Oregon, Chicago, North Carolina and much more! Traveling? Discover Greatest Hotels Ever from Fifty Grande
Travel magazine Fifty Grande recognized 50 hotels for its first ‘Greatest Hotels Ever’ awards, nominated by readers.
Hotels had to meet two criteria to secure a nomination; they had to be located in the United States and needed to average a rate of under $350 per night.
“This collection of hotels reflects the adventurous spirit and eclectic interests of our Fifty Grande community,”
Chris Walsh
Editor-in-Chief
The chosen hotels offer an array of interesting amenities and thoughtful guest experiences. This carefully curated selection celebrates the best in affordable tourism, highlighting exceptional accommodations that redefine the travel experience without breaking the bank.
The Greatest Hotels Ever are:
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
The Asbury, Asbury Park, N.J.
The Dean Hotel, Providence
Hotel Zena, Washington, D.C.
The Lincoln Hotel, Biddeford, Maine
Oak Bluffs Inn, Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.
The Schoolhouse Hotel, White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.
TWA Hotel, New York
The Verb, Boston
Woodstock Inn and Resort, Woodstock, Vt.
South
Crazy Water Hotel, Mineral Wells, Texas
Emeline, Charleston
Flophouze, Round Top, Texas
Grand Bohemian Lodge, Greenville, S.C.
Graduate Nashville, Nashville
Hotel San Jose, Austin
Hotel Tupelo, Tupelo, Miss.
Kimpton Overland Hotel Atlanta Airport, Atlanta
The Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans
The Reserve at Hot Springs, Hot Springs, Ark.
The Vendue, Charleston
West
Ace Hotel Palm Springs, Palm Springs
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, Kanab, Utah
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, Golden, Colo.
The Edgewater Hotel, Seattle
Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish
Hotel Chaco, Albuquerque
Hotel Figeroa, Los Angeles
Hotel Max, Seattle
Hotel McCoy, Tucson
Hotel Zetta, San Francisco
McMenamins Kennedy School, Portland, Ore.
The Pearl Hotel, San Diego
Shore Lodge, McCall, Idaho
Urban Cowboy, Denver
The Venetian, Las Vegas
Wyoming Inn, Jackson Hole
Midwest
21c Museum Hotel, St. Louis
Bottleworks Hotel, Indianapolis
The Brown Hotel, Louisville
Hotel Donaldson, Fargo
Hotel Millwright, Amana, Iowa
Hotel on Phillips, Sioux Falls
The Junto, Columbus
Kinn Guesthouse, Milwaukee
Magnolia Omaha, Omaha
Palmer House, Chicago
The Siren Hotel, Detroit
Union Station Hotel, St. Louis
Viceroy Hotel, Chicago
The survey was conducted September 4 – 25, 2023 and the results were based on 1825 respondents.
For the full story, visit www.fiftygrande.com.
Fifty Grande
Fifty Grande is a digital and print travel publication that explores the U.S.
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Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquors Opens in Palm Springs to Celebrate 90 Year Anniversary for Perry’s of Provincetown
Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquors Opens in Palm Springs to Celebrate 90 Year Anniversary for Perry’s of Provincetown
Perry’s, the multi-award winning wine & liquor store, based in Provincetown, Cape Cod, MA, is thrilled to announce the official Opening of Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquors Palm Springs.
Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquors opens in Palm Springs
This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone in the history of Perry’s, as they bring their unique combination of service, selection and community commitment, that has made Perry’s a beloved institution in Provincetown, to the vibrant community of Palm Springs!
The year 2024 is not just another year for the Perry’s business; it marks 90 years since Bert Perry first opened the doors of his eponymous store in Provincetown, Cape Cod, MA. A pillar of the Provincetown community, Bert was known for his warmth, character and integrity, and ran his store for over 50 years.
Over the years since, successive owners have built on his legacy to create the much-loved, award-winning business it is today.
Charlie Greener and Billy Marshall, the current owners of Perry’s, bring their own unique story to the business’ legacy. The couple met in 2004 as crew members on a round-the-world sailing race, and during a stop in Boston at the end of the leg from Cape Town, South Africa, they were introduced to Provincetown. Captivated by the town’s stunning natural beauty and welcoming community, they returned year after year, drawn by the sense of joy and escape that the town offered.
Being passionate about wine
Being passionate about wine, the Perry’s store quickly became their first stop whenever they arrived in Provincetown, drawn in by the service, the selection and community spirit of the business.
“For us, so many of the best moments in Provincetown were made more special by a glass of something magical in hand, and Perry’s played a significant role in those experiences,” says Charlie.
In 2019, after successful global careers in marketing and management consultancy, Charlie (who grew up in the UK & who is now a US citizen) and Billy (born in Venezuela to Mexican and American parents, and who also holds UK citizenship) left their then-home in Mexico City to embrace their long-held passion for wine, and the opportunity to live full-time in Provincetown by taking over Perry’s.
Over the following years of managing and growing the Perry’s business, Charlie and Billy noticed that many of their Provincetown customers also spent significant time in Palm Springs. These loyal customers often urged them to bring Perry’s unique offering to California, seeking to enjoy Perry’s exceptional service year-round, on both coasts.
Upon visiting Palm Springs, Charlie and Billy fell in love with the city’s history, architecture and lifestyle. Though nearly 3,000 miles separate Provincetown and Palm Springs, their similarities —a spirit of escapism, community and the pursuit of the good life – are striking, all of which made Palm Springs the perfect choice to expand the business to.
As Perry’s celebrates its 90th anniversary, the opening of Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquors Palm Springs represents the continuation of a journey that began nearly a century ago of three guiding principles: service, selection, and community.
- Service: Perry’s prides itself on offering knowledgeable, friendly advice in a warm, inviting retail space that feels like home. Every detail—from the selection of wines to the tissue paper wrap as you open a case—is designed to make customers feel like family. With this ethos in mind, they run their home delivery service themselves (not via third parties) to ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for customers from the store to their door.
- Selection: Perry’s carefully curates a world-class collection of products. From Armenia to Australia, Paso Robles to Piedmont, well-known brands to hidden gems, from $11 to $2,900, and everywhere in-between, Perry’s ensures that there’s something for every palate, occasion, and budget. As well as wines & liquors, the store offers a hand-picked selection of cheeses, charcuterie, fresh grill-ready meats, and much more.
- Community: Wine brings people together, and Perry’s is committed to being an integral part of the communities it serves. Perry’s has a longstanding tradition of supporting local organizations, particularly those in the arts, contributing to the vitality of the year-round community.
“How Perry’s first made us feel as customers still guides us today, as the business evolves and grows,”
Billy Marshall.
“Our mission remains simple: to add joy to life’s special moments. Through our focus on service, selection, and community, we see ourselves as purveyors of joy—the joy of being together, the joy of elevating meals and experiences, and the joy of discovery.”
Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer Canopy Wine Lounge, Palm Springs’ Newest Elegant Oasis Featuring Exceptional Wines
Canopy Wine Lounge, Palm Springs’ Newest Elegant Oasis Featuring Exceptional Wines from Around the World Officially Introduces Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer
Canopy Wine Lounge, Palm Springs’ newest oasis, proudly introduces Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer and her delectable new Fall Menu that will enchant and excite the palates of wine enthusiasts, perfectly pairing Canopy Wine Lounge’s exceptional wines with elevated California cuisine, creating an unforgettable experience right in the heart of Palm Springs!
Elevated California cuisine right in the heart of Palm Springs
Canopy Wine Lounge is the first upscale wine lounge in the Coachella Valley, catering to locals, domestic, and international tourists.
With nearly 150 wines from around the world, amongst greats Lithology (St. Helena, CA), Waypoint (Napa, CA), Otronia (Patagonia, Argentina), and Alkina(Barossa Valley, South Australia), it promises an unforgettable experience where the world’s finest wines meet Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer’s gourmet culinary delights.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Boston, Kristin Puttkamer’s journey to becoming the esteemed Executive Chef at Canopy Wine Lounge in Palm Springs is marked by an exciting array of experiences and a passion for culinary excellence.
Puttkamer’s early exposure to different cultures ignited her love for food and hospitality.
Her travels with her grandmother across Europe, from Ireland to Germany, London to Italy, instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse flavors and culinary traditions.
Puttkamer took an unexpected turn
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Media and Communications from New York University, Puttkamer took an unexpected turn by entering the finance sector.
She secured a position at Goldman Sachs, where she initially served as a Foreign Exchange Analyst before advancing to a managerial role. However, as her enthusiasm for the finance world in New York City waned, she decided to embark on an adventurous journey by biking across the country.
Where her heart truly belonged
This transformative experience led her to realize that her heart truly belonged to the West Coast.
Over the years, she laid down roots in Los Angeles where she worked at various talent agencies, managing numerous celebrities.
Puttkamer ultimately discovered that her genuine passion lay in the culinary arts.
Deciding to pursue this newfound calling, she courageously enrolled in culinary school at the age of 38, leaving behind her established career in entertainment. Puttkamer honed her skills through formal education at The Culinary Institute of America in Saint Helena, California.
During her studies, she embarked on an externship at the Michelin Star restaurant, State Bird, where her culinary prowess caught the attention of Darioush Winery. At Darioush, she worked under Michelin Star Chef Chris Lemerand and Chef Sean Massey, embracing the challenge of crafting innovative menus inspired by California’s seasonal bounty and Persian influences, enhancing the winery’s culinary experience for guests.
Kristin’s culinary journey reached new heights
In 2024, Kristin’s culinary journey reached new heights as she accepted the role of Executive Chef at Canopy Wine Lounge in Palm Springs and with her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to culinary excellence, Chef Puttkamer has created an innovative menu that promises to delight the palates of wine enthusiasts, featuring a delectable array of bites curated to perfection.
vibrant celebration of California’s agricultural bounty
Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer’s menu at Canopy Wine Lounge is a vibrant celebration of California’s agricultural bounty, showcasing a commitment to local and seasonal ingredients.
With a creative flair, Chef Puttkamer artfully incorporates premium products, such as Tsar Nicholai Caviar, sourced from Northern California, into her culinary creations. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors that reflects the essence of this rich agricultural region.
By emphasizing seasonal produce and sustainable practices, Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer creates an evolving menu that delights the senses while supporting local farmers and producers, inviting guests to experience the true taste of California in every bite.
Executive Chef Kristin Puttkamer’s Fried Green Tomatoes are a standout dish, featuring locally sourced tomatoes that are delicately fried, complemented by fresh, vibrant little gem lettuces from nearby farms.
In addition, her Tartines showcase her artisanal sourdough bread, crafted from a sourdough starter that she has diligently nurtured for over five years. Another menu favorite is the Handmade Potato Cakes layered with Old Bay Remoulade, Dungeness crab and pickled leeks.
Canopy Wine Lounge seamlessly blends the art of winemaking with a vibrant social hub and an elegant event space. This year, they proudly produced a signature wine, Desert Wren, crafted with care by Winemaker Josh Kelly.
At the same time, Canopy Wine Lounge invites guests to unwind in style and enjoy their diverse selection of wines five days a week. As a wine lounge, Canopy offers a diverse selection of wines in brilliantly curated atmosphere with the relaxed appeal of your neighborhood wine bar.
Canopy Wine Lounge was conceived in collaboration with Noah Mamet, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina from 2014-2017. His extensive efforts to strengthen bilateral relations were recognized with the Medal of San Martin at the rank of Great Cross by the government of Argentina. In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Mamet is the founder of NMA Partners, a business consulting firm, and he produces wine from his vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina under the label ‘Gran Diplomat.’
Canopy Wine Lounge boasts an impressive selection of exceptional wines curated from some of the world’s most renowned winemakers, including Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka, Matt Sands, Alberto Antonini, and Juan Pablo Murgia. The lounge also features Ambassador Mamet’s personal wine portfolio from Mendoza, Argentina under the label, ‘Gran Diplomat,’ showcasing Malbec, Cabernet Franc Blend, and Red Blend and Rosé. Guests can indulge in the exclusive experience of tasting the first and only wine made in Palm Springs by Sommelier and Winemaker Joshua Kelly, Desert Wren, which has finished its ageing process in Canopy Wine Lounge’s terracotta-hued wine amphora and is now available on premise to taste and for purchase.
Nestled near the vibrant Palm Canyon strip, Canopy Wine Lounge showcases the meticulous design work of California Modern and Midcentury Modern maestro Christopher Kennedy. The venue offers a breathtaking view of the San Jacinto Mountains, providing an idyllic setting for a vinous journey around the globe.
So come hungry and happy and enjoy an extraordinary evening at Canopy Wine Lounge!
Canopy Wine Lounge is open every Thursday through Monday from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm and closed every Tuesday and Wednesday. Happy Houris offered every Thursday through Monday from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Guests can enjoy almost 150 wines at Canopy Wine Lounge as well as purchase any bottle for retail. For more information about Canopy Wine Lounge or to make reservations, please call 760.656.0054 or visit www.CanopyWineLounge.com or OpenTable.com.
This Halloween in LA: Scary-good whiskies: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program.
Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.
Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey. Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.
The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray.
The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall. “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.
Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent.
Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof.
J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. Imagine expressing your innermost devilish (or angelic) thoughts on the bourbon bottle you give your favorite boo.
Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states.
About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.
It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.
In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/
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Upgrading Your Hollywood Hills House? Start by Choosing Your Best Mattress in 2023
Upgrading Your Home? – Your Best Mattress in 2023
Reviewed and revealed. Time for you to find your mattress in 2023. Most of us spend a third of our lives asleep. Science says it’s how we repair, recharge and dream. With hybrid work or work from home, we sometimes rest more. Some of us work from our bed.
You’re moving? You upgraded your house? Either way, it’s time for a new mattress. And a lot of changed since the old days of mattress shopping. Even if “the old days” was just 5 years ago.
Big changes. Real science upgrades depending on sleep position, body type, health conditions, body temperature, temperature of the room and flexibility, adaptability of all of these variables.
It’s a lot of decisions that you probably don’t want to research. You just want an awesome night’s sleep.
So we did the mattress research for you
What’s the best mattress overall?
Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature is pretty amazing. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the brand’s flagship bed.
The mattress offers three firmness options, a strong steel coil foundation layer, a comfy “give” that rests your aching bones, strong and durable hybrid construction.
Their hybrid mattress (a bed made with coils and foam) offers a neutral-foam feel that’s more light and airy than traditional memory foam. It also offers improved edge support, thanks to a thick layer of pocketed coils with reinforced coils around the edges of its support bed.
Accommodating for all body types and even suits any sleeping position.
If you time it right (they have sales), it’s surprisingly affordable.
Price is usually closer to $1200, but with the right timing (discounts), you can sleep well for under $1000.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Layla Hybrid mattress is special! Generations ago, flippable mattresses were popular and the Layla brand is bringing back the trend. So yes, it’s flippable and both sides offer different firmness levels – so yes, you have two choices to pick from to match your personal preference. One side is soft and pressure relieving while the other is firmer and more supportive.
Also, Layla’s primary comfort layers are made with copper-gel memory foam which helps regulate temperature, while the material feels ultra light and airy. This is more responsive than the foam’s traditional slow-bouncing nature.
The Layla Hybrid is ultra plush and soft. Indulgently comfortable. A. great choice for side sleepers of all body shapes and sizes.
The Layla Hybrid comes in a range of sizes: twin to California king sizes and prices range from $1,299 to $1,899.
Best Firm Mattress
The Saatva Classic offers both plush comfort with premium support. Its thick and supportive construction provides contouring that fits each of your body’s curves. Unique from most hybrid beds, it offers two coil layers (one innerspring layer and one pocketed coil layer), memory foam, Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire and a quilted, zoned pillow-top add to a luxury experience. Designed to promote comfort and spinal alignment.
The innerspring mattress hybrid construction is the magic behind why this bed is so supportive and firm.
The Saatva Classic’s special lumbar technology is designed to keep your spine aligned while comforting your shoulders and hips.Also allows you to choose how firm you want your firm bed to be.
The Saatva Classic comes in sizes twin XL to split California king and prices range from $887 up to $2,296.
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George Gallagher Gets Lucky with Law in BET+ Perimeter TV Series from Tyler Perry, Armani Ortiz
George Gallagher gets lucky with the law in BET+ Perimeter TV Series from Tyler Perry, Armani Ortiz
We’re with actor George Gallagher. He’s currently on BET+ new show, “Perimeter”.
Today’s conversation has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, un-edited conversation, visit our YouTube channel here.
Joe Winger:
Talk a little bit from an actor point of view. All the different characters you’ve played, what’s your preparation process like?
George Gallagher:
It tends to vary from role to role. I utilize a lot of different disciplines. But for example, on Perimeter I play an attorney who takes on cases that others wouldn’t necessarily.
He knows where his bread and butter comes from, but he likes to challenge and, when dealing with that, I’d watched a lot of different things.
I watched Better Call Saul.
I watched different lawyer shows and I consulted with some attorneys and did some research and, I have a relative who’s an upper echelon attorney in the tri state New York area. I spoke with her in some detail about different things and went through the script actually, and to try to make it make sense for me in a very real, visceral way.
But also honor the world that Armani Ortiz and Tyler Perry had created.
So it varies quite a bit. I like to be really spontaneous and instinctive with everything. I like to go off the moment of what I get from the other person and what happens in the moment.
How I respond to things 12 words or less, unfortunately is not my specialty, but that’s why we have writers to give me dialogue.
Joe Winger:
Talk about Lance, the character you play in Perimeter.
George Gallagher:
Working on the show is one of the gifts of my creative, professional career.
Armani Ortiz is the young writer-director visionary, who has created the show and put it forth with Tyler Perry as executive producer. And he also directed the Tyler Perry documentary, Maxine’s Baby, about Mr. Perry’s life that’s doing quite well right now.
He’s really an extremely talented young guy. He really invited me into his world, to create whatever I wanted within certain parameters. He was very collaborative with the actors. He allowed us to rehearse, work through things, but also give it our own flavor.
I come from the theater and actors that work in that studio tend to have that background because we can work quickly. We’re autonomous. We have some process and technique and I believe that we’re able to collaborate with others in a way that’s immediate, and in theater, you’re out there in the unknown and there’s no one to cut you out.
If you have a bad moment, the audience sees it.
So actors really learn how to hyper focus in real time. That was a bit of the experience. Once the cameras were starting to roll, but we did have an incredible cast.
Most of the people came from California, some from New York. I’m really drawn from both coasts that came to Atlanta to film and work on the show.
It’s a great story. It’s period. It takes place in the nineties surrounding Freaknik, which was a really popular hip hop festival in Atlanta. The Olympics is in the backdrop, when they had them here in the early 90s. The whole city, the airport expanded. It really put Atlanta on the map as a major metropolitan city. So that’s all happening in the backdrop. They had the first black mayor at the time.
My character, Lance, is a high end attorney who has a very private clientele that pays him very well. Their cases might be a little more challenging.
He represents people who are, sometimes stepping outside of the law and in the criminal world and which makes it all the more challenging.
But back to your earlier question, I was researching lawyers that had taken on different civil rights cases that are a little more controversial in terms of dealing with the system and upholding a belief in the system.
Someone like Alan Dershowitz, I watched Reversal of Fortune.
He took on a lot of civil rights cases and then went and defended someone that everyone thought was a murderer.
But the reason why he did those things and which was an underlying, or rather an overtone of that novel and the film Reversal of Fortune. It’s really about if you believe in the legal system and making sure that everyone has a fair and just defense, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
My character, Lance, is from a different world than I am.
Malcolm, who’s one of the main characters on the show, that I defend and I represent. I don’t want to give too many spoilers away, but it’s a really exciting world.
People should check out the show and see where it takes everybody.
Joe Winger:
When you talk about the cast there’s a range of different names.
Any specific lessons you learned from any of the cast?
George Gallagher:
There’s one scene in particular where my client’s brother ends up getting arrested. He’s looking at some serious charges and we have to go visit him and give him some reassurance and get more information about his case.
Both of the actors, Malcolm Xavier, who plays Malcolm on the show and Jalen Gilbert, who plays his brother were extraordinary.
We shot in a visitation room in a police station and when this actor walked in, I felt like he was really in jail or in prison.
The guy transformed.
I’d met him [before] and we rehearsed the scene and everyone’s nice and we’re in hair and makeup and shooting the crap and talking. Then you get on set and it’s not the same human being, which is such a gift as an actor when you have.
It forces you to really respond and you’re just in the moment. The three of us had a really exciting dynamic and I thought it translated really well on film.
It reminded me of things as an actor, which is if you believe it, if you really believe it, the audience will believe it too. Everybody around you on that set will believe it.
If you don’t. then it’s kind of luck of the draw and you’re hoping for the editor [and music score] to help you.
If an actor is really meant to be an actor, and they’re worth their grain of salt, it comes from them living in this danger zone. And this guy, he came out, he was dangerous. You felt like anything could happen.
He reminded me of a young Denzel Washington.
And Malcolm was also exceptional. It was impossible to not believe they were brothers. You could feel the affinity, but also the sort of rage that was brewing between the two of them.
Joe Winger:
That vibe helps inform your performance as well. It just makes the whole scene more alive and in the moment for you.
George Gallagher:
Absolutely. You just feel like you’re there with another human being having an experience and you forget you’re an actor and that you’re in a story and you just really like suspension of disbelief.
As actors, we get to live many lives, which is what I love the most about acting.
Armani Ortiz really set the stage for that to happen to us.
Also making it feel authentic and real. The art direction, the cinematography, every department was really on point.
Joe Winger:
You’ve played some really intense roles. After a day on a set that heavy, as a human being, as an actor, how do you relax?
George Gallagher:
That’s a really good question. A different film that I did, called “Altered States of Plaine” is about a guy who falls asleep and wakes up in different parts of the world. He doesn’t know why it’s happening to him and he resorts to drug induced insomnia to stay awake.
It’s very bizarre film and it balances a lot of psychological aspects.
Sometimes in a role you do immerse yourself and you work to within an inch of your life. [Afterwards] you come out and shake it off and sometimes you’ve got dings in the fender that aren’t going away.
But as an actor generally I just laugh and shake it off. The camera eats all that stuff up, hopefully we all can shake hands and go out for a drink later on and bury the hatchet.
Joe Winger:
It sounds like on your current show Perimeter, it does have a more congenial vibe.
George Gallagher:
Absolutely. I’ve worked on two projects there [Tyler Perry Productions] now. It’s one of the most positive environments you could ever step into as an actor. Tyler Perry Productions hires the very best of the best of people.
I remember in California walking on the Paramount [lot] for an audition and everybody looks so happy. They had a twinkle in their eye.
[I mentioned it to a friend and they replied] “They’re all winning the game.”
I was like, you’re right. There is that gratitude, you get a job for that week. You’re part of the 1%. You’re very lucky. It’s a privilege.
Joe Winger:
You’ve been outspoken about the future of Hollywood, digital storytelling, AI. You’ve had publicly a very positive outlook on what the future looks like.
George Gallagher:
I don’t believe the human soul will ever be duplicated and replicated.
I think they’re going to get interesting products and effects that are going to look really cool and fascinating, but there’s still going to be a storyteller that’s a human being behind that.
But I still think that writers, storytellers, actors, and people in the visual, there’s still going to need to be human beings manning this.
There’s always going to be a need and a desire for communal experience. A human being telling stories and artists, but it is probably going to alter a lot.
The audience determines at the end of the day, it’s about what they want.
Joe Winger:
Our audience is very food based, wine based, cocktail based, I’m not sure if you identify as a foodie.
What’s your favorite dish? What do you love to cook?
George Gallagher:
My pronouns are asparagus, broccoli, and spinach. [George laughs]
I love food. I’m big into real food, raw foods organically grown, supporting local farmers, salads greens.
There was a dish that I used to make, sausage and pepper penne.
I use turkey sausages because I like it a little healthier. I would make it with fusilli because it soaks up the sauce better. Getting the oils and the fats into the sauce, and then the fusilli just grabs it and soaks it all up, and then I would add almonds into that dish.
Maybe some spinach. Definitely have to have green peppers and some spicy peppers, bright colored rainbow diet.
If I cook it too much, then it’s a mess. But I’ve gotten better at it over the years. It’s edible.
Joe Winger:
You finished shooting “A Heart for Christmas” in Los Angeles. Can you talk about the movie and what you play?
George Gallagher:
Absolutely. I just wrapped “A Heart for Christmas”. I play Dr. Carl, who’s really driven, sort of type A person who is engaged to the protagonist in the film, breaks it off early on and because he’s got his own sort of, he’s a quasi McDreamy meets McDouchey sort of doctor. A little bit of a God complex, and he’s quite pleased with himself.
It’s a Christmas film and it’s fun and has a lot of humor and charm.
We shot for a few weeks in LA and all around Pasadena. We got to experience Christmas in the summertime.
It should be out sometime before this Christmas.
Joe Winger:
Anything in the future we should be looking for you?
George Gallagher:
On Netflix, the new film Six Triple Eight starring Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, Dean Norris, and Sam Waterston.
That was also directed by Tyler Perry.
I play a character named Levi who’s a business executive and it takes place around the Second World War.
Part of the film was shot in Atlanta, some in Europe: England, Germany, all around the world.
It’s one of the biggest productions I’ve ever personally been involved in with a lot of great actors and had a terrific script. I think people are going to really like the story.
Joe Winger:
You’ve made the unorthodox choice as an actor of leaving Los Angeles, having a family life somewhere else. What inspired that move?
George Gallagher:
It’s been a blessing in so many ways I can’t even tell you.
We live in a suburb of Atlanta north of the city. Having my children be born in Los Angeles and being from the New York area, I’ve never not lived in a major metropolitan area.
You really just can provide a better quality of life for your family. I moved here [from the New York area]. I heard Tyler Perry was quarantining and was going to keep production going.
I thought nothing stops that guy. Those are the kinds of people I want to work with. I said to my wife and family, “Let’s go to Atlanta. We can always come back to New York later.”
It’s just amazing. It was like everything that I had wanted and planned for.
Very rarely in my life have everything unfolded exactly the way I’d hoped and envisioned it. But this was one of those situations and it’s an hour from New York.
It’s green, it’s beautiful, and people are friendly. You get great organic food and there’s farmers everywhere. We have, of course, Georgia peaches everywhere.
Joe Winger:
As we wrap up any social media, any websites? What’s the best way to follow you, find out more about you?
George Gallagher:
Feel free to follow me on Instagram. It’s GeorgeGallagher7. Facebook is George Gallagher.
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How to Design a Zero-Waste Kitchen
How to Design a Zero-Waste Kitchen
By Caleb Leonard
As we witness the impacts of plastics and other waste on our planet, more and more people are looking to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Creating a zero-waste kitchen involves adopting a mindful and sustainable approach to reduce waste at every stage of your buying, cooking, and eating routines, and it is an impactful way to minimize your carbon footprint.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Plan Ahead to Leave Less Behind
Look through your pantry and kitchen to see what you have on hand. Assess areas where waste is generated and rethink your shopping list.
Food waste can be prevented by effectively using your ingredients. Make creative use of leftovers. Freeze excess food for future meals. Don’t over-purchase perishable items. Make a shopping list and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases.
Buy in Bulk and Refill
Stock up on staples like grains, pasta, nuts, and spices in bulk. If you are heading to a store with bulk bins, bring your containers to avoid excess packaging.
Another way to reduce plastic packaging waste is by shopping at stores where you can refill cleaning and personal care products.
Choose products with minimal or sustainable packaging. Opt for glass, metal, or cardboard packaging over plastic whenever possible. These items can be repurposed or recycled.
Avoid individually packaged items and single-use packaging.
Shop Your Local Farmers Market
Farmers markets facilitate zero-waste kitchens.
Here’s how:
Reduced food packaging: Farmers markets offer fewer packaged and processed foods than grocery stores. Buying fewer single-use plastics keeps packaging waste out of landfills.
Local and seasonal produce: Farmers markets prioritize regionally grown and seasonal produce. By buying from local farmers, you support sustainable agriculture practices while minimizing the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation.
Bulk purchases: Many farmers markets offer the option to buy produce in bulk, allowing you to choose the quantity you need without redundant packaging.
BYOB (bring your own bag)
Those flimsy plastic bags from the grocery store are no match for a reusable tote. Reusable bags made from canvas or recycled plastics are larger and more durable than single-use bags. Plus, more states are implementing fees to curb the use of plastic bags.
Go Green with Reusable Kitchenware
Most people know about reusable water bottles, but there are tons more reusable items on the market (many are dishwasher-safe too). From reusable K-cups for your morning cup of joe to stainless steel straws, there are lots of eco-friendly ways to eliminate kitchen waste.
Here are a few examples:
- Reusable food wraps (plastic wrap alternative)
- Washable cloths (paper towel/napkin substitute)
- Fiberglass chopsticks
- Compostable sponges
- Silicone storage/freezer bags (Ziplock alternative)
- Silicone muffin liners
Reusable products not only cut down on the production and consumption of new products, but they also save you money.
Consider Eco-Friendly Upgrades
With all the money you’ll save by going green, consider upgrading your appliances. New technologies use less water and electricity. The money you spend on energy-efficient appliances will be recuperated over time.
Freeze as You Please
A high-performance freezer is a powerful tool for keeping your food fresh. Food waste often comes from leftovers. Rather than throwing away leftovers, you can freeze them. These frozen meals can be quick and convenient options on busy days, especially when stored as pre-packaged meals.
Freezing foods can significantly extend their shelf life; this way, you can buy in bulk and take advantage of sales without worrying about ingredients spoiling.
If you have produce nearing its expiration date, freeze it before it turns. Freeze fruits, vegetables, and other perishables. Sauces can be frozen too.
Your freezer can also store dry goods. Freeze bulk items like nuts, grains, and flour for later use.
Reimagine Your Food Scraps
Almost all organic material has multiple uses. For example, banana peels make great hair and skin masks, banana tea is a powerful sleep aid, and plants love the potassium-enriched water of peels soaked overnight.
Orange peels can be boiled as a room deodorizer or baked and ground into a vitamin-packed powder.
Bones can be made into bone broth, and new plants can be grown from viable produce seeds, while herbs can be propagated for an endless supply of seasonings.
Before you toss it in the compost bin, perform a quick search and scope out any additional uses.
Compost is King
Composting is the backbone of the zero-waste kitchen. Once you have re-used your food in every imaginable way, it’s time to give it back to the earth. Create a compost pile in your yard; use a tumbling bin or a countertop composter.
Benefits of composting:
Reduced landfill waste: Food scraps account for a large chunk of landfill waste. When these materials decompose in landfills; they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting diverts these materials away from landfills, reducing their environmental impact.
Enriched soil: Compost improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. By composting, you’ll foster healthy plant growth, reducing the need for excessive watering and fertilizers.
Minimized odor and pests: Properly composting food scraps and yard waste reduces the likelihood of attracting pests and generating foul odors in trash bins.
A zero-waste kitchen is one way to live a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. Once you hit your stride in the kitchen, you’ll likely find other areas to cut waste. Small changes add up, and you’ll make a big difference.
Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.
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