The Avenue

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Food and memory: Mention ‘Proust’s madeleines’ like a pro

By Kelsi | June 4, 2014

Food is more than just nutrients. Food conjures up memories and reveals who we are and who we are not. What we eat is a medium for personal recollection and collective identity. Marcel Proust, the great French author, is famous for connecting food and memory with madeleines, “those squat plump little cakes.” We certainly have him to thank for those little packages of “petite French cakes” at every Starbucks checkout.

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

What your preferred package of potato chips says about you

By Keri | May 28, 2014

Picture this: You and your friends are hanging out in the backyard, playing Frisbee or cornhole, waiting for the hamburgers to grill on the barbecue.

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THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

New ‘X-Men’ a formulaic fallback onto action movie cliches

By Jackson Hart | May 28, 2014

I went into “X-Men: Days of Future Past” with high hopes. After a string of disappointing superhero movies – the latest Spider-Man, “Captain America: Winter Soldier,” the last stupid Thor — I was ready to get back to the glory days of the Batman trilogy. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

For a non-rom-com look at long-term lovers, see ‘Le Week-End’

By Jackson Hart | May 28, 2014

“Le Week-End,” playing at the Hippodrome State Theatre until June 5, is a small marvel of a film. Though it deals with a subject that (on the surface) is hard for college students to relate to — the boredom that grows in a long relationship — “Le Week-End” is still full of small, often devastating truths about the human condition we can all relate to.

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Tampa’s Sunset Music Festival garners 45,000 attendees

By Cody Smith | May 28, 2014

Memorial Day weekend marked Sunset Music Festival’s third invasion of the North Lot of the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Mac Miller’s new ‘Faces’ highlights mature production, personal struggles

By Patrick Glynn | May 28, 2014

Mac Miller, also known as “Easy Mac with the Cheesy Raps,” capitalized in his teenage years as a party rapper with chorus-driven songs of low lyrical depth like “Nikes on my Feet” and “Donald Trump.” 

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Recipe: Proposal Cookies

By Kristan Wiggins | May 21, 2014

Warning: Adapted from a recipe called “I want to marry you,” these babies could put a ring on your finger, or if you have control issues, 5 pounds on your thighs. 

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Fresh Picked 5/22/14

May 21, 2014

Each Thursday, the Avenue will dish out the best in entertainment. From the silver screen to hidden Internet gems, check out this week’s top picks.

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THE AVENUE  |  SEX

Hookup apps a big risk for a little fun, so follow tips for safety

By Lawrence Chan | May 21, 2014

From Tinder to Thrill to Grouper and Grindr, dating apps are some of the most popular social developments to hit mobile devices in recent memory.

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Meet the Matwicks: Musings and meditations about food

By Kelsi | May 21, 2014

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at who will bring you the column Matwick Musings and Munchings this Summer. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Florida-focused music fest to stop in Gainesville on Saturday

By Niko Pifferetti | May 21, 2014

If traveling to Tampa is not in your itinerary for the Memorial Day weekend, you’re in luck: You can still bust out your flower crown for the Follow the Sun music festival, coming to Gainesville on May 24.

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Local eateries often cash-only, limiting card-toting customers

By Julia Lopez | May 21, 2014

Slow Gainesville summers are ideal for sampling the best-loved local restaurants. But before you set out to swipe some plastic at Satchel’s or Vine Bread & Pasta, make sure the restaurant accepts electronic tender. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Memorial Day to boost attendance for Sunset Music Festival

By Cody Smith | May 21, 2014

Central Florida’s music scene continues to grow as yet another festival graces Tampa. Sunset Music Festival, the aptly titled event scheduled to take place May 24 and 25, will bring some of the biggest names in electronic dance music to the North Lot of the Raymond James Stadium.

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Fresh Picked 5/15/14

May 14, 2014

Watch it: Tara the Hero Cat

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THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Who’s the Spidey-est Spider-Man?

By Madeline Calise | May 14, 2014

The Spider-Man franchise did right by its fans when they chose Andrew Garfield for the series reboot, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,”  which premiered May 2 in the U.S. and earned about $92 million in its opening weekend. Though our superheroes have been and will be portrayed by many actors, we should appreciate when one performance so completely captures what we love about a familiar character.

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Big Guava impresses with big crowds, likely to return next year

By Cody Smith | May 14, 2014

Bright stage lights suddenly dimmed as thousands of people yelled and screamed in anticipation. A cube lit up, which revealed a kitchen table and gray smoke. Suddenly two silhouettes appeared and burst to life as everyone sprung from their seats and cheered in utter glee. The energetic notes of “Bombs Over Baghdad” played over the speakers — Outkast had finally returned to Florida.  

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Lykke Li releases ‘I Never Learn,’a dark riff on realistic romances

By Cody Smith | May 14, 2014

Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li may have just released one of the best albums of 2014 thus far. 

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THE AVENUE  |  FASHION

Met Gala 2014 highlights social media’s impact on fashion biz

By Edwin Exaus | May 14, 2014

Guests at this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala, held last week, paid homage to Anglo-American couturier Charles James with a host of trendy looks.

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THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

See, Redbox and skip: A critic’s guide to this summer’s big blockbuster season

By Jackson Hart | Apr. 16, 2014

It’s the most glorious time of the year. The days are hotter, the pools are sparkling, and each studio is releasing its best attempt to get your money. Here’s a guide to what you should see in theaters, wait for on Redbox or just skip altogether.

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Fresh Picked 4/17/14

By Alexa Volland | Apr. 16, 2014

Each Thursday, the Avenue will dish out the best in entertainment. From the silver screen to hidden Internet gems, check out this week’s top picks.