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Like most countries America has done a lot of good for the world (they invented the Heimlich manoeuvre) and a lot of bad (Miley Cyrus). Focusing on the positives, and in honour of Independence Day, we're doffing our collective stetsons to the good old US of A with five ways to celebrate, Uncle Sam-style...
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BOURBON MASTERCLASS
Birmingham Whisky Club are hosting a masterclass of beautiful barrel-aged bourbons at The Church, JQ, tonight. Whisky, whiskey and bourbon experts will talk you through five of the American South's finest tipples including White Dog, Benchmark, Buffalo, Eagle Rare and our personal favourite Stagg Jr. Tickets cost £25 and include a corking burger courtesy of the Soul Food Project. Buy here.
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MOVIEMAKING AT ITS BEST
Fruitvale Station, a harrowing true story, is hardly America's finest hour, but as a piece of filmmaking it's immense. Unscreened in Birmingham until now and with just two showings at The Electric, this acclaimed Sundance hit follows the last day of Oscar Grant, who was wrongfully killed by a transit police officer on New Year’s Day 2009. It’s a devastating but essential watch. Trailer here. Tickets here.
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USA TAP TAKEOVER
"Pint of Clown Shoes, landlord." The opportunity to say these words won't come around often. From 5pm today Brewdog's tap takeover sees 13 US craft ales available, including Clown Shoes Brewery's Belgian strength Muffin Top (Massachusetts, 10%). The guys behind Peel & Stone are cooking ribs - they won Grillstock 2014 with this sauce - while Lil's Parlour have cupcakes covered.
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PURNELL VERSUS AMERICA
Purnell's Bistro are doing an Independence Day special platter that includes a mini spicy lamb merguez hot dog, a slider-sized version of Glynn Purnell's own recipe burger (half pork, half beef), a caesar salad with crispy bacon and anchovies, plus a bottle of Bud. It's available today (July 4) only and will set you back just £10. Put the money you save towards a post-meal, off menu Manhattan.
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NEW WORLD WINE: GO NORTH
We like a wine with a talking point (see last week's email) so step forward the Selfridges-stocked Boom Boom, £22.99. While California dominates US wine production, there are exquisite wines being made further north in Washington State, where the cooler climate makes for more European flavours. Boom Boom is a full bodied, spicy Syrah that's desperately seeking a barbecue for companionship. Help it out.
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COMIC BOOK GUY
Alex Ross is widely considered to be one of the most pre-eminent and well-respected comic book artists in the history of the field. Anyone with an iota of interest in the world of DC comics should stop in at Castle Fine Art Gallery where you'll find stunning Superman and Batman prints priced from £695 up to £1050. Check out other examples of his work here, all of which are on display right here.
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TIM KEY TAKES ON THE GLEE
There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who like stand up comedy and those who haven't seen Tim Key yet. Both should buy tickets to his guaranteed-to-sell-out, one night only set at The Glee Club, October 14. The man behind Alan Partridge's "Sidekick Simon" and star of Charlie Brooker's Newswipe will climb into his poetry clothes (pictured, comfy) and regale us with his prose. Check out this NSFW poem about bankers, then book tickets (just £15). Do so urgently to avoid the crushing disappointment life consistently throws at every single one of us.
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GIANT CORNETTOS ALL ROUND?
The Giant Screen at Millennium Point is celebrating the 10th anniversary of classic Brit-flick Shaun of the Dead with a night dedicated to the rom-zom-com and its companion films Hot Fuzz and The World's End. The comedies - collectively known as The Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy - propelled Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright to superstardom and will be shown back-to-back, tomorrow (Saturday July 5), on the biggest independent screen in the UK. Needless to say you don't have to watch all three, just show up for the one you want. Tickets (£6) here.
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