Reality Bites

By Carolina Astrain

Published March 1, 2008

Blue vessel-shaped chandeliers and brightly colored streamers wrapped around the columns of the Lela Raney Wood Hall set the mood for ‘Reality Bites,’ one of the many social events for the True/False Film Festival. Conversation buzzed from table to table as everyone took a piece of samples featuring flavors from all over in the spirit of True/False’s international lens. Showcasing their culinary skills were local Columbia restaurants like Bangkok Gardens, International Café, The Pasta Factory and others.

Providing guests with good ol’ acoustic tunes were trio-composed folk band Toughcats, originally hailing from North Haven, Maine. Refreshments were available to the public in the form of Schlafly Beer, white chardonnay and red merlot wines.

Sponsor Ruth LaHue, co-owner of My Secret Garden, who provided ‘Reality Bites’ with it’s floral arrangements and is located on 9th Street, says she’s pleased with how things have turned out.

“I was initially approached by David Wilson and we made arrangements for the filmmakers’ hotel rooms and welcome them to the city and then we donated arrangements for the events,” LaHue said.

Of her favorites, LaHue says she enjoyed what the Wine Cellar & Bistro had to offer.

“They had kangaroo and ostrich, so it was really neat being able to try that,” LaHue said. “I really enjoyed that they had so much from so many different types of restaurants.”

LaHue runs her business with her mother, with whom she says is always trying to support cultural events like True/False in Columbia.

The ballroom was dimly lit and fit perfectly with the vibe of ‘sophistication’ True/False seems to be trying to get at this year.