Harry Potter's Supporting Cast

Last weekend I watched "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" on DVD. I'd seen it twice at the theaters, the first on my own, the second with friends. It's the end of an era, a piece of cinematic history. Not all movie series end on such a high note. This one did. It is a very satisfying conclusion to a very satisfying series.I left the theater really wanting to read the books again. For I was thinking about one of the reasons I have enjoyed the movies so, and the books even more so, is the characters. Harry Potter got top billing, but it is members of his supporting cast who shine the brightest. They do it quietly, sometimes behind the scenes, ofttimes unrecognized. Kind of like life -- where would any of us in the real world be without our supporting cast?

I was introduced to Harry Potter shortly before the third book was released. Despite being a fan of children's and young adult literature all my life, not just the childhood part of it, if I'd seen or heard of the books prior to all the kerfuffle over their supposed evil influence over impressionable young minds, I'd not seen enough to have my curiosity piqued. I fully admit I wasn't a fan until I learned being a fan was a bad thing. I admit that were it not for the fervor, I might have continued in ignorance. Hooray for the naysayers: for I found some gems. I've read many books that inspired the ire of others, I've read many banned and challenged books, and many of those I failed to see the badness which was seemingly so apparent to others. Similarly, I've read many books that elicited accolades which left me wondering if time travel is possible, and if so, could I please have those eight or so hours of my life back?

I digress. Harry Potter's supporting cast. Can I pick a favorite? I don't think so, but maybe I can pick a handful. Hermione Granger, of course. How could anyone fail to love her? Smart as a whip, compassionate, loyal, brave, slightly neurotic -- don't you just want to adopt her or something? And Ron, of course, the trusty sidekick, Harry's first friend, loyal to the end and saving Harry's bacon almost as many times as Hermione did.

But beyond the obvious trio around which the epic centers, are those characters who are there on the sidelines, teaching, cheering, chastising, worrying, fussing. Mrs. Weasley, from the time her character was introduced, reminded me of the mother of one of my first friends. Don't mess with her children. Especially not at the final battle. Neville Longbottom is easily overlooked as shy and clumsy and possessing of a last name which practically demands mocking -- but by series end he shows himself to be a valiant and loyal knight. Luna Lovegood lives up to her nickname "Loony", but like many of the other characters, there is more to her than meets the eye; in her own way, she's as sharp as Hermione, and her willingness to accept things which the rest of the world doesn't understand gives her insights which are crucial to the outcome of many of the battles, not just the final one.

There's even more to Professor Snape than meets the eye, which anyone who has read the entire series or seen all the movies knows. I'd always thought there was, simply because Professor Dumbledore trusted Snape. Still, it was nice to learn I was was right. I'd scheduled a portion of my vacation in the summer of 2007 to coincide with the final book's release. Laugh if you will, but reading is an excellent way to spend one's vacation. Anyway, little hints about Snape's true character, scattered throughout each of the books, came to a satisfying conclusion in the final tome, and a complex character becomes a very sympathetic one. J. K. Rowling reports that she cried when she wrote of Snape's death. I did too, when I read it, but I'm pretty sure that was allergies, what with it being summer and all.

The problem with thinking of Harry's supporting cast is simply that that cast is so large. There isn't a single character, hero or villain, which doesn't profoundly affect Harry's life. Professor Snape was profoundly disliked by Harry (and most of the Hogwarts children) but were it not for his badgering, Harry could not have achieved what he did, even with Hermione's and Ron's help; he didn't have the drive himself. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were Harry's mentors even when they were being secretive. But he was also taught much by his enemies as well. Draco Malfoy was also a multifaceted character, and I always suspected he was more than just a bully.

And then of course there is Voldemort. Here is a villain up to par with Darth Vader and Maleficent from Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Right up to the end Harry gave his nemesis the opportunity to redeem himself, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named didn't take that opportunity. Which of course sealed his final fate and made him perhaps the most tragic figure of all. But I think it also further defined Harry. As Professor Dumbledore told Harry early on, it is our choices that show who we truly are. And despite all the good stuff from the books which the movies left out, not many movie series present these themes so splendidly.

Geoffrey's "Best of Denver" restaurants

Okay, regional magazine and newspapers do it, so why can't I? I can't see me creating a yearly updated list of the best restaurants, as I'm not that organized.and consistent. And since I'm the only voter in this case - magazines and newspapers creating polls beforehand - undoubtedly people will disagree with my picks. Come to think of it, I read some of those lists and wonder how so many people could pick the wrong things, so what good does a vote do? That's not to say if my readers think I need to be educated, I won't welcome suggestions. Bring them on! I'm always looking for a good meal!

Geoffrey's picks for the best eats in the Denver metro area (some of these have more than one location; I've listed the one I frequent most):

Best ice cream: Little Man, Highlands neighborhood
Best milkshakes: Big Daddy's Pizza, Lakewood
Best cheese steak: Taste of Philly, Lakewood
Best subs: Mr Goodcents, Arvada
Best fast food style Mexican food: Big Burrito, Arvada
Best sit-down style Mexican food: Gregorios, Lakewood
Best chocolate treats: Rheinlander's German Bakery, Arvada
Best cheap cheeseburger: Griff's, Arvada
Best French fries: Griff's, Arvada
Best Phở : Vina Phở and Grill, Edgewater
Best Thai food: Jumbo Thai, Lakewood
Best Deli: Smiling Moose Deli, Arvada
Best Gyros: Yianni's Gyros Place, Lakewood
Best French Onion soup: La Vie En Rose, Lakewood

Best Lasagne: Borriello Brothers, Lakewood
Best Cheesecake: Cheesecake Therapy, Arvada 
Best personal pan sized pizzas: My Pie, Wheat Ridge

Honorable mention goes to this restaurant which sadly is no longer in business. I am open to all restaurant suggestions, but especially to the following category which I declare officially "open" and ready to be extensively researched, especially if someone wishes to accompany me as my research assistant:

Best gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches: (WAS) Chez Cheese, Larimer Square, Downtown Denver ... (NEW) ________________

La Vie En Rose

Last Friday night I made a happy discovery. I was heading home after a week of Mondays,and intended to stop at the dollar-thirty-five a scoop Chinese place. I didn't feel like cooking or even microwaving; and the place is cheap and conveniently located halfway between my bus stop and home.

Two doors down I saw the sign, "La Vie En Rose", proclaiming tea, gifts, catering, take out, and music. That sounded intriguing, so I figured I could pop in and have a quick look-see. I think the music playing on the CD player was Edith Piaf. A small blackboard on an easel advertising the daily specials; one of those was broiled salmon.

And I knew I was staying.

Chiffon, the owner came out and greeted me warmly. When I asked how long she'd been there I was surprised to learn she'd been there for a couple of months. I walk past that shopping center every weeknight and had never noticed it. It's a small place located next to a nail salon, which could account for why I'd looked past it.


First out was fresh French bread with homemade garlic butter. I would've been happy to stop there, I think. The debate rages on over which is healthier or less unhealthy, margarine or butter. My palate is only concerned with taste and wants butter. And who doesn't like garlic? Well, okay, a lot of people don't, but we're all God's children, so we can let such idiosyncrasies slide. Fact is, is was a great way to start my meal.

Next, the "house salad". Now, a "house salad" is generally a few large leaves of iceberg lettuce, two pieces of not-quite-ripe tomato, and a very few shredded carrot bits, right? Not so here. Romaine lettuce (crisp!), two hearty slices, halved, of perfectly ripened (as in, "did you just pick this from your garden out back?") tomato with Italian seasoning, slices of white onion and the best vinaigrette I've had at any restaurant -just enough to season the salad without drowning it. I could have stopped there, too.

Whether my timing, the cook's or the waitress's, I do not know, but I was finishing the last bite of salad when the entree arrived. I didn't realize how important timing was until I was the happy benefactor of it in its perfect mode. Saffron rice accompanied a very large piece of salmon - larger than any of the chain restaurants have ever served me, and at a lesser price. Capers on the side.

A unique thing about this restaurant was how homey it felt. Besides myself, the only other diners were a couple who obviously knew the proprietress well, judging by their friendly banter. The man wondered aloud what capers were. The jar was called for from the kitchen, but yielded no clues; he complained that he couldn't read the ingredients because they were in Italian. It was the type of complaining that one does in a family, and it was fun to listen to them. By this time my own curiosity had gotten the better of me; I'd eaten capers once before this but I too really didn't know what they were. Since I'd come from work, I had my organizer and e-reader with me, I looked it up and shared with them the definition: the pickled buds of a flowery southern European shrub. Chiffon told the man he owed me for that definition, as information is valuable. I told him the first definition is free.


At the end of my meal I took home a smaller portion than I generally do at a restaurant, not because the portions were smaller, as they weren't, but because the food was... well, as I'm not a professional restaurant reviewer, I think I am allowed to use the descriptor yummy. 

I stopped in again tonight and tried the onion soup, which was incredibly good. I cannot remember the last time I had an onion soup so hearty. And I'm sure the amount of cheese topping the bowl raised my cholesterol levels. But it was worth it.