Great Taste

Now what about that popcorn?

GG is thrilled that the Chateau Theatres complex is making a comeback--with panache.

http://postbulletin.typepad.com/kiger/

GG has been a fan of Chateau Theatres because it was the kind of place that would always show a few art house-y films like "Revolutionary Road" with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (if you missed it try to see on your small screen) or the latest from Michael Moore. 

But what really made that place rock was the hot fresh popcorn and popcorn flavorings!

GG must know: Will that make a comeback too?   

Suggestion: Offer genuine, hot melted butter--maybe even local butter?--with the popcorn, for an upcharge.

Okay, one other suggestion: If there is a bar please serve fresh sour with your margaritas and a choice of tequilas.

Ms. Ephron, more one point

In the video you said: "Aspic, because who would ever make it?"

Here are a couple instances of "who would ever make it" making it:

1. Moi. I made a version as an appetizer on a recent Thanksgiving.  

2. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan, offered a dinner appetizer of "Duck Confit in Aspic with French Beans," accompanied by "Foie Gras Creme Fraiche" when Great Taste visited earlier this summer.

And, look, Julia Child made aspic. 

Great Taste wants to give "Supremes De Volaille En Chaud-Froid, Blanche Neige [Breast of Chicken in Chaud-froid]," featured on page 551 of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking,"  a shot. Ms. Ephron, you are invited to our tasting.

PS..... "Julie & Julia" opens Thursday at midnight (Isn't that time slot usually reserved for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"?) at Chateau 14 and on Friday at the Hollywood 12. Also read/view Great Taste's post of July 30.

Merci beaucoup.

  

Advice for Nora Ephron

Make and eat more aspic. 

Those who appreciate aspic may have let the gelatin set before pairing Julie with the likes of Julia Child. It's motion picture odd jello.  

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/07/nora-ephron-talks-about-the-joy-of-butter.html

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/julie-and-julia-film-review-1003997007.story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjvJHsJD8ic

Are these the trends of '09?

See: Top ten food trends from The Food Channel

Hmmmm. Some of these trends make us wonder....

Trend number eight, "food insecurity," presages a return to home canning.

Non-commercial canning usually takes place in a non-sterile, uncontrolled environment, generating safety (aka security) concerns--such as scalding and botulism--more than avoiding them.

Assuming ideal conditions, one must question how many people have time--this is 2009, not 1949--to can food at home on a regular basis.

GT's alternate prediction: a surge in sales of healthier fast foods like that of Chipotle Mexican Grill, or even Wendy's--which uses fresh meat instead of frozen in its burgers, and goes heavy on lettuce, tomato and onion.

We admire pie-in-the-sky Food Channel trends--and wish for most of them to happen.. But we think the editor who created this list needs to spend time away from the desktop LCD. GT recommends putting up 50 jars of tomatoes. (Spiced tomato preserves are our favorite.)       

New movies about food

Two acclaimed movies we want to see this summer:

Fresh

Food, Inc.

If you view either or both of them please let us know your opinion(s).