Dinner and a Movie
6 delicious ideas for a date night classic!
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.
What do you think? Do any of these sound fun to you? And I’d love to know what comes first for you, dinner or the movie?! Click below and let me know!
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I love going to a matinee showing, followed by dinner (where we discuss the movie)! Now that movies are always over 2 hours long (why??!), this timing usually works.
It actually just occurred to me that you could have a “Perfect 90 minutes” category of your movie recs (When Harry Met Sally is a perfect movie)
This is the CUTEST idea! Such a creative way to elevate what can feel somewhat staid (I don't want to know how many cumulative hours my partner and I have spent watching TV/movies on the couch...!)