Dinner at the Movies, Pasta and Peas: Wrapping Up The Weekend

An image from AMCs website.

Last evening we went to dinner with some friends. The only thing unusual is that we had dinner at the theater, in our seats, while watching a movie. AMC Theaters instituted this concept a couple of years ago and we just got around to giving it a try. Back in the 70s, there was a restaurant in New York City called the Auto Pub. Located in the General Motors building on 5th Avenue (now the home of a giant Apple store) it had more of a 'drive-in' look and you actually sat in car seats. This is similiar and I have to admit it was quite a pleasant experience. I mean who doesn't like waitress service, unlimited soda and pretty decent food for the same amount of money it costs to get a medium popcorn and soda in a regular theater. The ticket costs $25. which includes your admission, a reserved seat (in a chair much like business class on an airline) and a $15. food credit to be used on a menu that includes pizza (actually quite good), quesadillas, burgers, desserts and wine if you'd like.

The waitress or waiter is summoned by a beeper next to your seat...not a bad deal! There aren't any of these theaters on Staten Island yet but there are some not too far away in New Jersey. I attached the link to the AMC site to check for one in your area. Look under 'programs' and give it a try.

www.amctheaters.com/dinein/

Pasta and Peas

Today I made a quick and easy pasta. The recipe is a variation of a friend's recipe. She sliced a large onion and sauteed in olive oil with minced garlic. She added two cans of LeSueur early peas with the juice. When pasta is cooked and drained, add the sauce and top with freshly grated cheese.

Mine is slightly different. I sauteed minced garlic in about 3 tablespoons of olive oil. I added 3 heaping tablespoons of Costco's pesto (or homemade if you have some handy) I added a box of frozen baby peas and sliced 5 cherry tomatoes into the mix. Boil one box of pasta (penne or ziti). After placing drained pasta in a large bowl, top with the pesto mix, add freshly grated cheese and you're done. A salad, fresh Italian bread....seriously takes about 15 minutes to make for a great weekend meal.