Welcome to the thirty-ninth edition of The Rec Room, a biweekly lounge-meets-newsletter from your friend John A. Paradiso. A big thank you to everyone who’s subscribed so far. And, if you haven’t, hit that big ol’ subscribe button now!
If you have no idea what’s going on, no problem!
Every other Friday, I’ll be sending out an email with five recommendations from either a friend with fantastic taste or yours truly. Then, we’ll end the email with a game to add to our Rec Room Game Collection.
We’re back with another Editor’s Edition of The Rec Room. I usually try to diversify my picks so I apologize that two of the five are movies. But I enjoyed to recent releases so much that I had to give them separate shoutouts.
In case you’re new here, hello! I’m John. I’m the managing editor at lifestyle site Cool Material and I’m a regular contributor at a few other publications. I founded this newsletter because so often I find that I’d prefer to turn to friends, colleagues, or social media folk for advice. So, if you’re looking for something new to watch, drink, listen to, or do, you’ve come to the right place.
Also, last week I announced my next project: a new bar and cafe I’m opening in Durham, North Carolina! The Daily Beer Bar will be opening later this summer serving excellent drinks, sandwiches, and coffee. If you happen to be in Durham, come swing by!
Anyway, sit back, relax, and enjoy The Rec Room!
The Recs
The Northman
“If you enjoyed Robert Eggers past films VVitch or The Lighthouse, you’ll love his latest: The Northman. This film brings to life the brutal Viking myth that would go on to inspire Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It’s a revenge thriller that’s practically dripping with the unsettling atmosphere Eggers has trademarked. Eerie, tense, and spiritual, it’s a brilliant film and a wild ride.”
Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry
“This will sound like a humble brag but when I posted this picture on Instagram I had several friends reach out asking for the recipe. Truthfully this was a pretty random recipe I threw together in an effort to use up extra ingredients in the fridge. The important part was the marinade, made with soy sauce, miso, roasted garlic, sambal oelek, honey, and sesame seeds. Let the cauliflower marinate in that a bit before frying up with onions, peppers, and kale. Plate all of that over some rice, top with a fried egg, and drizzle on the rest of your marinade. *Chef’s kiss*”
“Claude the Armadillo,” Lou Hazel
“Showing off a little local pride with this new tune from Durham-based musician Lou Hazel. ‘Claude the Armadillo’ tells the story of a stoney baloney armadillo. The song itself is incredible but it really comes alive with this amazing animated music video. Light it up and enjoy this breezy single from Lou Hazel.”
Twenty Percent True Podcast
“I’ve been diving into the back catalog of podcast episodes that have piled up on my iPhone and rediscovered my love for this truly special show. The Twenty Percent True Podcast is a narrative show hosted by Carolyn Rahaman, a writer who has a knack for blending slice of life realism with high fantasy. In this show which has spanned multiple seasons, Rahaman whips up short stories about ghosts, ghouls, monsters, and more interacting with normal folk in modern life. If you need some short-form episodes to get you through a quick drive or a few chores around the house, this is your show. Recently, Rahaman has told longer stories over the course of several episodes so I’d recommend picking one season and listening through. And if you enjoy her work and have the means, consider backing her on Patreon.”
Everything Everywhere All At Once
“As much as I loved The Northman, Everything Everywhere All At Once has quickly become my favorite movie of 2022. Poignant, funny, weird, and beautiful, it’s well worth a watch. Excellent action and family drama blend together in this cerebral flick. As it was directed by the Daniels, who made Swiss Army Man, this movie has plenty of goofy antics along with some serious consideration on the meaning of life.”
Rec Room Game Collection
Disco Elysium
“This video game has been recommended to me multiple times and I’ve finally given it a chance. And what an incredible game it is. In Disco Elysium you play a hungover cop in a decaying city that is reckoning with socialism, nationalism, capitalism, and the brutality of daily life. After waking up from a near-death drunken stupor, dive into an investigation into a murder case. It’s a gripping story that updates the point-and-click adventure genre for modern games with an immersive narrative that gives the player complete control over the direction of their character. Neo-noir meets an existential nightmare in this beloved game.”