\ Haven:Mist and Shadow HavenCourier/1-20-2013
HavenCourier

1-20-2013

The Haven Courier

     Sunday, January 20th, 2013

    HAVEN POLICE REPORTS

  • A lost Circus lion was seen wandering without an owner in the Lodge earlier today! It is said to have pounced upon an older gentleman, one Mister Perkele Werlivia and was seen attempting to approach a young teenage girl. When the Sheriff's office came in to capture it with tranquilizer darts, it dashed out the front door. Authorities say it is still on the loose and all Haven citizenry are advised to use great caution when going outdoors!
  • Some vandalism was reported at the mansion on Court Street. Authorities are actively looking for the culprit.
  • A man allegedly tried to rob the local liquor store with a Ninja Turtle sword. It was reported he was carrying illegal substances with him. The clerk managed to restrain him with some zip-ties and he was hauled out.

   RESTAURAUNT REVIEW: Wild Plum

    Reviewed by Caprice Walther and Avery Duvall

    Taste:  A
    Decor: Fancy, but Cozy.
    Price:  $$

The landscaped walkway leads to the front door of the building, weathered in a pretty grey brick with a colorful sign proclaiming it as the steadily well-known Wild Plum Restaurant.

A polite wait staff greets you at the door, leading you through a generous amount of tables for privacy or views, each topped with a vase featuring a fitting spray of plum blossoms. The decor is cozy, but hip. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get a word with the owner, Ruby Monroe, on our visit, as she walked by paying attention to her phone, clicking through in those daring heels. Word is that she's in the process of opening other restauraunts, so perhaps we will cut the woman some slack!

Our appetizers started off with a spicy calamari which brought a definite kick to the palate. Crunchy on the outside with a slightly chewy texture, there was an almost magical equilibrium with the combination of spicy chili sauce, smoky eggplant puree and a playful citris zing. For an alternative choice, the blue crab fondue was rich and creamy, presented in a cute lit display right to the table. It was an ideal appetizer for a date, portioned for warm sharing with that special someone.

With a pick of soup or salad, we went with the onion soup au gratin to lead us into our main meals. The hint of beef broth makes this not a vegetarian choice. Full flavored, but mellow. The onions, like so many other things at the Wild Plum was cooked just right, tempered with garlic, butter and thyme. The texture atop of the soup is enticing, the crispy cheese mingling with a soft, but generous crouton.

Four main entrees await your selection for your final choice, all affordably priced for the type of upscale joint. The tender filet mignon came in a pan-seared portion, sitting atop a complex mix of wild mushrooms with hints of seafood flavoring. The roasted half chicken has already been prepared into separate pieces, making it look a little cluttered on the plate. It is the sassy sauce that brings it all together, a splash of whiskey livening up a bouquet of bold flavors.

While desert looked divine, we were already too stuffed to indulge in it! Perhaps in a future review, we'll do a tasty treats of Haven.

Our only complaint? It took some time to get the drinks delivered to our table. Speedier drink service once one is no longer in the bar area would be preferred.


  WEEKLY HAVEN CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT: Professor Judith Vargas

A professional-quality photograph has been inserted on the page:
In front of the fearsome image of a black bear's head mounted on the wall, a noticeable feature for locals to be seen in The Lodge, a pair of slender dark-haired ladies stand in affectionate hold of each other, the older one placing a chaste kiss on the cheek of the far younger person beside her. Completely mismatched on style: black spiked leather, ripped jeans and a Gibson guitar is worn by the younger Polynesian woman, while the older has a conservative look of the dark autumn colors and metallic black-framed glasses.

     Name: Judith Vargas
     Occupation: English Literature Professor at Brown University

This attractive and conservatively-stylish Hispanic woman is not simply your average and boring professor. With her latest position at the esteemed Brown University achieved just a few months ago, she has set her lofty sights on big goals with producing a new magazine she hopes will soar to nationwide distribution. But that's not all. This 30-year old woman has found her unexpected mate in 18 year old Kanini Nawahi, after the younger teenager heroically saved her in a blizzard. Miss Vargas took it upon herself to try to spread the word through the Haven Courier about her latest project.

Q: What made you decide to start this enticing magazine called the Hot Daily? What is the magazine supposed to be about?
A: Someone said Hot Daily in a sentence. I thought that sounded like a good name for a magazine and we sort of brainstormed from there.

Q: So, can you give us a synopsis of what the magazine is supposed to be about and focused on? This will all be published, Professor. Entice your readers!
A: Life, to put it simply. It'll have reviews of various forms of entertainment, articles with health, fashion and relationship advice. And some celeb gossip and interviews.

Q: What are your first plans if the magazine takes off? Or should we say when? You're rich, you're famous for your writings, you're having people call you in and you are now currently up there with Oprah. What would your first plans be?
A: I don't know. I haven't thought that far ahead. Dreams of fame take a backseat to the practical considerations. [But] overpriced supercars, pools full of booze and a giant moneybin for Kanani.

Q: So, this Kanani, what is your relationship to her?
A: My Hawaiian rocker girlfriend.

Q: Do you two [Kanani] plan to get married at some point? And are you, Miss Kanani, assisting her in the magazine?
A: Kanani: No idea about the getting married part, at the moment. As far as assisting with the magazine, I'm helping out, by not actually helping out.
Judith: Eventually. We're still [in the] relatively early days.


  ASK APRIL ADVICE COLUMN

Dear April,
If I throw a gallon of glitter on my BF will they become a vampire like Edward? He's so dreamy.
~ From, Fiction-Makes-Perfect.

Dear Fiction-Makes-Perfect,
If gallons of glitter could make boyfriends become both a vampire, be sparkly AND beautiful, Team Edward would have a soaring lead ahead in the polls and thousands of women across the country would be living a fantasy. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. My suggestion? Use roleplay to spice up the bedroom if you need a fix. A woman's mind can take her from happiness to bliss!
~ With love, April


   CLASSIFIED ADS

  • 24 yr old Female looking for affordable and long-term room to rent. No pets. Working professional. Would prefer safe side of town! Text 1209652 for more information! Thanks!
  • Have the urge to protect and serve? The Haven Sheriff's Department and Haven Fire Department are looking for loyal and brave men and women to serve within their ranks. We serve and protect with integrity, respect, courage and a strong sense of justice. Call the HSD or HFD today.
  • Lost White Cat! Family fluffy cat lost today off Myrtle and Maple. Likes to climb trees and explore. Red collar. Please call if you see him!
  • Local government worker looking for a couple of renters to take up rooms. $350/month, but willing to negotiate. Swimming pool and barbecue area in the works. Drug free a must. Children and pets are fine.

   CONTACT INFORMATION

Have a story? Want to have you as a person or your place of business spotlighted on the Courier and can't wait until we come to you? Have a classified ad, an obituary, or an opening that you'd like to get in next weeks paper? Do YOU have a question for April? Look us up and let us serve you, Haven!

The Haven Courier: www.thehavencourier.com

  Avery Duvall:  1209652
  Caprice Walther: 1208771