Dinner and a Movie
For years, when Jim and I would plan date nights, I would suggest the classic, Dinner and a Movie. But as we discussed details, things would fall apart.
“Do you want to go to the 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. movie?” he would innocently ask, raising the eternal dilemma: what comes first, dinner or the movie?
You see, I don’t like eating late, but eating in a rush is no fun either. And there was another age-old issue that plagued me: to eat popcorn or not to eat popcorn? If I’d eaten dinner first, it felt weird to munch on popcorn during the movie; and if we saw the movie before dinner, then I’d fill up on popcorn and not really want dinner at all.
Which led to the inevitable: we’d simply go out to dinner and skip the movie.
But now, in our post-Covid world of endless streaming options, it recently occurred to me that I can truly have it all: a delicious dinner plus a movie, at the same time…of my choosing.
I love the idea of pairing a movie with a meal that matches, and doing it whenever I want! And so, here are 6 ideas for a cozy Dinner and a Movie night to spend with one of your favorite people, at the most convenient cinema, aka your own house…
When you’re up for a true-crime caper while pretending to fly first class during the heyday of glamorous air travel!
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A glass of champagne or Prosecco
When you’re yearning for a getaway to Paris and have time for a lengthy cooking project.
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The classic Julia Child Beef Bourguignon; or
Chicken Confit with Carrots: French, delicious, and super-easy. When I make this, I use baby potatoes instead of carrots.
Crusty fresh baguette
Alternative movie: Funny Face starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.
When you need more Nora Ephron in your life, including a thinly veiled account of her first marriage, plus her iconic salad dressing and Key Lime (revenge) pie.
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Nora Ephron’s Salad Dressing: Mix two tablespoons Grey Poupon mustard with two tablespoons good red wine vinegar. Then, whisking constantly with a fork, slowly add six tablespoons olive oil, until the vinaigrette is thick and creamy. This makes a very strong vinaigrette that is perfect for salad greens like arugula and watercress and endive.
Nora Ephron’s Key Lime Pie (NY Times Cooking gift link)
Alternative show: Everything is Copy, the documentary about Nora Ephron with even more divorce details!
When you want suspense with a side of Grace-Kelly-style plus an elegant 21-Club-inspired meal.
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The iconic meal in this film is Lobster Thermidor and Shoestring Fries, ordered from the now-defunct 21 Club. For something easier, I’d suggest Dover Sole (or any white fish cooked in butter, parsley, and lemon) or a filet of beef. Served with shoestring fries, of course!
Dover Sole (NY Times Cooking gift link)
Shoestring Fries: buy a bag of high-quality frozen, or make your own.
You’re feeling nostalgic for 1970s NYC and craving a juicy burger!
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Shoestring Fries: buy a bag of high-quality frozen, or make your own.
You’re in the mood for a beautifully filmed classic and an elegantly decadent girl dinner!
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Blini with Smoked Salmon (or Caviar!)
A cheese and charcuterie board of camembert, grapes, crackers, olives, pistachios, and prosciutto.
Alternative movie: Down with Love starring Renee Zellweger, Sarah Paulson, and Ewan McGregor.
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