Dinner and a movie. For some, this equates to a boring night out. But for those of you who have children – you know that sitting down uninterrupted to eat a meal that’s actually your own is the opposite of boring. Then, throw in a feature movie that doesn’t involve big red dogs or monkeys wearing yellow hats – now that is truly exciting.
My husband and I have always enjoyed dinner and a movie – even in our pre-parenting days when our dining straits weren’t quite so desperate. I guess you could say it’s our thing – try a new restaurant, experience a new film –analyze and discuss them to shreds. Of course, there’s no better time to do this than around Oscars time. We attempt to see the five films up for Best Picture prior to Oscars night.
Which brings me to the purpose of this post: This past weekend, we went out for – you guessed it – dinner and a movie, and decided to try Más, a Mexican restaurant in Roseville that’s in close proximity to the theatre.
We were seated immediately on the patio, which featured brightly colored walls, heat lamps, and a lovely fountain that spanned the length of one wall. As we studied the extensive menu, sampling warm tortilla chips with both salsa fresca and bean dip, we talked about “No Country for Old Men” which was our movie pick of the night. Soon our entrees arrived: We discussed plot and setting while my husband enjoyed the tres tacos – one each of chicken, steak and carnitas – served on homemade corn tortillas with a spicy salsa. Over my bowl of albondigas soup, better known as meatball soup, we recounted the violence, particularly Javier Bardem’s character and the thoroughness with which he takes on the persona of a psychopathic killer.
And while I enjoyed a summer salad featuring strawberries, jicama and pineapple over spinach in a wonderful zesty citrus vinaigrette, we discussed the hubris which becomes the downfall of Josh Brolin’s character.
Of course, it’s the movie’s ending that had us talking the most. And so, though we were full, we couldn’t leave without trying dessert. Over traditional flan and while my husband devoured the churros (which were delightful – filled with warm custard and served alongside vanilla ice cream) we discussed the many interpretations of Tommy Lee Jones’ enigmatic ending.
As with any great “dinner and a movie” night, it’s the unexpected that keeps you talking. And it did. We created our own little world out there on the patio at Más. But what more can you ask for, except for your surroundings to meld into the background and for the food and discussion to leap to the forefront.
I don’t know which movie will win the Oscar for best picture (my husband thinks it will be “No Country for Old Men,” and I think it could be “Juno”), but I do know this: I’ll always look forward to dinner and a movie.
By Maria Chacon Kniestedt
LA Sis says
Sounds yummy! I think we’re due for an LA Sacfoodies entry again!! I’m so sad I missed CK’s BBQ. 🙁
See you soon!
clc
Elliah Finckleton says
HI,
These are really awesome pics .. I like the way you play with your camera .. spectacular …
debby says
we are headed there tomorrow night because of your great blog. thank you! yumm!