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Los Angeles Times
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Demetri Martin brought visual art to stand-up. Can he take comedy into the art world?
I wasn't expecting a painting of a naked clown to greet me when I FaceTimed Demetri Martin on a Monday afternoon in May. After the longest two seconds of my life, the comedian appeared in front of the camera with an unassuming smile. For the past few months, Martin has been toiling away in the studio shed designed by his wife, interior designer Rachael Beame Martin, in the backyard of their Beverly Glen home. Lush greenery peeks through the windows above a lattice he constructed to mount canvases of various sizes. His first solo exhibition of paintings and drawings is just days away and he has some finishing touches to make. Visual art is not new to Martin, a wiz at one-liners who incorporates drawings in his stand-up. 'The cool thing about a drawing is I can share something personal and I can use a graphic to illustrate it more specifically,' he says in 'Demetri Deconstructed,' his 2024 Netflix special. In one graph from the special, he plots the inverse relationship between the amount of 'past' and 'future' time across an individual's lifespan. The point where 'past' and 'future' meet is the mid-life existential crisis. There is a synergy between Martin's jokes and his sketches, which are more akin to doodles than drawings. Their humor lies in their pared-down specificity. They 'make you ponder something on the absurdity-of-life level, which I guess is comedy,' says Martin's close friend and musician Jack Johnson. With his love of joke crafting, Martin says he represents the comedy old guard as stand-up has become heavily autobiographical in today's internet age. 'Specifically, it's jokes that have always attracted me when we're talking about the comedy world,' Martin says of his aversion to storytelling. 'Can you do a joke in 12 words? Can you get an idea across? How much can you take away and it still lands with people?' 'Acute Angles,' Martin's solo exhibition running Sunday to May 31, takes his obsession with constraint a step further. The experiment: Can you communicate jokes visually without any words? 'I brought visual art into my stand-up comedy,' says Martin, who worked on paintings for two-plus years before he figured he had enough material to fill a gallery. 'Can I bring comedy into the visual art world?' 'Acute Angles' — he says the title references the shape of his nose — features large-scale paintings with a unifying color palette of bright red, sky blue and medium gray, in addition to 30 smaller drawings. The paintings depict implausible scenarios: What if the grim reaper slipped on a banana on his way to kill you? What if Superman ripped his underpants on his quest to save you? The show is a collaboration with his wife, whom he adoringly describes as the muscles of the operation. The two secured a month-long lease of an abandoned yoga studio tucked behind a California Pizza Kitchen in Brentwood. Using her design skills — they met in New York City when she was attending Parsons School of Design and he was pursing comedy — Beame Martin led a rebuild of the studio-turned-gallery. When Martin's publicist called to ask if the gallery had a name, the couple turned to Google. They eventually came up with 'Laconic Gallery,' for Laconia, Greece, where Martin traces his roots, and because the word laconic perfectly describes Martin's ethos: marked by the use of few words. On the day of our interview, Martin is completing the last of 12 paintings for the show and is puzzled why the paint appears differently on the canvas than in the can. He's trying hard to ensure the color of the naked clown's pubic hair matches his hair. The relationship between the viewer and the art is both exciting and scary to Martin. When taking a comedy show on the road, you more or less know your jokes will land, he says. With an art show, there's more of a vacuum between him and the audience, yet the conceit remains: the show is meant to be funny. But whether viewers laugh while visiting the art exhibition almost doesn't matter. For Martin, the reward has been the process of creation — the meditative zone he sinks into, indie rock oozing from his CD player, as he envisions and re-envisions the work. (Many of the paintings in the show are derived from old sketches.) The show also represents Martin's re-emergence from his own mid-life existential crisis. At 51, he is older than his dad was when he died and about the same age as his late mom, when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. 'So now, is this like bonus time for me?' he started to ask himself in his late 40s. In some ways, Martin has always been a tortured artist. After graduating from Yale, he attended NYU Law only to drop out after the second year. But New York City is also where he found himself, spending late nights at the Comedy Cellar and the Boston Comedy Club. His days were spent visiting the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Daydreaming his way through the galleries, jotting jokes in his notepad, is when he first gained an appreciation for the arts. 'He's not without cynicism once you know him, but where comics so often lead with cynicism, he has this wide-eyed openness, and I think that's a thread that pulls through all of his work,' says comedian and fellow Comedy Central alum Sarah Silverman. Now, Martin is a father to an 8-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son — the same age he was when manning his Greek family's shish kebab stand on the Jersey Shore. His self-described anger at seeing the world his kids are growing up in, namely their peers' obsessions with cell phones, seeps into his paintings and drawings. But ultimately, being a father has irrevocably improved Martin's perspective on life. 'I think sometimes resignation is also acceptance,' he says, on his new appreciation of midlife. 'You're still motivated, but maybe not in the same way. … You still want to make things, but maybe it doesn't matter as much, but that doesn't mean it doesn't matter. So that's where I feel like I'm at, where I'm saying, 'You know what, I'm grateful.' I understand how lucky I've been now.' He's not quite done with touring but 'Acute Angles' represents a potential escape. If his comedy can travel without him, if he can make money while foregoing lonely nights on the road, he can prioritize more important moments, like playing catch with his son after school. After all, his kids aren't at the age yet where they hate him — a joke his kids don't like. Still, Martin's art-making mirrors his joke-writing. It's a numbers game, meticulously filling notebooks in handwriting Silverman describes as 'tiny letters all perfectly the same size,' then revisiting and sharpening material until the joke emerges, like a vision. 'It's really a privilege to have the kind of career where I can try something like this,' Martin says. 'I don't take that for granted anymore.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Announces Appointment of Kim Boerema as Chief Executive Officer
Kim Boerema Fast-Growing Experiential Restaurant Group Hires California Pizza Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse Veteran DALLAS, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (Nasdaq: TWNP), the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant, today announces the appointment of Kim Boerema as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Boerema will draw on his over 30 years of industry experience, scaling and optimizing high-volume, full-service restaurant operations, to continue driving forward the rapid growth trajectory of the ultimate sports lodge, Twin Peaks. Boerema most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse, where he helped to significantly scale the brand, taking it from a 10-unit concept to an approximately 30-unit concept in the last two and a half years. Other prior experiences include serving as CEO and President of Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, where he led brand transformation efforts in addition to serving as COO of California Pizza Kitchen, where he was key in creating a new cost-effective restaurant prototype along with rebuilding the operations and leadership teams. Boerema was also a Regional Vice President at Texas Roadhouse, where he oversaw 125 units in 22 states, driving growth and best-in-class retention for the respective locations. 'Kim brings deep expertise in franchising, corporate operations, and profitability enhancement, making him ideally positioned to lead Twin Peaks in its next stage of growth,' said Ken Kuick, CFO of Twin Hospitality Group. 'With a pipeline of 100 lodges, Kim's background and proven leadership will be instrumental as we look to scale the Twin Peaks brand and fuel long-term momentum." 'I have always had a passion for experiential dining, which aligns perfectly with the immersive sports lodge positioning of Twin Peaks,' said Kim Boerema, CEO of Twin Hospitality Group. 'Over the years, Twin Peaks has emerged as an industry leader known for operational excellence and brand integrity, and I look forward to not only maintaining but also enhancing what makes the Twin Peaks brand such a coveted customer experience as we continue to expand across the globe.' For more information on Twin Hospitality Group, visit Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Twin Hospitality Group Inc. is a restaurant company that strategically develops and operates specialty casual dining restaurant concepts with a goal to redefine the casual dining category with its experiential driven brands. For more information, visit About Twin Peaks Founded in 2005 in the Dallas suburb of Lewisville, Twin Peaks has 116 locations in the U.S. and Mexico. Twin Peaks is the ultimate sports lodge featuring made-from-scratch food and the coldest beer in the business, surrounded by scenic views and wall-to-wall TVs. At every Twin Peaks, guests are immediately welcomed by a friendly Twin Peaks Girl and served up a menu made for MVPs. From its smashed and seared-to-order burgers to its in-house smoked brisket and wings, guests can expect menu items that satisfy every appetite. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings. Forward-looking statements reflect the expectations of management concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties, and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that are filed from time to time by Twin Hospitality Group Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as its Registration Statement on Form 10 and reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. Investor Relations:ICRMichelle Michalskiir@ Media Relations:Destinee # # # Attachment Kim BoeremaError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
List of the Best Cinco de Mayo 2025 Food and Drink Specials
While many just celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos and margaritas, the day serves as a celebration of the day the Mexican army defeated French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. However, many American restaurants take advantage of the holiday and offer major discounts on food and drinks. For those looking for the best deals, Newsweek has compiled a list of the top discounts and savings to help you celebrate the holiday. California Pizza Kitchen Pizza and Mexican food lovers alike can take advantage of California Pizza Kitchen's deal this Cinco de Mayo as customers can earn $5 margaritas and a free order of White Corn Guacamole + Chips from May 1 to May 5. For the margarita, you have a choice between the Fresh Agave Lime, Strawberry Lime, or Skinny & Spicy Rita options. To get the deal, just mention the chips and guacamole offer to your server. The offer is limited to one order per table. Chipotle The leader in fast casual Mexican food is allowing customers to celebrate Cinco de Mayo for five days. From May 1-5, customers will get free delivery if they use the code DELIVER on the app or website. You can also get a free order of chips and Queso Blanco if you order between May 3 and May 5 with the code CINCO25. On actual Cinco de Mayo, the restaurant chain is giving away 50,000 free burritos through an "Ingredient Quest" experience on Roblox. Chuy's Those who want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Chuy's can score a $6 regular of $9 grande signature House 'Rita. The restaurant is also offering $1 floaters, $5 queso bowls, and a $1 discount on Corona, Dos Equis and Modelo beers. Moe's Moe's Southwest Grill will give customers a free queso side with the purchase of any entree on May 5. Participating locations will also give the first 20 guests a chance to win a free Moe's T-shirt. TGI Friday's TGI Friday's is also getting in on the Cinco de Mayo action with a $5 happy hour or a $5 all-day menu, depending on the specific location. You can also order chips and salsa or chips and queso for just $5, and there's a $5 promotion on classic margaritas. Bubbakoo's Burritos Bubbakoo's Burritos, a popular Mexican-fusion restaurant, is offering a buy one, get one deal (BOGO) this Cinco de Mayo. Loyalty members will get the deal once they purchase a regular entree at full price. A coupon will automatically be delivered on May 6 to their loyalty account to redeem for a free entree from then through May 11. To be eligible to receive the deal, fans must be loyalty members of Bubbakoo's Burritos. In addition to the loyalty offering, all guests are able to use code CINCO10 to receive 10 percent off all catering orders. Paul Altero, co-founder of Bubbakoo's Burritos, said in a statement: "Cinco de Mayo is all about flavor and fun-and that's what Bubbakoo's is all about, too. It's our way of saying thanks and helping everyone celebrate with even more of the bold flavors they love. This holiday is the perfect time to turn up the flavor, and this is our way of adding a little extra excitement to the festivities." Chris Brandt, chief brand officer of Chipotle, said in a statement: "Our fans love to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our real ingredients. This year, we're giving the Roblox community the opportunity to compete for free Chipotle and learn more about what makes our brand unique along the way." After Cinco de Mayo, several other unofficial food holidays are happening throughout the month of May. This includes International Hummus Day on May 13, National Chocolate Chip Day on May 15, and National Hamburger Day on May 28. Related Articles Which US Cities Canceled Cinco de Mayo Parades Amid Immigration CrackdownCinco de Mayo 2022: 11 Must-Try Tequilas, Mezcals and Canned MargaritasThe Patrón X JonBoy Margarita Collection Kit is Your Perfect Start to Summer#CincoAtHome - 9 Ways To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo While Still Keeping 6 Feet Apart 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
List of the Best Cinco de Mayo 2025 Food and Drink Specials
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. While many just celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos and margaritas, the day serves as a celebration of the day the Mexican army defeated French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. However, many American restaurants take advantage of the holiday and offer major discounts on food and drinks. For those looking for the best deals, Newsweek has compiled a list of the top discounts and savings to help you celebrate the holiday. California Pizza Kitchen Pizza and Mexican food lovers alike can take advantage of California Pizza Kitchen's deal this Cinco de Mayo as customers can earn $5 margaritas and a free order of White Corn Guacamole + Chips from May 1 to May 5. For the margarita, you have a choice between the Fresh Agave Lime, Strawberry Lime, or Skinny & Spicy Rita options. To get the deal, just mention the chips and guacamole offer to your server. The offer is limited to one order per table. Chipotle The leader in fast casual Mexican food is allowing customers to celebrate Cinco de Mayo for five days. From May 1-5, customers will get free delivery if they use the code DELIVER on the app or website. You can also get a free order of chips and Queso Blanco if you order between May 3 and May 5 with the code CINCO25. On actual Cinco de Mayo, the restaurant chain is giving away 50,000 free burritos through an "Ingredient Quest" experience on Roblox. Chuy's Those who want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Chuy's can score a $6 regular of $9 grande signature House 'Rita. The restaurant is also offering $1 floaters, $5 queso bowls, and a $1 discount on Corona, Dos Equis and Modelo beers. Moe's Moe's Southwest Grill will give customers a free queso side with the purchase of any entree on May 5. Participating locations will also give the first 20 guests a chance to win a free Moe's T-shirt. TGI Friday's TGI Friday's is also getting in on the Cinco de Mayo action with a $5 happy hour or a $5 all-day menu, depending on the specific location. You can also order chips and salsa or chips and queso for just $5, and there's a $5 promotion on classic margaritas. Bubbakoo's Burritos Bubbakoo's Burritos, a popular Mexican-fusion restaurant, is offering a buy one, get one deal (BOGO) this Cinco de Mayo. Loyalty members will get the deal once they purchase a regular entree at full price. A coupon will automatically be delivered on May 6 to their loyalty account to redeem for a free entree from then through May 11. To be eligible to receive the deal, fans must be loyalty members of Bubbakoo's Burritos. In addition to the loyalty offering, all guests are able to use code CINCO10 to receive 10 percent off all catering orders. What People Are Saying Paul Altero, co-founder of Bubbakoo's Burritos, said in a statement: "Cinco de Mayo is all about flavor and fun—and that's what Bubbakoo's is all about, too. It's our way of saying thanks and helping everyone celebrate with even more of the bold flavors they love. This holiday is the perfect time to turn up the flavor, and this is our way of adding a little extra excitement to the festivities." Chris Brandt, chief brand officer of Chipotle, said in a statement: "Our fans love to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our real ingredients. This year, we're giving the Roblox community the opportunity to compete for free Chipotle and learn more about what makes our brand unique along the way." What Happens Next? After Cinco de Mayo, several other unofficial food holidays are happening throughout the month of May. This includes International Hummus Day on May 13, National Chocolate Chip Day on May 15, and National Hamburger Day on May 28.
Fast Company
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
Cinco de Mayo 2025 freebies and deals: Chipotle, Baja Fresh, Del Taco, 7-Eleven, and more
Today (Monday, May 5, 2025) is Cinco de Mayo. The day celebrates the May 5, 1862, victory of Mexico against France in the Battle of Puebla. However, while Cinco de Mayo celebrates an important event in Mexican history, the day is widely observed in communities across America and is now frequently one used to celebrate Mexican-American culture in the United States. Many brands in America—especially restaurant chains—like to participate in Cinco de Mayo by offering deals and freebies to customers. This is especially true of restaurants that serve Mexican or Mexican-American food. Here are some deals to be had today if you are up for celebrating Cinco de Mayo with your tastebuds. Baja Fresh Use the code CINCO at checkout to get $5.55 off your order of $20 or more. California Pizza Kitchen The pizza chain is offering free white corn guacamole and chips to customers who show this webpage to their server. California Tortilla The Mexican food chain is offering a coupon for a free taco on their next visit to people who purchase something today. Chipotle Chipotle is offering several Cinco de Mayo deals, including $0 delivery fees when using the promo code DELIVER and free chips and Queso Blanco when using the promo code CINCO25. The company is also giving away the chance to win one of 50,000 burritos when you play its Burrito Builder experience on Roblox. Full details of the offers can be found here.
