Movie and a Dinner 2

@ the movies: INCEPTION

Dreams. Death. Idea. Past. Memories. Journey. Concept. Surreal. Puzzle. Architect. Illusions. Forgiveness. Reality. Secrets. Passion. Dimension. Tricks. Allusions. Games. Leonardo Di Caprio. Christopher Nolan.

These words make up a mind-boggling, awesomely-gratifying experience for $15 at the IMAX Theaters. Expect explosives, fight scenes and gadgetry. Expect to be perplexed. Expect to want to watch it again, at least twice in your lifetime.

This movie takes place in the mind – or rather, in several minds at once, as the heroes pursue their prize through dreams within dreams. In fact, by the climax, the action is occurring in at least four separate and simultaneous realities.

I totally recommend this movie. You must be willing to forget your experience with the Matrix Trilogy (Keanu Reeves) and avoid comparing these two.

Kudos to the writer! Such “concept” about dreams has been missed at least in my lifetime. I envy my friends who can retell their dreams. Interpreting these dreams are fun to talk about too. Unfortunately, with me, dreams are forgotten the moment I open my eyes.

@ HONDA-YA Japanese Restaurant

What could best conclude my evening but a hot cup of tea and enjoying some crunchy, mouth-jostling dish – Ebi Tempura. Then put a bowl of edamame, pickled cucumber and grilled Yellowtail in the mix and you have a satisfying post-dinner experience.

My friends and I were impressed with the restaurant’s “new look.” Honda-ya is located in an odd spot off Railroad St. and Azusa Ave. in the middle of an industrial/business area in the City of Industry (SoCal). It is open from 8:00 until 12:30 midnight. I was impressed with how much it changed, from being Izakaya Buffet to Korean BBQ and now an authentic Japanese Restaurant with real Japanese folks dining and drinking, real Japanese sushi chef (and not Mexican) and the surprise – a Tatami room! I was tempted to take off my shoes, sit on the floor and ask our waiter to move us to the Tatami but my two friends stopped me and said, “Let’s do that next time.”

Overall experience is excellent. With two wonderful friends with me, what could ever go wrong?