Valentine’s Day is the one night a year where you and your significant other celebrate… well… you! And what better night to stay in and nest with great movies and some delicious bites that tie into each film? The TiVo team took off their tech hats and put on chef’s caps to find the perfect pairings to take this Valentine’s Day to the next level!
HOLLYWOOD LOVES LOVE…
From the first actress to bat her eyes at a leading man in the silent era to today’s raucous rom-coms, romance has always had a special place in Tinseltown. Here is a curated list of movies plus a dish inspired by each one. Why go out? The coziest restaurant in town is right at home…
RETRO ROMANCES
Some old school classics worth watching again, and our Chef’s suggestions to go with them…
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY: Rob Reiner’s beloved 1989 comedy that tackles the age-old question – can a man and woman be just… friends? Streaming on Amazon Prime.
THE DISH: You’ll have what they’re having – so how about a delicious pastrami sandwich on rye with a bowl of comforting matzoh ball soup? Since it’s Valentine’s Day, skip the soda and pair with a nice Merlot…
SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE: After hearing a widower talk wistfully about his late wife on a radio call-in show, a Baltimore reporter becomes convinced she is meant to meet him, and schemes to travel cross-country in search of this stranger who just might be her soulmate. Streaming on Vudu.
THE DISH: Seattle is known for seafood, especially Alaskan Salmon. We suggest a plate of West Coast Oysters to start, then a nice Salmon steak. Perhaps accompanied by a cold Chardonnay or Pinot?
THE PRINCESS BRIDE: A charming romantic fairy tale brought to life with Cary Elwes and Robin Wright. Streaming on Disney+.
THE DISH: There are several dishes in the film, but we can nix “Eel Pie” and go with an MLT – substituting lamb for mutton with a lettuce and tomato salad. Paired with a hearty Merlot or Red Blend…
ROMAN HOLIDAY: A chance encounter between a reporter (Gregory Peck) and a princess (Audrey Hepburn) turns into a whirlwind romance in 1950’s Rome. Streaming on Vudu.
THE DISH: Almost anything Italian but we’d suggest spaghetti with vongole paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
CASABLANCA: Beautifully shot, elegantly written, this might be THE perfect date night film, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingmar Bergman caught in a dangerous romance in wartime Morocco. Streaming on Max.
THE DISH: Zaalouk – a traditional Moroccan salad made with eggplant, tomatoes, garlic and spices. Serve with Bread and your bevvy of choice.
NOTTING HILL: A lowly bookstore owner falls for the glamorous movie star who stops in his shop – can their two worlds come together in the name of love? Streaming on Prime.
THE DISH: Cottage Pie – a traditional British dish featuring meat and potatoes. Pair with an ale or a hearty red wine and enjoy!
MODERN LOVE
Who says romance is dead – certainly not Hollywood! Here are some modern takes on love and romance…
CRAZY RICH ASIANS: A glitzy and goofy romantic comedy set in exotic Singapore. Streaming on Vudu.
THE DISH: How about a simple yet filling chicken and rice, paired with a Singapore Sling?
TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE: A woman writes letters to all her exes, never intending to send them. When they go out, her life changes forever! Streaming on Netflix.
THE DISH: This was filmed in Canada, so we suggest a steak with gravy fries, reminiscent of their local “Poutine.” Pair with a cold beer or Merlot.
LA LA LAND: A musician and aspiring actress fall in love while pursuing their dreams in the City of Angels. Streaming on Netflix.
THE DISH: LA is known for great Mexican food, so we’d suggest a tasty Tortilla Soup followed by tacos – soft flour or hard, your choice. And nothing goes with tacos like a frosty beer!
ISN’T IT ROMANTIC: Life really imitates art when a young woman discovers she’s living a rom com fantasy life. Is there a way out? Streaming on Prime.
THE DISH: Nothing says love like Lobster. Boiled and served cracked in the shell with a crisp Riesling – de-lish!
VALENTINE’S DAY: Intertwining love stories in the City of Angels make up this energetic romance film with an all-star cast. Streaming on Prime.
THE DISH: If it’s LA, it has to be Sushi. Order in for this one and don’t forget a bottle of cold sake!
Just in case you’re looking for something a little sinister…
MY BLOODY VALENTINE (2009): A maniac in a miner’s outfit strikes a small mining town in this remake of the 1981 classic. Streaming on Vudu.
THE DISH: As a nod to its Pittsburgh locations, we suggest a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with a nice cold beer and let the romance commence!
The table is set… the TiVo remote is at hand and your movie is primed to play. Now, all you have to do is get your meal ready… then Valentine’s Day evening is all yours. Whatever you do, we wish you a truly lovely night!
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