It's once again time for reviews, and this time, you will get a food and movie combo.

FOOD:

Alivia's

Atmosphere: A+
Food: A
Service: B
Price: A ($6-12+)

In keeping with our plan to make Sunday brunch our weekly outing, Brooklynne and I have recently been to Alivia's in downtown Durham, across from Brightleaf. Since we get out of church at 10, and the place opens at 10, we were the first people through the door on Sunday morning. I thought that boded well for the speed of service, but the food took a really long time to come. Once it got there it was good. Brooke's stuffed french toast was excellent, Halleigh enjoyed a bowl of grits despite a unique hint of garlic, and my hamburger was average. I really liked the way they've styled the place, although it was quite cold inside and we wished we had opted for the patio seating. The coffee was very strong, but not burnt like starbuck's. Overall--a good experience.

The Old Grainery

Atmosphere: A+
Food: A-
Service: A-
Price: A- ($8-12+)

The week before, we went out to The Old Grainery at Ferrington Village. Obviously, the atmosphere had a different angle from Alivia's, but it was still a very nice place. The food was slow here too, and it was not as good as Alivia's in general, but it gets bonus points for the country biscuits handed out like tortilla chips at a Mexican place. My eggs benedict was decidedly average, and Brooke's salmon was much too strong for our taste.

Torrero's

Atmosphere: A+
Food: A
Service: A
Price: A ($5-14)

Torrero's at Brightleaf repeatedly proves itself to be the best Mexican Restaurant in the Triangle. Brooklynne's best friend from college, Hailey, is in town this week and Tuesday we took her to our favorite south of the border eatery this side of Pepe's. Everything was great. I do feel the obligation to report that my enchiladas were not the best I've had there, but I can give them a mulligan every once in a while. Brooklynne got the burrito, which was easily enough to feed all three of us.

MOVIES:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: B+

The movie was solidly entertaining, just like all the others, but I did not think this one stood out as being particularly good among the group. I would rank the first 5 movies in this order: 1, 3, 4, 5, 2. Brooklynne has told me that I'm not allowed to judge the storyline until I've read the books, but I'm holding out for the last movie, because who wants to ruin a good movie by reading the book first?

Other grades:

Bridge to Terabithia: B
The Librarian: D+
Open Season: B
The Prestige: A (watching and reviewing for the second time)
40 Year Old Virgin: D
The Good Shepherd: B