When I was writing this post, however, it was New Year's Day. While it was a balmy 38* F in Michigan, and I live close to the water, I was definitely yearning for some Sea Breezes. Honestly though, it wasn't the weather that got me thinking about Sea Breezes but our movie selection for this month's Food n Flix. Sea Breeze, the drink, that is.
Frank and I spent a quiet NYE at home this year, just enjoying each other's company. We appreciated our time together more this year because the year prior we spent NYE apart taking care of our mothers, both of whom died early in 2016. We spent time relaxing in the hot tub and visiting and watching the movie French Kiss starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.
This movie came out in 1995 when romantic comedies were all the rage and the majority of them starred Meg Ryan. Everyone loved Meg Ryan. How could you help but love her? While this is not one of my favorite romantic comedies starring her (that distinction goes to When Harry met Sally with Sleepless in Seattle a close second) it is still a fun and enjoyable movie.
I actually think we enjoyed the memories of life back in the early 90's as much as the movie itself. The electronics themselves are worth watching this movie.....we have come a long way in 20 years! If you are a youngster (under 40) reading this post and have never seen this movie, let me recap it for you.
Meg Ryan plays a straight laced, girl next door, history teacher who is leaving an unhappy childhood in the USA to move to Canada where her fiance lives with his gracious and welcoming family. Her fiance tries unsuccessfully convince Meg's character to go with him on a business trip to France. She refuses, instead staying back to purchase her dream home so they can start their life and family. When she receives a Dear Joan phone call letting her know that he has fallen in love with another, she swallows her fear and boards a plane. She is seated next to Kevin Kline, a small time French thief. (He doesn't steal French, he is French).
Kevin Kline places a stolen necklace in Meg Ryan's carry on and then gets separated from her. Thence begins (is thence a word?) Meg's quest to track down her cheating fiance and Kevin's quest to track down his stolen necklace. Comedy ensues and, of course, love wins in the end. It is a fun, feel good movie, if a little bit boring and predictable.
Food n Flix is a fun little group led by Heather of All Roads Lead to the Kitchen. We all get together each month and watch a film chosen by one of the members. We then create a dish inspired by the movie and blog about it during the month. At the end of the month, the member who is hosting (this month it is Heather), does a round-up of all our posts so that we can see what the others thought of the movie and what they were inspired to make. It is fun and you should join us. Find out how right here.
This was not a "foodie" film, however there was plenty of inspiration for food. After all, it takes place in France so how much more inspiration do you need. I had on my list, cheese pizza, fresh veggies, coffee, pastries, ice cream, Canadian food, French food and......what finally won out....Sea Breeze cocktails.
I took my inspiration from a scene in the movie in which Meg Ryan strides onto the beach, grabs a chaise lounge, orders up a Sea Breeze and confronts her fiance and his ("remember this was before I met you", says Meg Ryan as she takes a sip of her Sea Breeze) "slutty bitch".
A Sea Breeze, like the movie, is a classic. It is simply vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juice with a wheel of lime as a garnish. When Frank was taking this above photo I admonished him to "watch out for Santa". You see, our puppy had knocked our wine connoisseur Santa off the table and broken his leg. Frank had glued Santa's leg back on and put him upside down in a glass for it to set. While I was writing this post, Frank sent me this photo.....
He said Santa was feeling left out. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this guy.....Frank, not Santa.....well I love Santa too but not like I love Frank. Santa has never made me laugh until tears were running down my legs.
This was a pretty strong drink......Could you tell??
Sea Breeze
2 oz. vodka
5 oz. cranberry juice
1 1/2 oz. grapefruit juice
Lime for garnish
Fill a large glass with ice. Add the vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice. Stir to combine. Garnish with a slice of lime and serve. Print Recipe