—"Terrified" by Katherine McPhee and Zachary Levi: Everyone knows that American Idol alum McPhee can blow, but who knew that Levi ( who stars on the TV show Chuck ) had chops? They collaborate on this sweet ballad, and you can see the video at www.vevo.com/watch/playlist/must-love-kats/144885 .
—The goat-cheese quiche at Paris in Chicago: Paris in Chicago, located in Boystown, definitely has a Gallic flair—down to the sumptuous goat-cheese quiche, which is among the many items prepared daily by the cafe's owner, Jean-Claude Baldassari.
—The book Party Animals: A Hollywood Tale of Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll Starring the Fabulous Allan Carr: I could not put down this biography of the late, openly gay producer Carr, who was behind such hits as Grease and such misses as Can't Stop the Music. For those who aren't yet enticed, I have three words: Nureyev Mattress Party.
—Now Eat This! by Rocco DiSpirito: Several weeks ago, my neighbor has borrowed this cookbook that features low-fat, low-carb versions of 150 comfort foods, ranging from chocolate-chip cookies to fried chicken—and she can't stop raving about it.
—Shank: This British movie ( which is on DVD ) stars Wayne Virgo as Cal, a teenage gangbanger so desperate to hide his desire to be with other guys that he binges on drugs and anonymous sex. However, he meets someone he truly cares for—which leads to a showdown with the rest of his gang. Be warned: This one has a couple brutal scenes.
—Andrew Davis
