Hi all. Another year of the Academy Awards has come and gone. I have watched the telecast since I was in diapers lo so many years ago. The Oscars have always been about tradition for me. I used to watch with my Mother and we would scream with delirious joy when we were happy and growl with disdain when we were disappointed.
My partner and I started a tradition a few years ago with a group of friends. We decided to do a 5 course dinner party and theme each course to a nominee for Best Picture. Although, we take liberty to include films not nominated if we want.
Last night was a lot of work and great. Follow me below the fold to see what we made for each film. I hope in the comments, you will include your ideas from this year's awards and the past.
Honoring Atonement
Two Figures By A Fountain
A flowing cocktail of Hendrick's English Gin, Elderflower Liquer, Cranberry and Rose Flower Water with a Cucumber Garnish (served in a fountain)
Honoring Juno
Fertile Myrtle
Deviled Eggs with Crab & Caviar
The Rabbit Died
Crostini with Rabbit-Ginger Sausage, Granny Smith Apple and Onion Confit
Honoring There Will Be Blood
Strike it Rich
An Oil Tasting and California Sourdough Bread, because "Bread shouldn't be a luxury."
-Lorenzo %#5, Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva, Italy
-Etruria Atance Tarocche; Blood Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italy
-Tarturo Negro; Black Truffle Oil, Italy
California Goat Farm Salad
Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Avocado and Pistachios
Honoring Michael Clayton
Nothing but Dressed-Up Bottom Feeders
Catfish Provencal with Artichoke, Olive and Tomato served en Papilliote
Growing the World Together
Fresh Blanched Vegetables with Pesto-side
Honoring No Country for Old Men
Mexican Suprise
Short Rib Tacos with Roasted Corn Salsa & Chipotle Crema
Honoring Sweeney Todd
A Trifle Bloody
Not Shaving Cream & Blood, but Whipped Cream, Grand Marnier Custard and Raspberries in this Version of English Trifle
Ladies' Fingers
A Twist on a Classic Sugar Cookie (I shaped the dough into fingers and topped them with almonds I painted red with food coloring to serve as fingernails - They looked gross)
Sweeney Toddy
Perhaps Today We'll Give a Nod to this Classic Warm Drink, Replacing Sweeney's Bay Rum with the Good Stuff
It was a great night. I was especially thrilled with Marion Cotillard's win - she was amazing! Vive La France!
Do you have any Oscar traditions? Any Oscar food traditions.