Oscars 2010 - A Movie-Themed Menu

For this year's Oscar night (March 7), I have decided to come up with menu items based on the Best Picture nominees and other films that received multiple nominations. And like Julie in Julie & Julia (nominated for Best Actress for Meryl Streep as the one and only Julia Child), I have taken to my blog to share my ideas.

Beverages

"Blue Tolstoy" (Avatar & The Last Station) - Blue Mixer or Food Coloring plus Vodka

Mini/Airplane Alcohol Bottles (Up in the Air)

Appetizers/Snacks

Hurt Latkes (The Hurt Locker & A Serious Man)

Crazy Artichoke Heart Dip (Crazy Heart)

Trail Mix (Up)

Main Course

Fried Chicken (Precious)

Taco Bell (The Blind Side)

Sides

Nine-Cheese Baguette (District 9/Nine/celebrating the best of 2009 + An Education) - This can be any nine cheeses, but for me it will likely be cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, romano, pepper jack, colby, monterey jack and feta; runners-up include gruyere, brie and gorgonzola. To explain why An Education is part of this, especially for those who haven't seen it - the baguette was chosen for the bread because it is French, and in the movie, the lead character is obsessed with French culture.

Nine-Veggie Salad (District 9/Nine/celebrating the best of 2009) - Again, this can be any nine veggies, but for me it will likely be spinach, lettuce, mushrooms, carrots, cucumber, green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli and onions. Topping it off with Italian dressing would be an appropriate tribute to Nine as well.

Dessert

Strudel with Cream (Inglourious Basterds)

As this is the year of Best Documentary nominee Food, Inc., you get bonus points for using all organic, local and/or seasonal ingredients for these film-inspired creations.