Castle Review on Huffington Post

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Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Richard Hatch » February 3rd, 2011, 11:03 pm


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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 3rd, 2011, 11:10 pm

Ouch!
"The Magic Castle requires that you know a magician member to grace the entrance. But here's the first secret I will reveal: if you send them an email, there's a good chance they'll email you back a golden ticket. If that's the case though, the mansion caretakers will force you to dine in the castle. Let me advise: these are magicians, not chefs. Magicians only know magic. Not only can they not cook, they seem unable to hire anyone who can. The dinner, while served in a gothic parlor, is overpriced and sad. It's probably best to finagle a friendship with a magician so you can forgo the food. Try Craigslist."
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Edward » February 4th, 2011, 12:18 am

Has the reputation of the food at the Magic Castle always been bad?

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 4th, 2011, 12:24 am

Up and down. I still miss the Festleboard!

It's been a few years since I've eaten there, but from my first visit in 1983 until my most recent, dinner has always been okay.

I think it's the issue of the quality of the food for the price you pay that seems to bug some people.

Of course it's true that you can find better food at the same price, but you don't go to The Magic Castle for dinner as if it's a fine restaurant: you go to have a great evening, eat, and see an incredible amount of magic. Having dinner is part of the price guests pay to see all the shows--it seems a small price to me considering what they get! You can show up at 6 pm and stay until 1 am, having eaten and seen four different shows. Where else can you do that?
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby mai-ling » February 4th, 2011, 12:29 am

when dad got his honorary life packet he got
brunch tickets ... no one ever talks about how
the brunch is...

anyone know how the brunch is?

although, how can one screw up eggs and bacon?
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby KirkG » February 4th, 2011, 1:54 am

Brunch is pretty good. Again, not as good as other restaurants that charge the same, but then again, you don't get to see any shows.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby JohnCox » February 4th, 2011, 10:51 am

Yes, the food at the Castle was not great for many years. But then they got a new chef and the quality of food became MUCH better. Now they've upgraded to a whole new food service and I think the food is now excellent.

I'm amazed this reviewer says she's been to the Castle 8 times and has never seen a female magician.
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Ian Kendall » February 4th, 2011, 11:36 am

I was pleasantly surprised with the food when I was there for Scotland week. I did limit myself to burgers and steaks, but they were as good or better than the equivalent here, and the price was not that much different from other restaurants I've seen.

And on a weeknight you can see five shows (two close up, two parlour and one palace) and on weekends you get the Hat'n'Hare and the WC Fields shows as well. And the Pellar (although there might be a few 'running hither and thither' problems with scheduling).

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 4th, 2011, 11:54 am

I'm sorry to say that the beef I've eaten in the UK is, as the Brits say, "diabolical."
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby houdini's ghost » February 4th, 2011, 11:59 am

Who is this cynical betch?
Next time this fool sneaks in a craigslist pass, point her out to me, and I'll critique her review for her--in my best Sgt. Culliton (Vietnam, 1968-69) hyperbole.
She is seriously full of her own shet.
Guys and gals, she's wrong.
Over the years, I've been as critical of the Castle as anyone.
But I am certainly not critical of the food and entertainment right now.
The food and entertainment at the Castle have never been better.
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Diamond Jim Tyler » February 4th, 2011, 11:59 am

I've dined at the Castle many times and have yet to have a bad meal there. The service has been slow at times but the food has always been good.
Magically,
Diamond Jim Tyler

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby JohnCox » February 4th, 2011, 12:07 pm

I'm crazy about their smoked bacon turkey club on the Friday lunch menu. I'll be enjoying one today, in fact. :)

This Huff reviewer is just a little, you know, too cool for the room. Attractive though.
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Jonathan Townsend » February 4th, 2011, 12:52 pm

Birds in the pants? I thought it was bats in the belfry.

IMHO the review reads as a recommendation for visiting the castle. She writes that she's been there eight times.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby JohnCox » February 4th, 2011, 5:55 pm

Just back from the Castle and my lunch was delicious. Everyone at the table enjoyed their food.
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby JohnKennedy » February 4th, 2011, 10:15 pm

COMMENT DELETED
Last edited by JohnKennedy on February 4th, 2011, 10:19 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason: No politics, please.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby JohnKennedy » February 4th, 2011, 10:23 pm

Now you know why I became a manufacturer instead of an entertainer, Richard. No one laughed at my jokes.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 4th, 2011, 10:46 pm

John, you're a brilliant guy (and no one laughs at my jokes, either).
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Pete Biro » February 4th, 2011, 10:49 pm

Right Patrick.... The writer was pretty lame. And way off base. Just trying to be cute.
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Terry » February 4th, 2011, 10:59 pm

She writes like one of those wenches who often get their panties in a twist over nothing.

File in the circular file for wannabe journalist.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Jonathan Townsend » February 4th, 2011, 11:32 pm

It would be more interesting if all this reaction stuff were posted over in her domain to make sure she got the message.
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Ted M » February 5th, 2011, 12:17 am

JohnCox wrote:I'm amazed this reviewer says she's been to the Castle 8 times and has never seen a female magician.

Amazing? Hardly.

On page 12 of the Feb 2011 Genii I see just one woman performer listed at the Magic Castle for the whole month of February: Mystina in the week of Feb 7-13, sharing the Palace of Mystery with Ice McDonald.

Jan 2011 appears no better: I see only Sophie Evans in the Hat & Hare Lounge, week of Jan 24-30.

Given the gratuitous misogyny expressed in this thread I cannot possibly imagine why magic is not teeming with women.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby erdnasephile » February 5th, 2011, 8:20 am

Jonathan Townsend wrote:It would be more interesting if all this reaction stuff were posted over in her domain to make sure she got the message.


With respect to Jonathan, while it might be "interesting", I suspect it would reflect poorly on magicians in the minds of the average, non-magician reader; thus, reinforcing the notion of "nerds".

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Jonathan Townsend » February 5th, 2011, 11:34 am

e* - so you you think it's better to wallow in here perhaps to look cowardly, sexist and worse to visitors than to go forward and address a matter in the forum in which it was posted in public? Men or mice? Or just birds in pants?

nerds = cowards? Say it to her directly or simper fido.

IMHO her review recommends the castle and magic. IMHO some of what's posted here does not so much recommend magic or magicians. Unless perhaps that's been the birds in the pants pecking away at the keys?

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby JohnCox » February 5th, 2011, 11:39 am

Ted M wrote:
JohnCox wrote:I'm amazed this reviewer says she's been to the Castle 8 times and has never seen a female magician.

Amazing? Hardly.

On page 12 of the Feb 2011 Genii I see just one woman performer listed at the Magic Castle for the whole month of February: Mystina in the week of Feb 7-13, sharing the Palace of Mystery with Ice McDonald.

Jan 2011 appears no better: I see only Sophie Evans in the Hat & Hare Lounge, week of Jan 24-30.

Given the gratuitous misogyny expressed in this thread I cannot possibly imagine why magic is not teeming with women.

Hmmm...touche, Ted. Guess it can be a trick to see a female magician at the Castle. I just feel like I see them quite a a bit. I remember one evening two of the three Palace performers were women. Maybe I just bring out the sorceresses. ;)
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby erdnasephile » February 5th, 2011, 11:46 am

Jonathan Townsend wrote:e* - so you you think it's better to wallow in here perhaps to look cowardly, sexist and worse to visitors than to go forward and address a matter in the forum in which it was posted in public? Men or mice? Or just birds in pants?

nerds = cowards? Say it to her directly or simper fido.

IMHO her review recommends the castle and magic. IMHO some of what's posted here does not so much recommend magic or magicians. Unless perhaps that's been the birds in the pants pecking away at the keys?


Jonathan:

I misunderstood the intent of your original post.

I feel that, snarkiness aside, the original piece is a positive review on the whole, and I agree with your last sentiment.

My point was that replicating the imprecatory comments from this thread on that public forum would serve no useful purpose.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Max Maven » February 5th, 2011, 9:51 pm

I don't think the Magic Castle should be held responsible for the percentage of women who perform magic. That has to do with a far larger set of social issues.

That said, on the Castle website you can find listings for the next six weeks of performers. Those include six women, as well as three who receive partner billing.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Jim Roberts » February 6th, 2011, 8:54 am

As reviews go, it was more than a little lacking. Actually, to call this piece a review is generous. It was little more than a few general mild insults.
By the way, the rack of lamb was great.
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Chris Aguilar » February 6th, 2011, 11:56 am

If she were a better writer she'd come over here, read this thread and write a follow up poking fun at how thin skinned magicians can be.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby houdini's ghost » February 6th, 2011, 5:32 pm

You're darned lucky you're way up north in Sacramento, Aguilar.
NOBODY calls ME thin-skinned!
I hope you know you hurt my feelings.

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby CarloPanno » February 6th, 2011, 6:35 pm

This strikes me as less of a review of the Magic Castle and more a hey-look-how-cool-I-am declaration.

"I've been eight times! And I don't like the food! And a magician picked *M*E* for a trick! And you can't even get in! Ha ha ha!"

I hope nobody ever walks her in and she has to pay a door charge and buy dinner every visit.

--c
Magic Castle member

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby mai-ling » February 6th, 2011, 9:55 pm

basically, she bragging and just want to make noise
to get attention.
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Frank Quiroz » February 6th, 2011, 10:25 pm

Sounds like she may have had what she would consider "a bad experience" at
Her las trip to the castle. Like hitting on a member and getting rejected! Haha who the hell knows. Bitter bish
Frank Quiroz

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Bill Duncan » February 6th, 2011, 10:47 pm

mai-ling wrote:although, how can one screw up eggs and bacon?


Eggs - Overcook them. It happens all the time a brunches and buffets.

Bacon - Cook it in a frying pan.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 7th, 2011, 11:37 am

How else can you cook bacon but in a frying pan?
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Jonathan Townsend » February 7th, 2011, 12:52 pm

In at least three of the following ways: elmsley count, a griddle, in oven over a grill and pan to catch the drippings and wrapped around other tasty stuff (usually in a pot in the oven).

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Dustin Stinett » February 7th, 2011, 12:52 pm

From the broiler to the microwave, there are many ways of cooking bacon that do not involve a frying pan.

Now I want some bacon, and all I have is this lousy non-fat yoghurt.

DAMN YOU KAUFMAN!!!

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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Don Knox » February 7th, 2011, 2:15 pm

This thread has certainly taken a turn for the treyfe!
:grin:

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 7th, 2011, 2:18 pm

You're all nuts. Give me a frying pan.
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JohnCox
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby JohnCox » February 7th, 2011, 4:45 pm

Hot girl sneaks into my clubhouse to insult me after. What else is new? ;)
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Re: Castle Review on Huffington Post

Postby Brad Henderson » February 7th, 2011, 4:58 pm

There are many amazing places to eat in the la area. I was at the castle last week. Of all the meals I had in la, the castle was the weakest offering. I love their beef wellington, but for the money, there is better food to be found. I can see how someone might reach the same conclusion she did.


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