Review: Sit Down, Shut Up

Airs Sunday, 8:30 on Fox

Very deserving of its TV-14 rating, Sit Down, Shut Up is a new animated series following the happenings of misfit teachers at a local high school. Created by Mitchell Hurwitz, the mastermind behind my beloved, yet short-lived, Arrested Development, Sit Down, Shut Up features a virtual myriad of voice talent, including but not limited to Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Henry Winkler (all of Arrested and various other fame…Happy Days anyone?), and let’s face it, I’d pretty much watch these guys in anything.

Bateman, in his signature raspy yet sexy voice, voices the PE teacher who prefers to go by the name Larry L. as his true last name embarrasses him (It’s Littlejunk…say it with us...teeheeheeheehee). Arnett is perfectly cast as the bodybuilding English teacher lacking in self-awareness. Special shoutout to Will Forte, who has never wooed me on SNL, but charms as clueless Stuart Proszakian, Ass. Principal (teeheehee).

Never a fan of the animated series (still haven’t jumped on the Family Guy wagon, despite my husband’s best efforts), how could I NOT give this a try when I’ve been grieving the demise of Arrested Development for the last 3 years? Perhaps unfairly I expected the same fast-paced, quick witted, flawlessly developed plot lines that I craved and was more often than not satisfied by Arrested. Like most animated series this seems to suffer from the same inability to properly carry through with a cohesive plot for a full 30 minutes, though it did deliver some deliciously hilarious jokes and puns. Ultimately, I will watch again next week for the dirty humor, familiar voices, and hopes that the show will progress, since like most pilots, this one just wasn’t perfect.

Iced Coffee Day!

I'm pretty positive that you will be happy to hear that Dunkin' Donuts is promoting Iced Coffee Day tomorrow, April 21st. When you buy a 50 cent iced coffee, 10% of that will go to support Homes For Our Troops, a fab initiative dedicated to helping build handicapped accessible homes for injured vets. A great cause, a delish beverage...why only get 1?

Restaurant Roundup: Guantanamera

What: Guantanamera, a delicious & festive Cuban restaurant in an easy-to-get-to locale
Where: 939 8th Avenue at 56th Street
Why it Rocks:
1) Happy Hour from 4-7 Mon - Fri at the bar, featuring half price beer, wine, & specialty drinks (including mango mojitos!)
2) Live music every night! Who DOESN'T love that? Latin dancing also encouraged.
3) Food was totally delish, portions were perfectly sized.
Bonus: Waiters gave us free chicken & cheese croquettes appetizer

Gripes:
While everyone loves live music, it made the rockin' conversation with my fave ladies virtually inaudible.
One teeny bathroom with a long line of ladies.

Bottom Line:
Great food and drinks in a fun, trendy but none-too-threatening atmosphere. Just be prepared to stalk the hostess station for a table.

Tips:
Try the Ropa Vieja (shredded skirt steak in yummy sauce) with red sangria as it is sure to satisfy any carnivore's palette. Be sure to get there early as the place gets packed by 7 o'clock, potentially tarnishing hopes for a quick table.