And the winner is...

We talk often about how every day in life should be enjoyed and it is important to make the most of every moment. Movies illustrate that point for us on a regular basis, whether the story is about everyday life, like this year's "Boyhood" and "Still Alice" or about an extraordinary life like those depicted in "The Theory of Everything" or "The Imitation Game". Sometimes we need to make sure we share our point of view, like in "Birdman" or "Selma". And sometimes we get a better understanding of others when we spend time with them, as I did with "American Sniper" and "Grand Budapest Hotel". Almost always I have enjoyed sharing the journey, and that is why at our house we celebrate Oscar night. It's a way to remember all those great shared moments, and to share them with friends as we celebrate - with some fantastic food, of course!

Oh I know – you are probably thinking we are a bit nuts. Why would we want to make a big deal about the Oscars, another award show in a whole season of them, like another silly not-so-real reality show? Well, perhaps if I give you some background, you can better understand our point of view.

I grew up in the film business. Most of what I saw over the years was for the small screen, but my Dad did work on a few films and I actually was part of a movie crew when I was 17 years old. I used to dream of seeing my father accept an Oscar when I was little. I loved the “smoke and mirrors” – the magic of how a story came together and was conveyed onto the screen. It was like plugging into someone’s imagination, when it was done right. You knew it was done right when people in the movie theatre were touched in some way by what they saw. To know I was a part of that was to be a part of changing people’s lives for the better. Stories of underdogs, or lifelong dreams, long lost love or even a spy double-crossed… any of them could draw you in and make you forget the rest of the world for a few hours, and when you left the darkened theatre you felt different than when you entered. You also knew that there were others sharing in that experience, because you were not at home alone, but in a theatre full of people.

Sounds corny, doesn’t it? Well, I believed it. I still believe that a good movie is worth its weight in gold. I like to know that those who succeed in making that magic are recognized. The optimist in me likes to believe that sometimes the good guys do win out, even amidst today's world rife with political agendas and conniving marketing plans.

My husband Martin and I met while we both worked as caterers in the movie business. Combining food and movies has always been a fun part of our relationship, so our feast on Oscar night holds an especially dear place in my heart. We are actually working on Oscar night this year so we'll be getting creative and enjoying our nibbles with a "pre-party" where we decide our picks. I've listed some past menu items for you in case you might be inspired to join in our tradition. We don't go as crazy as Wolfgang Puck with the Governor's Ball in Hollywood but we do have a good time.

Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Take a white mushroom, remove the foot with a melon baller and stuff it with a mixture of crab meat, mayonnaise, and Cajun spices. Bake on a cookie sheet until done, around 20 minutes. Let them cool on a paper towel before serving.

 

Sausages on a Crouton

Grill Hungarian sausages from "Illichmann’s", slice them thin and place them on a slice of fresh baguette with a spicy mayonnaise (mix in some chipotle BBQ sauce or paprika and cayenne).

 

Lime Thai Prawns

Buy 21-25 prawns at a reputable fish market. Grate the rind of a lemon on your peeled prawns 4 hours ahead of time to marinate them. In a large enough pan start cooking your prawns. Once they are almost finished cooking, add a few spoonfuls of green curry paste, the juice of a lime and one whole bunch of chopped cilantro.

 

Smoked Salmon Tarts

Buy some mini tart shells and fill them up with some cooked shredded smoked salmon. Add some fresh cream (35%) mixed with a bit of finely chopped green onions or chives and top the whole thing with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Bake until done, around 12 minutes.

 

Local bubbly is fun to have on such an occasion, and there are lots of good ones to choose from. These are some of our favourites, but feel free to experiment and try what strikes your fancy!

• See Ya Later Ranch Brut
• 8th Generation Integrity Frizzante
• The View Distraction Rosé Sparkling
• Sumac Ridge Stellar's Jay Brut
• Summerhill Cipes Brut 

 

Maybe your indulgence is something different, and if so, then my advice would be to embrace it, celebrate it. Super Bowl Party? March Madness? Season finale of your favourite TV show? The summer solstice? Anytime you can share your passion with others, they appreciate it. Enthusiasm and heartfelt joy have a way of rubbing off. Whatever you choose as your reason for celebrating, enjoy! After all, every one of us deserves a happy ending, don’t we?

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.