What better way to watch movie stars maneuver their way down the red carpet and on stage than with your Champagne Cocktail and tasty, themed hors d’oeuvres in hand!
Not every movie nominated for “Best Picture” has a food angle, but I went ahead anyway and created some quick and easy last-minute ketchy Oscar-viewing menu ideas.
So here’s your ticket…
ARRIVAL—For the arrival of your guests have some fun snack mixes and artisan cheese boards accompanied with a Champagne cocktail bar filled with fruity mixes such as raspberries, cherries, spiced apples and peaches.
FENCES—Film set in Mid-Century Pittsburg. Southern food is served up in this film. My go to “Soul Food” is fried chicken, collard greens, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, and Hush Puppies. Les Sisters on Devonshire and Topanga have it all with their take-out party platters. On your way back, just for fun, a quick stop at Trader Joe’s to get the Mac & Cheese bites!
HACKSAW RIDGE—Filmed on location in Okinawa, Japan. Sushi Platters are always a quick fix hit. Brothers Sushi on Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills is my “go-to” local sushi spot! Get a selection of sushi rolls and arrange them at home on a platter with wasabi, soy sauce and pickled ginger. Serve Hot Saki.
HIDDEN FIGURE—Filmed on location in Georgia. Nothing better than a “Hidden Fritter.” Paula Dean has a great quick-and-easy recipe for Southern Corn Fritters with Spicy Aioli Sauce for dipping. Serve up a tray of Georgia Peach Tartlets for fun!
LALA LAND—The film most likely to sweep the stage with awards this year was filmed on location in modern-day Hollywood in and around Los Angeles at the Smokehouse Restaurant where most of the Jazz scenes were shot. Serve up Smokehouse Sliders or a quick and easy fix would be a stop at Trader Joe’s freezer section for the meatball sliders. Top them off with a Smokey BBQ sauce and you are good to go! For a sweet touch, “City of Stars” Apple Pie from Pamper Me Catering in Topanga Canyon…always a hit!
LION—Filmed on location in India. The best Indian grocery store and place to get your “Samosa’s on” is at India Sweets and Spices in Canoga Park. Order the Samosa’s and dipping sauces and arrange on a platter. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Serve up a selection of tandoori chicken and beef satay skewers with a peanut dipping sauce.
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA—Filmed in and around Boston. What is more appropriate than serving Boston Clam Chowder Shots. You can always go to Gelson’s Calabasas and get their clam chowder soup, or take out at the Kings Fish House in the Calabasas Commons. Serve the soup in a tall shot glass topped with parsley. Shot glasses or tumblers can be found at Michael’s or Party City at the Fallbrook Mall. Another fun idea is a play on the name: “Manchester by the Caesar Salad,” a Caesar salad served up in a tumbler with a small appetizer fork arranged on a platter. Serve Trader Joe’s fish sticks arranged on a platter with a cocktail dipping sauce. For dessert, Boston Cream Puffs also a favorite at Trader Joes!
Cheers to the Glitz, Glamour and Gastronomy of the 2017 Oscars!
Pamela Mesaros, aka “The Pie Lady,” is a local caterer specializing in baked goods but localy reknown for her apple pies. She has lived in the Canyon more than 25 years. Contact her at Pamper Me Catering, (310) 383-5614.