Milling About

Host Robin Milling caught up with Ballet NY choreographer John-Mark Owen in rehearsals for the company premiere of Triptych, featuring dancers Fidel Garcia and Nadezhda Vostrikov. A dancer himself, Owen tells Robin the dance was inspired by the ups and downs of a former relationship. Raised in Macon, Georgia, Owen began his career as an interpretive sign languager but quickly changed his course when he was wowed by Mikhail Baryshnikov in The Nutcracker. As fate would have it, their paths crossed in the New York dance studio Steps. Owen says he embarrassingly missed the opportunity to tell Baryshnikov of his inspiration in a starstruck moment. Triptych can be seen August 9-11 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. For more information visit www.balletny.org Photo of Jennifer Goodman and John-Mark Owen in Twilight courtesy of Christopher Duggan

When real estate and media mogul Donald Trump invaded the seaside town of Aberdeenshire, Scotland with a proposal for a multi-billion dollar golf resort on their environmentally sacred stretch of coast, the humble locals with extreme principles were not impressed and let their voices be heard in the documentary, You've Been Trumped. Director Anthony Baxter who joins Robin Milling should be applauded for exposing Trump, greedy warts and all, who can be seen in the documentary calling local Michael Forbes' property 'slumlike and disgusting.' Baxter tells Robin about getting arrested while making the film for asking Trump's workmen a few pointed questions. He hopes the film will get into the hands of Sir Sean Connery, an avid golfer and treasured Scot, to support their cause against any further Trump development. For more information visit www.youvebeentrumped.com/

With the release of the remake of Total Recall, Milling About 'recalls' back to 1990 with Sharon Stone, chatting with her over lunch about her break-out role in the original Total Recall. Stone was extremely candid in her conversation with host Robin Milling where she talked about her initial skepticism to play another action character, and her playful audition for director Paul Verhoeven as the sci-fi seductress who kicks Schwarzenegger's butt. Sharon would reunite with Verhoeven two years later for Basic Instinct. At the time Stone posed for Playboy and reveals to Robin her decision to do it, why it empowered her and how it strengthened her self image. Known for her beauty, Stone shrugs off nudity on camera with a sense of humor, and talks about how modeling was a stepping stone for her acting career. She confidently tells Robin, 'I'm a good actress and I know it.' Now, over 20 years later, Stone has proven that statement over and over, becoming a major movie star.

Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter Paul & Mary join host Robin Milling for a little reminiscing, a little music, and fond thoughts of their dear friend Mary Travers. Their new children's book It's Raining, It's Pouring illustrated by Christine Davenier features a CD with three songs performed by the trio, tucked in the back cover.  Peter and Paul serenade Robin with the song, originally recorded for their debut album in 1961, Peter Paul and Mary, along with their classic hit Leaving On A Jet Plane. They tell Robin where they were in the 60s, how Mary inspired the voice of a strong generation of women, and how their legacy will always live on through that wonderful music. They also introduce a new socially conscious song, Puff The Magic Occupier!

Kenny Loggins enters a new chapter in his life, starting over again with a band called Blue Sky Riders. Loggins tells host Robin Milling it's been an exciting time after being solo for 30 years to have a songwriting trio that gets the creative juices flowing again, and to write about life after 40! Joining the conversation is Gary Burr, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer who's penned 14 number one hits to date for such artists as Michael Bolton, Ricky Martin and Kelly Clarkson to name a few.  Rounding out the threesome is Georgia Middleman from San Antonio who's penned a few number ones herself including Keith Urban's I'm In. The song Dream became something of a theme song for Blue Sky Riders when Kenny was told by a friend that he was 'too old to start over again.'  You're never too old to dream and BSR have proved that with brand new music, blending country and pop with a little bit of retro. Listen to Dream at the end of the show and stay tuned for their album coming out in January. For more information

Mike Doyle, currently starring in Union Square, joins host Robin Milling for lunch at Cafe Blossom in New York's Greenwich Village. Mike chats about his role over a delicious vegan lunch of Quinoa salad with house-made kimchi, tofu scramble and garlic french fries; with signature herbal-infused cocktails like Tootsie Tree Hugger and In The Weeds. A graduate of Julliard, Mike has acted consistently in television and movies. Most recently on the small screen he played an anesthesiologist opposite Patrick Wilson's brain surgeon in A Gifted Man. In Union Square he plays Bill, engaged to Tammy Blanchard's Jenny, who plays Mira Sorvino's estranged sister. Despite being called 'Superman' by Sorvino, Mike's all American good looks have not typecast him. The Bronx born actor also plays the bad guy, dying on screen numerously. He has been featured buying it at least seven times on various television series. Doyle jokes that he calls his mother after his death scenes just to make sure she knows it's not real! Mike ha

Chef/Restauranteur Jean-Stephane Poinard of Bistro de Leon in St. Augustine takes pure joy in cooking for his guests. In fact his dream one day is to have a restaurant where there is no menu and he just has the opportunity to please. When you walk into his restaurant, which was once a doll shop, you feel like you have stepped into the countryside of France. Pleasure is at the core of his dishes and that mission was accomplished as he prepared a delicious tasting for host Robin Milling of vegetable soup, Ahi tuna Tartar, and scallops which melted in your mouth, plus frothy risotto that Jean-Stephane attributes to love and mastering the fire. Born in Lyon, France, Jean-Stephane is a fifth generation chef who was inspired by his father, as he would feed the local priests morning, noon and night. In return for his father's generosity, when he was sick and couldn't travel to the church, the priests baptized him right in the restaurant. Visiting the Statue of Liberty at 13 years old, Jean-Stephane wished into a

Challenge yourself to The Wall of Flame! @ Hot Shot Bakery in St. Augustine. Owner Sherry Stoppelbein joins host Robin Milling where she talks off the scale hotness of their chocolate covered datil peppers, grown locally. The reigning champion consumed 33 and it's become so popular Sherry has started an annual Poppin' Pepper Palooza. Sherry's datil pepper sauce is an international sensation; a customer even sent a case to the boys in Iraq. A short distance from Flagler College, Sherry has named some of their delicious home-made wraps and paninis after several student regulars, namely The Bufis Wrap which is a combination of sausage, potato, tomato, egg, swiss, peppers, onions and spicy Datil Jelly. And, if you still have room for dessert Sherry says her raspberry chocolate tart with fresh datil peppers will 'knock your socks off.' For more information visit Hot Shot Bakery on FB and @HotShotBakery on Twitter

Owner George Chryssaidis (Crasidis) serves up authentic Greek cuisine from his Athena Cafe in St. Augustine, Florida featuring his homemade signature dishes such as creamy hummus, chicken souvlaki, gyro with tzatziki sauce made from his own olive oil imported from family olive groves in Frixa, Greece. Aptly named Frixa, it's only available in Florida which makes perfect sense as it's medicinal qualities are on par with the nearby Fountain of Youth. Other yummy dishes at Athena Cafe include Greek caviar (Taramosalata) to die for and Saganaki, the house special where grilled Greek cheese is drenched in lemon for a mouth watering tanginess. It comes with it's own show as the waiter lights the dish on fire as he serves it shouting, 'Opa!' A self made man, George's humble beginnings began as a dishwasher and through his love of eating reached for owning restaurants rather than working in them. He also owns Cafe Alcazar which is a fancier setting for his home-cooked cuisine, set in the deep end of the swimming poo

Let's Do Lunch! had a fabulous six course tasting at Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House in St. Augustine, Florida. Owner John Meehan had his chef  prepare ruben rolls, oysters Meehan, crab, avocado and mango cocktail served in a martini glass, grilled shrimp and chicken with cilantro and spinach, and bronzed fresh local flounder, topped with a trio of desserts. Meehan's is set across from the Matanzas Bay where food and entertainment combine for a memorable experience, not to mention front row seats for St. Augustine's tremendous 4th of July fireworks display.  John joins host Robin Milling where he talks about Meehan's menu consisting of homey and authentic Irish fare mixed with upscale seafood and chicken dishes, how they amassed their vast selection of Jameson's Irish Whiskey, and the local talent they attract. The backyard at Meehan's boasts an original Tiki bar where guests can enjoy a pint, tropical drinks, and listen to live music. Sundays are special as Irish musicians from all over the world p

Milling About visits the Oldest City in America, St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1565, the city's quaint brick layered streets lead to The Ponce De Leon Hotel built by oilman Henry Flagler in the 1880s majestically rising above the Spanish Oak trees, now housing Flagler college. Host Robin Milling was given an historical foodie tour of the city by Anthea Manny of City Walks, who's knowledge of the city was astounding. The yummy stops on the Savory Faire tour included creamy homemade hummus at Cafe Alcazar which is nestled in the deep end of what was once the Hotel Alcazar's swimming pool. The Old City House Inn & Restaurant served blue lump crabcake with caviar remoulade. The final stop was Athena Cafe where the waiter expertly set fire to Saganaki,  fried Greek goat cheese bursting with lemon. City Walks owner Alice Sutherland joins Robin to discuss her walking tours, among them The Creepy Crawl where alcohol mixes with stories of ghosts still lurking. Robin's visit was hosted by The Casablanca Inn

It's bye-bye 'American Pie'  for Jason Biggs who stars in Grassroots as the campaign manager for his best friend's platform; which is to widen the monorail system throughout Seattle. It's a crazy scheme, but it just might work. When it comes to real life jobs, Jason tells host Robin Milling he hasn't been that lucky as he was fired from a soap opera, a commercial with Sarah Michelle Gellar, and a television series he starred in which to his delight was canceled shortly after he was let go. Jason admits he's not very political but is happy the film might encourage young people to start their own grassroots program and make a difference. When it comes to his own platform for change, Jason jokes that he just doesn't have enough crazy ideas to make something happen. Next Jason can be heard as the voice of Leonardo in the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series for Nickelodeon.

Singer songwriter Valerie Ghent joins host Robin Milling to celebrate the release of her new CD 'Day to Day Dream'. A tour de force performer, Val releases an infectious mix of songs infused with blues, soul, jazz and pop; from the bluesy ballad Love Enough For A Lifetime to the South African rhythms of Run, Run, Run that will have you dancing. In fact the audience couldn't help but dance the conga in the aisles when Val had her release party at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar. A New York City native, Val tells Robin how she began her love affair with singing and songwriting influenced by her musical parents, and tells the stories behind the songs on 'Day to Day Dream.' With piano chops to match her impressive three and a half octave range, one wonders whether Val can shatter glass when she hits the high notes! Passing on her musical talents to others, Val recognized the healing power of music helming Feel The Music after the tragic events of 9/11 which continues to bring joy into the lives of children wh

Celebrate 4th of July with Casper Van Dien starring in The Pact. Casper joins host Robin Milling for a chat about the horror film, playing a detective who has his own personal demons. Casper tells Robin he can relate as he is thankfully 18 years sober. And what a family legacy he has as the fifth Casper in a long line of Caspers before him. He shares the origins of his name and through his addiction to ancestry.com, he made a startling discovery about his own ancestors. Coming up Casper returns to 'that Starship trooper guy' in the comedy Noobz, and the anime Starship Troopers Invasion which he executive produced. You can find Casper on Twitter @CasperVanDien

Tom Arnold joins host Robin Milling to talk about Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection, as head of a corporation caught in a ponzi scheme. Arnold, who is infectiously gregarious reveals his aunt was a victim of Bernie Madoff's ponzi scheme and how it impacted the family. Tom also weighs in on those invasive X-ray machines at airports, his frustration with over-priced hotel menus, and his unfortunate absence during a special visit from Charlie Sheen to the set.

Let's Do Lunch! travels to the island of Nantucket to the relaxing restaurant Dune for their delicious soft shell crab sandwich on their crispy homemade bun with tomato remulaude, roasted red and gold beet salad with goat cheese mousse with champagne vinaigrette and toasted pistachios, Chatham oysters with chopped mint and diced rhubarb, and Gazpacho topped with a flavorful twist of homemade gelato. Chef and owner Michael Getter joins host Robin Milling for lunch and conversation. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Michael tells Robin how he has come a long way since he prepared his first dish of salami, eggs and swiss cheese inspired by his mother's Jewish cooking. Michael talks about how he comes up with the interesting combinations of flavors that enhance what he describes as simple, comfort food. For more information on Dune visit www.dunenantucket.com

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter stars Dominic Cooper and Rufus Sewell discuss their vampire turns with host Robin Milling. Dominic tells Robin how he learned to wield an ax for the big showdown against Benjamin Walker's Lincoln by practicing in public parks. Rufus, who plays the main antagonist vampire says his bloodsucker was a bit too scary for his 10 year-old son to see, but he did think dad was cool. The coolest thing for both actors was how they prepared to 'munch' on the faces of their costars. Ironically Dominic and Rufus met in their early careers for an exploratory theater workshop, but this film marks the first time they've worked together since.  

Former CNN correspondent Kitty Pilgrim joins host Robin Milling for lunch at Jean Georges in The Mark Hotel in New York to talk about her newest novel, The Stolen Chalice. A sequel to The Explorer's Code, now out in paperback, Kitty weaves a tale of international intrigue in The Stolen Chalice with romance and fabulous adventures. No stranger to adventure herself, Kitty tells Robin how her personal explorations as a world traveler have inspired her to create the colorful characters in her book. Her next novel takes her to Capri and exploring volcanoes which Kitty promises to be another page turner. For more information visit www.kittypilgrim.com

Let's Do Lunch! traveled to the city of brotherly love to the Seventh Annual Great Chefs Event where 50 of the world's greatest chefs gathered under one roof to cook for over 1,000 guests all in the name of charity. Host Robin Milling sampled dishes and spoke with famous chefs from New York such as Drew Nieporent of Tribeca Grill, April Bloomfield of The Breslin Bar and Dining Room, and Chef Bill Telepan of Telepan. She spoke with Los Angeles chefs Neal Fraser of The Strand House and The Hungry Cat's David Lentz. The live auction featured a Vetri Dinner for 6 with Danny Meyer and David Swinghamer that sold for $19,000 to two separate bidders, in a tied bidding war, and a five-day, four- night gastro-tour of Piemonte Italy for six with award winning chefs Jeff Michaud & Marc Vetri that sold for $35,000. One million dollars was raised to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, trying to find a cure for childhood cancers.

Philadelphia cuisine is more than just pretzels and cheesesteaks. Chef Kevin Reardon of Keatings River Grill at Hyatt Regency Philadelpha, Penn's Landing joins host Robin Milling for a special tasting. Chef Reardon prepared delectable comfort seafood selections of Maryland lump crabcakes with black bean corn relish and parmesan potatoes with remoulade influenced by his time in New Orleans, and pan seared Jersey scallops with lemon polenta at the restaurant  overlooking the Delaware River. Chef tells Robin how Keatings River Grill often caters rock bands such as The Beach Boys who have concerts at nearby Penn's Landing. Food and beverage director David Cribbs discusses the signature summer bourbon drinks and martini cocktails namely the Mantini with rye, sweet vermouth and specialty bitters and fruit. The Hyatt hopes to introduce the New Concept Market to it's restaurants including Keatings River Grill featuring natural beef and cage free eggs. For more information visit www.pennslanding.hyatt.com