Thin Man part(ies)
 

I just received the DVD box of The Thin Man series. The thought came to mind, what better thing than to have 6 weeks of parties to watch the films, quaff cocktails and bar food. :cheers:

Now, what to serve? Martinis, obviously. What other mixed drinks to serve, Mahattans? Sidecars?

Then comes my real quandry, food! Should I go with retro/vintage hors d'oeuvres? I'm thinking of alternating every other week (then again, some of the retro hors d'oeuvres may be too disgusting to even consider, I need to research)

Any recommended cookbooks on this theme? At least my collection of art deco frames will lend the authentic touch!

Snow

Snow, you are a woman after my own heart. I KNEW I liked you!

I haven't gotten my DVD set yet but it sill happen soon. I have the complete set on VHS, but no working VCR any longer.

Food and cocktails:

First of all, FIND yourself a copy of the 2-set Gentleman's Companion (1939; reprint 1946) Charles H. Baker Jr.)

Volume I is the Exotic Cookery Book while, while not terribly proctical (how to hang Game, for instance), is highly amusing and period authentic.

Volume II is the Exotic Drink Book and has a collection of THE most wonderful cocktails even known to mankind. You are bound to find something appropriate and delicious.

These books are NOT hard to come by at used book stores. I amy do an on-line search for you in a bit.

The other book I have is called "Cocktail Guide and Ladies Companion" byCrosby Gaige (1941). I have no idea is this is available, but if you find it, buy it. The artwork alone is incredible.

Food ideas:

Cavier
Canapes
Pickled fish
Baked Brie en Crote w/ brown sugar, red pepper and walnuts.
Cucumber sandwiches
Cornichons
Shrimp Cocktail
Blini
Develed Eggs
Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon-wrapped scallops
Sweedish Meatballs
Mini Quiche

I'm mixing the old with the new here, but I could go on and on.

Powell's has the GC at a reasonable price:
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/bibli...1-1199484628-4


And, here's the other:
http://www.alibris.com/search/detail...QruNzX2LTMIkiQ

Fantastic lineup! I will absolutely order the books, a must have on the shelf I can see.

I cannot watch Mr. Powell without quaffing something right along with him! No matter what film I'm watching! A double feature of One Way Passage and Jewel Robbery with Powell and Kay Francis (Kay "Fwancis") makes for good quaffing.

Snow 4 days away from LA

Reporter: Say listen, is he working on a case?
Nora Charles: Yes, he is.
Reporter: What case?
Nora Charles: A case of scotch. Pitch in and help him.

I think you've pegged the cocktails right - add a snifter of cognac for the end of the night, and I'd never complain for selection.

I must say, the very Idea of a Thin man party just screams to be done in the utmost cocktail-noir style.

I raise my glass to you.

Me thinks like Greyhounds,Gimlets, and anything with a seltzer bottle.

petite fours and other lite cocktail fare, ebay has the 1949 brown derby cookbook with real recipes like cobb salads and apps.
http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Brown-Derby-...QQcmdZViewItem

Hmm, I'll have to put a watch on that! Happily, I got to dine in the hat before it was razed, alas, Cary grant was not there that night.....but the waiters were more polite than those at Musso & Franks! :D

I have always wanted a vintage seltzer bottle.....note to self, haunt ebay more than you already do!

Snow

Why thank you! :cheers: I will report with some photos of the debut once I nail down the decor and get the food plated and displayed and the bar well stocked. Dare I use my pink flamingo swzzle sticks?

Snow

There's a couple reviews on the Thin Man DVD release on NPR.