We’re here, we’re queer: Is that still weird to you? HBO’s hit series ‘We’re Here’ returned last Friday on Max with another season following four queens who go to small towns to empower queer people through the power of drag.
When thinking of African American led comedies, the name Tyler Perry must come to mind! He’s created one of the most iconic Black film series —”Madea”. But have you heard of Taylor Pherry?
“Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” is a biographical documentary that delves into the life and career of Tyler Perry, a multi-talented figure in the entertainment industry. The film not only explores his remarkable journey to becoming a successful writer, actor, filmmaker, and studio head but also emphasizes the personal struggles and childhood trauma he has had to overcome. It highlights the transformative power of turning one’s pain into a legacy for the upcoming future to look up to.
On October 27, the TLC Chinese Theatre changed into a venue honoring Tyler Perry and the history of his achievements. In order to educate the public about the process by which Tyler Perry’s fame came to be, co-directors Armani Oritiz and Gelila Bekele brought ten years of filming to life on screen. In addition to the stars in attendance, the red carpet was illuminated by the overwhelming affection that everyone had for Tyler Perry, both personally and for his incredible body of work over the years. The anticipation for this movie continued to grow throughout the evening, making it a night full of enjoyment.
The title of the documentary, “Maxine’s Baby,” pays tribute to his mother, Maxine, suggesting that her love and influence played a significant role in shaping Tyler Perry’s life. The film provides a tender and intimate portrayal of Perry, offering a more comprehensive understanding of his life, motivations, and the challenges he faced along the way.
Through the lens of the directors, the audience is given insight into the man behind the success, exploring aspects of his personal life, his journey to fatherhood, and his mission to carve a unique path to the top of the entertainment industry.
“Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” serves as a profound lesson in the importance of understanding one’s roots to navigate the path towards one’s aspirations. It is an inspirational journey that highlights the determination, resilience, and vision of a man who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
Deisy Suarez
Barbra Sanchez
Edwina Findley
Armani Ortiz
Gelila Bekele
Roshon Fegan
Gogo Morrow
On August 24, Citi Taste of Tennis returned to New York City’s Gotham Hall. Food Network’s Chopped Champion, Founder and Executive Chef Bao Bao, and Former Tennis Player Prakash Amritraj hosted the event. Pro tennis players and chefs served it up city-style.
Tennis players Venus Williams, John McEnroe, Belinda Bencic, Sascha Zverev, and Ons Jabeur made appearances. Alycia Parks, Liudmila Samsonova, Desirae Krawczyk, Sachia Vickery, JJ Wolf, and Holger Rune sampled fantastic dishes.
Fig and Olive’s Chef Alain Allegretti served watermelon and shrimp carpaccio, cauliflower, and couscous tabbouleh. Barbados Tourism’s Chef Damian Leach served salt fish and shrimp fregola. Hunt and Fish Club’s Chef Chad Brown served gnocchi bolognese.
Segafredo Zanetti Coffee crafted delectable expresso cocktails. Zonin USA provided bubbles, while VOSS created “voss-tails.” Gin Mare and Chambord made innovative cocktails. Guests indulged in the fabulous Gotham Hall.
The elegant ballroom has an intricate stained-glass skylight and seventy-foot ceilings. Attendees chatted with tennis stars and enjoyed endless food from top chefs. They danced to DJ Ravi Drums’ percussion remixes.
Venus Williams
On social media, guests tagged @TasteofTennis and #CitiTasteofTennis.
Check out our red-carpet interviews!
Camila Giorgi
Ons Jabeur
More exciting interviews!
Liudmila Samsonova
Featured Chefs
Chef Bao Bao (Baoburg), Chef John Mooney (Bell Book and Candle), Chef Jassi Bindra (Amrina The Woodlands), Chef Sujan Sarkar (Baar Baar), Chef Fany Gerson (Fan Fan Doughnuts), Chef Admir Alibasic (One Rare Italian Steakhouse), Chef Kerry Heffernan (Grand Banks), Chef Jack Logue (The Lambs Club), Chef Chad Brown (Hunt & Fish Club), Chef Doc (Doc’s Cake Shop), Chef Alain Allegretti (Fig & Olive), Chef Shorne Benjamin (St. Lucia Tourism), Chef Ruffo Ibarra (ORYX Restaurante), Chefs Scheyla Acosta and Ann Cashion (Cashion’s Rendezvous), Chef Ryan Hackney (Chaos), Chef MAC & Chef Pinke (Flavorture), Chef Paramjeet Singh Bombra (Gulaabo Timeless Indian), Chef Nick Wang (Amami Bar & Restaurant), Chef Mike Viola (Boar’s Head Premium Deli Products), and Chef Joey Campanaro (The Little Owl).
Full Menu
Baoburg (Cooking Demo)
Chef Susan Askornann (Chef Bao Bao):
Pad Thai
The Lambs Club
Chef Jack Logue:
Grilled Cucumber Salad: Yogurt, Oregano; Allergens: dairy
Cured Yellow Tail, Almonds, Prosciutto, Basil; Allergens: fish, nuts, meat
Amrina Woodlands
Chef Jassi Bindra:
Short Rib Nihari Dumpling; Allergens: gluten, dairy
Kadai Vegetable Dumpling (Vegetarian); Allergens: gluten, dairy
One Rare Italian Steakhouse
Chef Admir Alibasic:
Steak & Cake
Mini Crab Cake
Beef Tenderloin
Corn Salsa
Allergens: shellfish & gluten
Chef Shorne Benjamin:
Oxtail Grilled Cheese (Allergens: dairy, wheat)
Sweet Plantains with Champagne Vinaigrette (Vegan)
ORYX Restaurante
Chef Ruffo Ibarra:
Bluefin Tuna: Organic Soy-Cured Egg Yolk, Peanut,Mustard Sprouts, Serrano Chili, Lemon Zest, Chives, Black Garlic Aioli, Local Seaweed Crackling
Smoked Watermelon: Feta Cheese, Fingerlime, Mustard Greens (Vegetarian)
Little Owl
Chef Joey Campanaro:
Corn Maque Choux (Gluten Free)
Sangria Steak, Caesar Salad Slaw, Garlic Crunchies
Hunt & Fish Club
Chef Chad Brown:
Gnocchi Bolognese: Beef, Pork, Veal, Basil; Allergens: gluten, dairy, eggs, onion, garlic
Gnocchi Mushroom: Black Truffle, Butter, Basil; Allergens: mushrooms, gluten, dairy, eggs, onion, garlic
Cashion’s Rendezvous
Chef Scheyla Acosta:
Steak Tartare; Allergens: dairy, eggs
Taramasalata with Salmon Pastrami; Allergens: seafood
BBQ Shrimp with Grits; Allergens: shellfish
Chicken Liver Duck Parfait
Barbados
Chef Damian Leach:
Salt Fish & Shrimp Fregola: Sardinian Couscous Cooked Down in a Ginger Seafood Bisque topped with Salt Fish & Shrimp, Pickled Cucumber
Bajan Charred Mushroom Taco: Bajan Marinated Mushrooms on a soft-shell taco with Pickled Onions, Pepper Sauce/Avocado Puree, Tomato Salsa
Mixologist Dameain Williams:
Straight Serve Cucumber Cooler
Peachy Perfect Sangria
Chaos
Chef Ryan Hackney:
“Thai Breaker”: Smashed Cucumber Salad, Marinated Shallots, Makrut Lime, Thai Fish Sauce, Cilantro; Allergens: allium, shellfish, soy, gluten, (Also available gluten-free and vegan)
“Straight Down the Line”: Sashimi Style Hamachi Crudo, Lime, Ginger, Thai Chili, Yuzu Aioli, Crispy Shallots; Allergens: allium, seafood, soy, gluten
Boar’s Head
Chef Mike Viola:
Summer Melon Gazpacho Shooter: Chorizo Crisp (Boar’s Head® Superiore Uncured Chorizo Spanish Style Sausage), and Pecorino Romano-Black Pepper Frico (Vegetarian); Allergens: dairy
Boar’s Head® FireSmithTM Flame Grilled Chicken Breast & Dill Pickle Salad on Mini Brioche with Micro Greens, Kettle Chip Crumbles; Allergens: wheat, egg, dairy
Fig & Olive
Chef Alain Allegretti:
Watermelon & Shrimp Carpaccio Feta Cheese
Applewood Bacon & Spicy Cashew; Allergens: dairy, nuts
Cauliflower & Couscous Tabbouleh Little Gem Cup: Crunchy Seasonal Vegetables, Avocado, Toasted Pine Nuts & Dates, Fresh Mint, Honey Mustard-Lemon Dressing Gremolata; Allergens: nuts
Pure Grenada
Chef Belinda Bishop:
Creole- Style Fish: Pan-seared Fish Seasoned with Fresh Spices, Sautéed with Sweet Peppers, Onions, Garlic, and Ginger in a Spiced Tomato Broth
Cou-Cou: Cornmeal Seasoned with Farm-Fresh Herbs and Vegetables, with Freshly Made Coconut Milk Mixed into a Thick, Creamy Consistency (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Stewed Callaloo: Dasheen Leaf Chopped and Simmered Down in Herbs, Garlic, Sweet Pimento Peppers and Fresh Coconut Milk (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Flavorture
Chef Pine & Mac:
Jerk Jackfruit Tacos (Vegan); Allergens: onions
Braised Beef Sliders; Allergens: onions
Grand Banks
Chef Kerry Heffernan:
Oysters Champagne
Tartare of Cucumber, Shiso, and Roasted Shishito Mignonette; Allergens: shellfish
Cucumber Tartare
Gulaabo
Chef Paramjeet Singh Bombra:
Lamb Samosa; Allergens: dairy, gluten
Vegetarian Samosa; Allergens: gluten, nuts
Amami Bar & Restaurant
Chef Nick Wang:
Tuna Crostini with Tuna Tataki | Edamame Puree, Avocado, Mango Salsa
Allergens: gluten, sesame, allium
Bell Book & Candle
Chef John Mooney:
Rooftop Watermelon Gazpacho with Poached Shrimp; Allergens: Shellfish
Baar Baar
Chef Sujan Sarkar:
Tuna Bhel Tostada: Avocado, Radish, Onion, Cilantro; Allergen: Fish
Avocado Green Chickpea Bhel (Vegan)
Doc’s Cake Shop
Chef Doc:
Southern Style Cupcakes; Allergen: eggs
Blissful Banana Pudding; Allergen: milk
Fan Fan Doughnuts
Chef Jany Ferson:
Doughnuts
Segafredo Zanetti:
Espresso Martini: Segafredo Espresso, Absolut Vodka, Kahlua, topped with VOSS Sparkling Water
Sparkling Americano: VOSS sparkling water, Segafredo espresso, fresh orange slice
Chamboard:
Chamboard Royale: Chamboard & Zonin Prosecco, Black Raspberry Garnish
Courtside Crusher: Chamboard, Vodka, Lemonade, and Blackberry Garnish
Gin Mare
Gin Mare & Tonic: Gin Mare & Tonic Water
Mare Mule: Gin Mare, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, and Seventeen Ginger Beer
Zonin
Zonin Prosecco D.O.C.
Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz
Sponsors
Citi (Title Sponsor), Zonin USA, Barbados Tourism, Boar’s Head Premium Deli Products, Gin Mare, VOSS, Chambord, Pure Grenada Tourism Authority, Chef Works, Lucky in Love, Sagafredo Zanetti Coffee, Volkl, and Saint Lucia Tourism.
Artist Cait Martin competed during The Voice’s Knockout round. She delivered a stunning rendition of “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. After impressing the judges, she advanced to the Playoffs. Coaches Blake Sheldon, Chance the Rapper, Niall Horan, and Kelly Clarkson hoped to discover the next big singing phenomenon. The Knockout rounds continue on Monday nights on NBC.
I was able to sit down with Kheris Rogers who is a teen influencer, fashion designer, actress and CEO of her apparel brand “Flexin’ In My Complexion” which she began after bullies made fun of her darker skin tone and she began the fashion campaign and blew up on Twitter with celebrities wearing her apparel.
In 2018, Will Merrick’s thriller Searching drew audiences in with its unique form of storytelling, as the entire film was told through the screen of a computer. It followed a father, played by John Cho, as he searches for his missing daughter using various digital tools and platforms, including social media, search engines, and video chat. The film received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling that had audiences on the edge of their seats. In addition, the filmmakers used real websites and software interfaces in the film to create a more authentic and immersive viewing experience.
A story of triumph, determination, and one woman’s dream for an entire community.
Purple Disco Machine kicked off his North American tour at the beginning of October in San Fransisco. Despite his hectic schedule, we had the chance to converse with the man who has mastered the craft of combining disco elements with house music.
Well into its second season, HBO’s “Ballers” has been heating up televisions nationwide since it first aired last summer. It hasn’t taken long for America to fall in love with star and former UCLA Bruin, Donovan Carter, who plays Vernon on the show. We spoke to him about his peculiar journey towards pursuing a career in acting.
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