National Velvet

On Tuesday, December 16, 2008 we watched National Velvet (1944) and we had Sausage and Spring Mash "The Pie."

(Deep inhale and sigh...) "Horses"
National Velvet the poignant family story (quite a bizarre family at that) that made a young Elizabeth Taylor a star. Taylor excels as Velvet Brown, a 1920s working-class girl whose dreams of owning her own horse become a reality when she wins Pie, a wild and unruly horse, in a raffle. With the help of Mike Taylor (Mickey Rooney), a skittish, gun-shy ex-jockey, Velvet trains Pie to be a race champion despite the wishes of her loving but cautious parents (Donald Crisp and Ann Revere). Velvet's determination pays off, and the Brown family (including Angela Lansbury as Edwina, Velvet's sophisticated older sister) pools its money and enters the family pride and joy in the prestigious Grand National race, only to have its hopes dashed when the rider renegs–leading Velvet to do something extraordinary.

Once again, Barb and I got quite a few giggles out of this old classic. Good thing the food was delicious! Which saved this evening from being a flop. The sausages from Reading Terminal Market once again were the star of movie night.

In attendance: Barb and Lindsey
Ratings: Movie = 2.5, Dinner = 4.125

My Cousin Vinny

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 we watched My Cousin Vinny (1992) and had Saucy Shrimp and Grits.

Lippy New York City lawyer Vinny Gambini (Joe Pesci) motors to a Podunk Alabama town with his brassy, leather-clad girlfriend (Marisa Tomei, in an Oscar-winning performance) to clear his cousin Bill and Bill's pal Stan after they're falsely accused of bumping off a convenience-store clerk. Unfortunately, Vinny passed the bar exam just weeks earlier -- after six attempts -- and has yet to try a case. Things look bleak for Bill and Stan. …

We had to have grits as part of our meal and they were delicious as the base in a southern-style dinner with shrimp and tomatoes. Mmm! And the movie was just great--one even I couldn't believe I'd never seen before!

In attendance: Katie, Tim, Lindsey, Barb, Eric
Ratings: Movie = 4.75, Dinner = 4.5

Holiday Inn

Tuesday, December 2, 2008 we celebrated two great American classics to come out of the 1940s: Holiday Inn (1942) and Tuna Noodle Casserole.

Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby) and Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire) have been vaudeville partners for many years but when Ted announces that he and Jim's girlfriend, dancer Lila Dixon, are going to set off on their own, Jim decides the time has come to retire. He buys himself a farmhouse in New England and settles into the country life but soon realizes that he has an opportunity to do something special. He decides to open his inn to the public, but only on major holidays. Things are going well for him until his old partner Ted shows up and sets his sights on Jim's new friend, Linda Mason. The film introduced the song White Christmas.

I loved that this movie highlighted two holidays that just fly right by me during the year. Who knew that you are not supposed to tell a lie on Washington's birthday? It was pure shock and horror when watching Bing do his number in "black face" to celebrate Abraham lincoln's birthday-yikes! The tuna noodle casserole was just as it should be and we had so much fun carving our holiday log with the "axe" that Entenmann's so generous provided.

In attendance: Lindsey and Barb
Ratings: Movie = 2, Dinner = 2.625

Amadeus

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 we watched Amadeus (1984) and had Composed Salad with Fig Vinaigrette

F. Murray Abraham earned a Best Actor Oscar for his imperious performance as Antonio Salieri, a mediocre composer whose churlish young rival, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce), wins immortality with his musical genius. Salieri, not happy to see his talent eclipsed, deviously plots revenge. Sly and compelling from start to finish, Amadeus also won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director (Milos Forman). Wolfy's laugh is haunting to say the least!

The dinner was delectable--especially the tasty fig dressing. Also, what's not to love about panko breaded and pan fried goat cheese rounds? It was the first time Lindsey and I had fresh figs! Mmm.

In attendance: Eric, Lindsey, and Barb (the only one to stay awake!)
Ratings: Movie = 3, Dinner = 4.25

Get Smart

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 we watched Get Smart featuring the incomparable Steve Carell (and a amazing cameo performance by Bill Murray). The dinner was titled "Get Sm-artichokes" and we made Braised Greek Chicken with Artichokes.

Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. When the headquarters of U.S. spy agency Control is attacked and the identities of its agents compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to promote his ever-eager analyst Maxwell Smart, who has always dreamt of working in the field alongside stalwart superstar Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson). Smart is partnered instead with the lovely-but-lethal veteran Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway). Given little field experience and even less time, Smart-armed with nothing but a few spy-tech gadgets and his unbridled enthusiasm-must thwart the doomsday plans of KAOS head Siegfried.

This recipe was super easy and yummy. All it took was braising the chicken, pouring in some lemon juice, a jar of artichokes, and fresh oregano. We placed it all atop some orzo and added a veggie-carrots. Let's not forget the dessert-Oreo Cakesters! Who knew Oreos could get better?

In attendance: Barb, Eric, and Lindsey

Ratings: Movie = 3.75, Dinner = 3.875

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 our movie was O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) and we dined on A Roasted Vegetable Odyssey (Roasted Fall Vegetable Soup and Roasted Vegetable Sandwiches)

Three convicts (George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson) break out of jail during the 1920s with an eye toward retrieving a cache of hidden money. Along the way, they fast-talk their way out of jams, sidestep alluring riverside sirens and record a hit country song. O Brother is a rollicking romp in the tradition of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby's "road" pictures.

The veggies took about twice as long to roast as the recipe called for (approx. 50 mins.), but the soup was so simple and tasty. For the sandwiches, we roasted sweet onion wedges along with the soup vegetables and added homemade roasted red bell peppers and sauteed portobella mushroom strips. To assemble, slice an Amoroso's hoagie roll, slather with a garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese and add the hot veggies. Presto!

In attendance: Lindsey, Barb, Eric, Daniel (Barb's brother)

Ratings: Movie = 3.25, Dinner = 4.25

Ghost World

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 we watched Ghost World (2001) and ate Rotisserie Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches with Southern Green Beans and Corn Salad

Geeky humor that really snarls pervades this movie riff on the legendary underground comic/graphic novel by Daniel Clowes. Mopey high schooler Enid (Thora Birch) and her equally disaffected friend Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson) are a couple of slackers with a penchant for hurtful practical jokes. But when Enid begins to bond with one of their targets (Steve Buscemi), look out -- teen angst might give way to real feeling.

Dinner was simple and yummy. What's not to love about bacony green beans and creamy corn?

In attendance: Lindsey, Eric and Barb

Ratings: Movie = 3, Dinner = 3.625

Risky Business

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 the movie was Risky Business (1983) and our dinner was Tighty Whitey Soup (Rosemary White Bean Soup)

A pair of briefs, a Bob Seger tune and some heartfelt lip-syncing catapulted Tom Cruise to stardom in this Golden Globe-nominated teen comedy. When his parents leave on vacation, high schooler Joel Goodsen (Cruise) -- with some help from a prostitute named Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) -- turns opportunity into disaster as he transforms the family home into a brothel, sees a Porsche end up in Lake Michigan and watches his Princeton dreams fade.

The soup's not much to look at, but was very easy and tasty. We added a simple bruschetta on the side: crusty bread brushed with olive oil, broiled; topped with a mixture of fresh chopped tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper.

In attendance: Lindsey, Barb and Eric

Ratings: Movie = 3.25, Dinner = 3.5

Terms of Endearment

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 we watched Terms of Endearment (1983) and made Quiche MacLaine

Mothers are from Mars, and daughters are from Venus in this warm, offbeat story adapted from Larry McMurtry's novel. Director James L. Brooks seamlessly tells the story of a mother and daughter whose lives are changed by the men they love and their abiding love for each other. Terms of Endearment won five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actress (MacLaine), Best Supporting Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Director and Best Screenplay.

The quiche was delectable!

In attendance: Barb and Lindsey

Ratings: Movie = 4.5, Dinner = 3

Atonement

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 we watched Atonement (2007) and made Dinner at the Tallis's (Beef Bourguignon)

In the movie, a childhood lie irrevocably changes the lives of several people forever. When 13-year-old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) misinterprets a moment of flirtation between her older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and a servant's son, Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), her confusion causes her to finger Robbie as the perpetrator of a crime. Brenda Blethyn and Vanessa Redgrave co-star in this Oscar nominee for Best Picture.

The dinner was the perfect meal for a rainy October night. Thankfully Rachael Ray's version was very quick and delicious. We substituted 2 white onions for the frozen pearl onions. Mmm! Instead of egg noodles we made potatoes and I got a loaf of rustic bread from the Terminal Market as an accompaniment. The wine in the recipe (we used pinot noir) tasted just as good in a glass!

In attendance: Eric, Lindsey & Barb
Ratings: Movie = 3.67/Dinner = 3.75

The Hustler

Wednesday, September 24th we watched The Hustler (1961) starring Paul Newman just 4 days before his death. So sad! That night we made Biryani Burgers with Mango Salsa and Yogurt Sauce in Pita Pockets. We also all fell asleep.

"Fast" Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary "Minnesota Fats" to a high-stakes match, but he loses in a heartbreaking marathon. Now broke and without his long-time manager, Felson faces an uphill battle to regain his confidence and his game. It isn't until he hits rock bottom that he agrees to join up with ruthless and cutthroat manager Bert Gordon. Gordon agrees to take him on the road to learn the ropes. But Felson soon realizes that making it to the top could cost him his soul, and perhaps his girlfriend. Will he decide that this is too steep a price to pay in time to save himself?

In attendance: Barb, Eric, Lindsey, and Laurie

Ratings:
Paul Newman's awesomeness couldn't save the movie from putting us to sleep and so we gave the movie: 2.5 stars.
The dinner fared slightly better receiving: 3 stars

Some Like It Hot

Thursday, September 18th, 2008 we watched Some Like It Hot (1959) and for dinner we ordered wings from Billy Murphy's, because Some Like Them Hot!

Marilyn Monroe is so sexy! Wow. With its transvestitism, palpable sex and murder, Billy Wilder's legendary screwball comedy reveals dark, hilarious roots. Musicians Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis accidentally witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and get out of town the only way they know how -- dressed as women. On the road to Florida with an all-girl band, they meet Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe), and things start to heat up in this legendary farce.

The wings were an assortment of mild, honey barbecue and, of course, HOT (our favorite). We added an iceberg lettuce wedge with ranch dressing on the side to try and stay a tiny bit healthy.

In attendance: Lindsey and Barb
Ratings: Movie 4.75/Dinner 2.75

From Here to Eternity

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 we watched From Here to Eternity (1953) and made Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Wild Rice Salad

In the movie, the date which lives in infamy lives on. This gripping adaptation of James Jones' novel about Army life is set in Hawaii in the idyllic days just before December 7, 1941. Eight Oscars include Best Picture, Screenplay, Supporting Actress (Donna Reed) and Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra). Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr rolling around in the waves and sand ranks as one of the hottest love scenes in screen history.

Dinner was very tasty--the chicken was a hit, and the salad was yummy. We ate the rice salad hot rather than room temperature or cold... seemed more appetizing that way.

In attendance: Lindsey, Barb and Eric
Ratings: Movie 4.25/Dinner 3.75

Shaun of the Dead

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 we watched Shaun of the Dead (2004) and made Dinner at the Winchester Pub (Bangers and Mash with Leek and Cider Gravy)

In Shaun of the Dead, Thirty-something slacker Shaun (Simon Pegg) has no clue what to do with his life or with his relationship with girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield). But when the unthinkable happens and zombies begin to roam the streets of London terrorizing residents, including his beloved and his mother, Shaun realizes he must act quickly to save Liz from danger and keep their relationship from spiraling out of his hands forever.

The dinner was very tasty (with a rather phallic presentation!). We used chicken sausage with granny smith apples from Martin's Quality Meats and Sausage at the Reading Terminal Market--YUM! With a little improvisation (no cider to be found, used apple juice instead), it turned out deliciously.

In attendance: Lindsey, Barb and Eric
Ratings: Movie = 3.75/Dinner = 4.25

Beverly Hills Cop

Wednesday, August 6, 2008 we watched Beverly Hills Cop (1984) and made Shrimp Salad Sandwiches. Yummo!

Beverly Hills cop stars Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in what has to be his best role ever. As a detroit cop trying to solve his friends murder in Beverly Hills he gets some help from detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), and his partner, Sergeant Taggart (John Ashton), and of course Serge (Bronson Pinchot!) Possibly the best 80's soundtrack with the Pointer Sisters, the Axel F theme, and Eddie's laugh. Rating: 4.25 stars

For dinner we put our own spin on Martha Stewart's Shrimp Salad Pita recipe (can be found on marthastewart.com). Though we realized we should have used pitas or hoagie rolls instead of white bread so that all of our yummy shrimps didn't come slipping out the other side. We also would have added more salt or a salty ingredient like olives. Rating: 4 stars

p.s we made Banana S'mores (a barb brainstorm). Just your average s'more with banana slices! It got mixed reviews...

Movie Night Inaugural Blog

This is our first entry in our Movie Night and Dinner Too blog!

Many of you know that Barb and I (and friends too!) gather weekly to watch a movie and make a dinner together. We just celebrated our three year anniversary and we are starting this blog so that we can share our movies, dinners, and of course critiques with you all. So stay tuned as we update our blog with the movies we plan to watch and the dinners we plan to make and hopefully you can join in too.

—Lindsey and Barb