Friday Faves 6/26: Pizza Parties, Spike Lee Joints, Phoebe Bridgers, Erik Anders Lang, and summer is for pilsners

On Sunday afternoon we had an adult version of a pizza party. We picked three pizza joints in Charlestown and ordered one pepperoni pizza from each and did a little taste test, ranking them for their crust, sauce, toppings, and appearance. Each category had 5 points, so the perfect pizza would earn 20 points.

We are planning on doing the same for the North End and a couple other regions in Boston and actually trying to come up with the best pizza around.

Here’s what we came up with (out of 80 points):

Figs: 62.25

Monument: 61.25

Brewer’s Fork: 58.75

I learned I am the easiest grader, and this is probably due to the fact that I was ready for the parent of each pizza to send me an email at 11:00pm that night bitching about the grade.

Best Watch

DCI Banks - I think I’m creeping up on a Joe DiMaggio type streak with procedural crime drama recs on Friday Faves. DCI Banks is a solid watch and another Brit Box selection. The structure is a bit like “Law and Order” but instead of one episode it takes two to solve the crime. We’ve watched the first four episodes and have enjoyed them.

Da 5 Bloods - This new Spike Lee joint is intense and timely. While it might be a bit on the nose at some points, I think it has to be to really get the point across. The cast is incredible and the story is well done. It would say that the movie might be 20 minutes too long, but if you’re looking for a action packed movie that will leave you asking questions about the Vietnam War, give this one a try.

Best Read

Erik Anders Lang Interview - “EAL” has developed into a golf guru of sorts. Traveling all over the world to showcase golf, making it an accessible to the masses and fun for all. This interview was an interesting insight into his youth; he apparently was kicked out of multiple schools, but turned things around and turned into a film maker. Here’s the link to the interview.

Here’s a soothing video of Lang playing the front 9 at Sheep Ranch in Oregon.

Does The Masters need a new name? - I’m not sure I agree with this point, but it’s also a point worth hearing out and it’s a point that a month ago wouldn’t have been written, so I think it’s worth sharing. At it’s core, The Masters, as a name, could be seen as a racist term. Given the history of Augusta, it might be closer to the truth than we ever realized. I also know the club is too stubborn to ever consider renaming the tournament. Here’s the link.

Best Listen

Ryen Russillo Podcast - If you’re a movie buff, this is a great listen. Obviously, as a Charlestown resident, I’m required to listen to an interview with the producer of “The Town” or my car will be broken into….

Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers - This new album is excellent. Bridgers is quirky and honest, just listening to her lyrics will snap you out of whatever trance you’re in. It’ll rip you back into reality, and then make you grateful for what you have.

Best Eat

Sweet Potato Fajitas - Whatever meat you like in your fajitas, keep it for something else and roast some sweet potatoes and stick them in a fajita with peppers and onions. I didn’t dice them, instead, I cut them so they were long wedges, almost like chicken tenders. These were really good, and the technique of wrapping the tortillas in damp paper towel and microwaving them for 25-30 seconds makes the tortillas pliable and delightful.

Best Drink

KCBC Janiac Maniac Pils - KCBC stands for Kings County Brewing Collective and is located in Brooklyn. These beers were an add-on when we ordered pizza at Brewer’s Fork for our pizza party. This might be my favorite crafty pilsner beer. It’s kind of sweet and easy drinking on 90 degree days in Boston. Double IPAs are going to have to wait until the temperature dips.

Best Plugs

The Imperfect Game - Wolverhampton Wanderers is where Both Long and I started our little English club team series, so it made sense to finish talking about their heroes and villains.