Editor’s note: Tastemakers is a column where we give you, the readers, a glimpse into what we at The Spectator are interested in (fashion, music, pop culture, etc.). It also takes heavy inspiration from Perfectly Imperfect, a paid Substack with content in a similar format. 

As we approach the long-anticipated Thanksgiving break and escape the pressures of school for a fleeting moment, I’m showing gratitude for the little things in life that bring me joy and allow me to temporarily escape reality.

Vampires, witches and overall spine-tingling media: For as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn to the horror genre, whether in movies, shows, books — you name it. 

I was an avid reader of “Goosebumps,” “Fear Street” and “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” as a young kid. While each story equally terrified and captivated me, I could never seem to get enough. As I got older, the bizarre mind of Stephen King became my preferred getaway.

Many of King’s film adaptations are among my favorite movies of all time, such as “It,” “Carrie,” “The Shining,” “Children of the Corn” and “Christine.” Each tale is so uniquely disturbing and King has a real talent for evoking fears you never knew you could have (for example, a possessed killer car?). 

I also love a good witch flick. It can range anywhere from fun fall classics like “Hocus Pocus” and “Practical Magic” to nail-biting psychological thrillers like “Suspiria” and “Rosemary’s Baby.” 

My personal favorite is “The Craft,” with other honorable mentions including “Witches of Eastwick” and “The Love Witch.” A common theme within most of the movies I mentioned is the use of witchcraft as a channel for female rage as well as divinity, which I find very empowering.

Lastly, my never-ending obsession: vampires. I will always long for the life of an alluring vampiress roaming her gothic castle; alas, I can only live vicariously through fiction. 

The “Twilight” saga is the ultimate comfort marathon for me, obviously, but I highly recommend “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” with Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder (read the novel first), “The Lost Boys,” “Nosferatu the Vampyre,” “Queen of the Damned” and “Interview with a Vampire.” 

Azul Tequila: I would gladly eat Mexican food every day for the rest of my life; more specifically, I would gladly eat Azul Tequila every day for the rest of my life. This authentic restaurant located in Eau Claire is an absolute must. 

If you are a quesadilla fiend like me, I recommend the quesadilla ranchera, stuffed with sirloin steak or chicken, grilled onions, lettuce, pico de gallo and Chihuahua cheese, topped with cheese sauce and avocado salsa and served with rice and beans.

Truly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

“The Phantom of the Opera” (2004) soundtrack: Words cannot fully describe the chokehold this movie and its soundtrack has had on me since I was approximately 6 years old. 

For those who have somehow deprived themselves of this masterpiece, the film is based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, which was originally inspired from Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, “Le Fantôme de l’Opéra.”

The story takes place in a Parisian opera house in the late 19th century, where a young, talented singer named Christine Daae (Emmy Rossum) captures the heart of the Phantom (Gerard Butler), a disfigured musical genius who lives in the sewers below the house.

Each song is so hauntingly beautiful, intense and full of emotion. The title song, “The Phantom of the Opera,” combines elements of rock and opera in a way that will bless your ears and make you want to listen to it on repeat.

The rich imagery of the lyrics can transport you to each scene: a smoky underground lair filled with candles and sheet music during “Music of the Night,” a grand staircase lined with disguised partygoers singing “Masquerade” at an elegant ball or a sorrowful, snow-covered cemetery during “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.”

My favorite of the soundtrack is “The Point of No Return,” which releases the fiery passion and desperation the characters feel when embracing their relationship. Although I have matured enough over the years to realize that Christine and Phantom did not belong together, their chemistry during this piece is unmatched.

I was lucky enough to experience the Broadway production when I was 15. After 35 years — making it Broadway’s longest-running show — Webber’s sensation took its final bow in 2023. I will never cease to hope that it returns during my lifetime.

Thrifted feline finds: If you know me, you know I love two things: cats and sweaters. Imagine my absolute glee when I discovered the most adorable vintage Jane’s Closet sweater with a cluster of funny-looking cats on it at Goodwill.

Not surprisingly, it’s the most frequently complimented piece of clothing I own. My mom says I look like a crazy cat grandma, but honestly, that’s the vision. Another one of my prized possessions is a thrifted T-shirt that says “MILF: Man I Love Felines.” I adore human creativity.

It took a lot to restrain myself from rambling endlessly about each of these beloved categories of my mind. I hope you also take some time this week to reflect on what you’re truly thankful for.

Matczak can be reached at [email protected].