gods or 
major sellouts, but Kings 
of Leon, perhaps one of 
the biggest modern rock 
acts in the world, are back at it. It’s been three 
years since Kings of Leon released their fifth and 
ultimately disappointing album, “Come Around 
Sundown.” In 2011, it appeared the band was 
slowing down and hits like “Sex On Fire” and 
“Use Somebody” were clearly absent on the 
aforementioned record. With a tour abruptly 
cancelled and breakup rumors swirling, Kings of 
Leon decided to take a seemingly much desirable 
hiatus. 

 This past June, however, it was revealed by 
the band that they would be making their return 
with album number six in ten years entitled, 
“Mechanical Bull.” Does “Mechanical Bull” put 
the band back on top? Well, for starters, after a 
first listen, this is clearly a much better record 
than “Come Around Sundown.” Nevertheless, 
some inconsistencies with tone and theme forbid 
the record on being spectacular rather than 
just very good. If you can skip through those 
particular tracks that drag down the record, 
you’ll find out that Kings of Leon still have the 
magic left in them. 

 “Mechanical Bull” kicks off with the first 
single, “Supersoaker,” a summer type jam with 
enthusiasm and vigor to boot. It recalls the 
youthful days of KOL such as the “Aha Shake 
Heartbreak” record. However, with the heavy 
studio sound surrounding it, the song appears 
less organic than those of their earlier days. 
Nonetheless, “Supersoaker” is undoubtedly the 
inner workings of a band that knows how to still 
have fun. 

 After the frolicsome opener, the band throws 
a few misfires into the record with “Rock City” 
and subsequent track, “Don’t Matter.” Those two 
tracks stray away from what the album wants 
to say midway through the end. “Don’t Matter” 
channels the former days of KOL, but since the 
band has clearly grown into a more, mature rock 
band, this song feels painfully outdated to be 
added to their current repertoire. 

 Rest assured, regardless of a pretty solid single 
that’s followed by two or three average tracks, 
Kings’ come on stronger than possibly ever 
before. “Temple,” a clear standout that is filled 
with hooks and powerful, but smooth guitars. It’s 
one of their catchiest songs to date and an obvious 
choice for the next single. “Wait For Me” slows it 
down, but you couldn’t ask for a better cool down 
track. Beautifully written, wonderfully wistful, 
and supporting a vintage KOL sound, “Wait For 
Me,” might just be one of their best songs ever.

 “Comeback Story” is another gentle song that 
it’s very difficult not to be utterly enamored by. 
Sure, it may sport some silly lyrics, “I walked a 
mile in your shoes/And now I am a mile away 
and I’ve got your shoes.” Nonetheless, the 
sensitive, attractive guitar layout pulls you in and 
easily captures your heart. Compassionate and 
cordial, Kings adds another strong track to their 
collection (one that is quite plentiful with hits). 

 “On The Chin” closes out the album with 
another simple and carefree tune that has an 
alternative-country rock vibe. Not the best song 
here, but a fitting closer to an album that balances 
between youthful sounds and mature themes. 
The deluxe album has two bonus tracks that are 
terrific, especially “Work On Me.” This classic 
rock inspired tune alone should attract new fans 
who never seemed to give KOL a fighting chance. 
I wish the bonus material had been on the regular 
edition instead of some of the subpar tracks that 
did make the final cut. 

 If you pick up this album - and you totally 
should - the deluxe edition is the way to go. All 
in all, “Mechanical Bull” is a winning effort from 
band that has had its share of ups and down. Kings 
of Leon are one of the biggest rock bands around 
and over the span of their 10 plus year career, 
no other rock act has come close to imitating 
their signature sound. Love them or hate them, 
they should be respected and regarded as utterly 
talented musicians. Innovators or not, Kings of 
Leon’s latest endeavor pulls the Nashville boys 
out of the rubble to shed new skin. At the very 
least, there are plenty of satisfying rock songs to 
enjoy. Deserves a listen, but possibly worth much 
more than just that.

Grade: 8.4 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Temple,” “Wait For Me,” “Comeback 
Story,” “Coming Back Again” 

Artist: Kings Of Leon

Album: Mechanical Bull

Label: RCA Records

Release 

Date: September 24, 2013

OCTOBER 6: FAURE, RAVEL, CHAMINADE IN 
CONCERT AT SIERRA MADRE PLAYHOUSE

 The inaugural concert in the series jointly presented by Sierra Madre Playhouse and 
the Colburn School of Music features Colburn alumni and students with guest artists from 
L.A. Opera. The program:

 Fauve: La bonne chansons, Op. 61

 Ravel: Sonata for violin and violincello

 Ravel: Chansons Madecasses

 Chaminade: Portrait: Valse chantee

 Performers include: Rebecca Nathanson, soprano, LA Opera; Yi Zhou, viola, LA 
Opera; Yi-Ju Lai, piano, Colburn alum; Eloise Kim, piano, Colburn; Natalie Helm, cello, 
Colburn; Evin Blomberg, violin, Colburn; Radu Paponiu, Colburn; Ridge Davis, flute, 
Colburn.

 At Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Ample 
free parking behind theatre. Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. $20. Seniors (65+) and 
students (to age 21), $15. Reservations: (626) 355-4318. Online ticketing: www.sierramadreplayhouse.
org