The #JonesesMovie 3 ‘Spy’ Techniques
Are you ready for the upcoming film KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES? We are. At a Spy Camp event in Los Angeles, Ca we were able to learn some new spy-like skills to “Spy-ce” up our life which is spicy already. (Wink Wink) In short, the film is about an ordinary suburban couple (Zach Galifianakis, Isla Fisher) that find it’s not easy keeping up with their new gorgeous, ultra-sophisticated neighbors (Jon Hamm, Gal Gadot) – especially when they discover that Mr. and Mrs. Jones are covert operatives. It sounds like such an action-comedy adventure.
Our first camp activity was to learn to sky dive like a spy. Now you don’t think we had to actually skydive from an airplane? Of course not! It was indoor skydiving at iFLy Hollywood at Universal Citywalk. Although it did look intimidating, there was a trained employee who showed us what to do and we watched an instructional video before getting suited up an each person made their way into the sky-fly-zone area. All in all, it was so easy, fun and exciting. Samuel our instructor was there to make sure we were safe during the spinning and flying.
Afterward, we moved on to Residuals Tavern for some lunch and to learn how to throw metal tip darts from two representatives of the Southern California Dart Association. Eddie O’Flaherty and Matt Herington were great instructors. We watched them demonstrate the correct stance for either a right handed or left handed individual. Proper arm placement and follow through was mentioned several times. Then a flick of your arm and then boom you should hit the dart board. Well not always. It was fun to see how often some folks actually hit the bullseye of the dart board. I came pretty close. It isn’t about precision but more about technique. Basically what any ‘spy’ would know. So between the delicious Chinese food lunch and friendly dart games, we found the dart throwing to be super fun.
Now the fun had only just begun. Next was the cooking demonstration at Universal Kitchen and Appliance Center where Chef Saverio Posarelli taught us how to ‘Spy-ce’ up our culinary repertoire. First was a fresh peach nectar sparkling wine cocktail with a sugar rimmed glass accompanied with a few mixed berries. Then he proceeded to whip up a fresh mixed green salad tossed with acorn squash, raspberry vinaigrette and topped with roasted prosciutto wrapped asparagus. Afterward was a detailed start to finish of risotto with acorn squash, butter, freshly made from scratch chicken broth and his special olive oil from Italy. He served the risotto in a baked hollowed out pumpkin, not the decorative variety. Last was an eye-catching dessert. Lingue de gatto, which translates to a cat’s tongue, is a thin cookie which he formed into a bowl prior. Chef Saverio used Grand Marnier, torn mint leaves, and lemon zest. It was served up with vanilla bean ice cream, caramel sauce and a dash of confectioner’s sugar. Delicious all around.
If you think that being a ‘spy’ is something easy well think again. From learning to skydive, throw darts and cook. All of that is harder than it looks but with practice and direction anyone can accomplish these techniques and truly ‘Spy-ce’ up their modus operandi. Thank you to (dont know who to thank) for the awesome camp experience. The swag bag at the end was packed with some souvenirs from our day. So cool. Now don’t forget to go see this movie. Here is a link to see the trailer. Hope you are Keeping Up With The Joneses like we did.
Ciao For Now,
Joël Lëoj
Leave a Reply