AREA – When was the last time you left a movie theater feeling like you had just eaten a gourmet meal? On May 22, approximately 80 people were treated to hors d’oeuvres that could have been served at the fanciest wedding reception or other soiree. They were provided by Maggie Cooks, a gourmet catering establishment with a store front at 116 Sussex in Westfield that hosted a short film premiere, Maggie Cooks in Brooklyn. That audience just might have been spoiled forever, for now when they enter the Cranford movie theater, they’ll long for the same VIP treatment.
After filming Maggie Cooks in Provence, a short film about Margaret Hodges’ heritage cooking inspired by French cuisine, the second film, Maggie Cooks in Brooklyn features Maggie and business partner Jane Gross, spotlighting food that Jane remembers cooking with her family in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. Before the film began, the audience sampled bite-sized portions that were passed to the seated guests.
The film, set in an area of Brooklyn where Jane grew up, brought back memories for her and some of the invited guests in the audience. She and Maggie walked the streets to Jane’s former apartment building. The camera followed them to a produce market around the corner, a famous carnival beach area, and to the temple where Jane and her family attended regularly. The 20minute film found the ladies in an inviting kitchen showing how to make potato knishes and then roasted eggplant and red pepper salad. That eggplant dish was the first taste bite the audience had. The flavorful mouthful was served in a tiny cup with a saltine cracker, just the way Jane’s family served it.
While guests sat in the comfy chairs of the movie theater, servers circled the room with platters of salmon croquette sliders and little cups of melt-in-your mouth short ribs with potato. The corned beef sloppy joe on rye bread (with amazing coleslaw) was the best I’ve ever had. Rice balls, vegetarian empanadas and other tasty samplings were offered. Surprisingly, the empanadas were not as spicey as I had anticipated – they achieved a great balance of flavor and zest with a hint of sweetness. The vegetarian egg rolls were divine. My two favorites were the butternut squash with feta cheese crostini and chicken salad served in a choux pastry. Perfectly – diced celery and walnut bits mingled with the chicken for an unforgettable morsel.
At 7 p.m. on the dot the film began that shared specifics tips for making knishes and the eggplant salad. The two ladies just chatted naturally on screen with each one adding reminders and advice. In the beautifully produced film, an easy rapport between the two ladies was evident. Maggie was quick to point out “Don’t forget the salt” as she shared what she does to her cucumbers to make them so tasty. Just as the lights came back on and the audience was certain the night was complete, giant baskets of cookies and specialty brownies were offered as a sweet finale.
For those of you who weren’t the lucky ones who attended, you may watch the short film found at their website of www.maggiecooks.com. And then you’ll just have to order from the duo to taste the culinary delights for yourself.
