I'm a sucker for a good theme and my appetite can be easily influenced, so when I see a movie that has any sort of discernable theme, I immediately want to indulge in foods that go along with that theme. For instance, I recently wrote in this column about Raj Darbar ( www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Sugar-Spice-Raj-Darbar/38563.html ), an Indian restaurant in Lakeview. My visit was immediately preceded by a viewing of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a charming movie about a group of older Brits who travel to Indiano coincidence there.
Themed movie-and-dinner outings are a ton of fun (and a clever way to show a new love interest that you've put some thought into planning your date). To help out, here are some recommendations of restaurants that would pair nicely with some of this summer's biggest movies.
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WHAT TO WATCH
Farewell My Queen
While the French Revolution is brewing outside, a lesbian love triangle is developing inside the gilded halls of Versailles. Marie Antoinette has a dalliance with another aristocratic lady. Meanwhile, one of the queen's servants develops an intense infatuation with the monarch. I haven't seen this movie yet, but it promises 18th-century lesbian love scenes and what I've read is some pretty spectacular acting, so it's on the top of my must-see list.
WHERE TO EAT
Bistronomic
Dine on French bistro classics (with some modern updates) in an atmosphere that is elegant and feels authentically European. Rehash Marie Antoinette's not-so-secret lesbian love life over a bottle of Burgundy and pan roasted duck. Bistronomic is located at 840 N. Wabash Ave.; call 312-944-8400 or visit www.bistronomic.net .
( www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/SUGAR-SPICE-Bistronomic/30691.html )
WHAT TO WATCH
Step Up Revolution
An aspiring dancer lands in Miami, with dreams of becoming a member of an elite dance company. Instead, she joins forces with a dancing flash mob that struts their stuff to save their beachside hang out from being taken over by a luxury hotel developer.
WHERE TO EAT
The Dock at Montrose Beach
Duh! Head straight to Chicago's own waterfront bar and restaurant, where you can wash down some fish tacos with a couple of mojitos. If watching Step Up Revolution inspires you to get up and dance, you're all set because The Dock hosts live music several nights a week ( http://www.thedockatmontrosebeach.com/#!live_music/ctr7). The Dock at Montrose Beach is located at 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr.; call 773-704-8435 or visit www.thedockatmontrosebeach.com/#!home/mainPage.
WHAT TO WATCH
Moonrise Kingdom
Set on an island off the coast of New England in 1965, this quirky flick chronicles two 12-year-olds who fall in love. After the young pair runs away together, their dysfunctional families and the eccentric members of the community organize an entertaining search party.
WHERE TO EAT
Glenn's Diner
This kitschy and fun seafood joint is the perfect spot to deconstruct Wes Anderson's latest film. The lobster fettuccine alfredo is deliciously decadent. If you're looking for a good value, Glenn's diner offers all-you-can-eat crab legs on Tuesdays and all-you-can-eat shrimp on Thursdays. Or, make like a couple of 12-year-olds in love and just share the chocolate chip waffles. You can because Glenn's serves breakfast all day. Glenn's Diner is located at 1820 W. Montrose Ave.; call 773-506-1720 or visit www.glennsdiner.com/seafood.html .
WHAT TO WATCH
To Rome With Love
Woody Allen has assembled an all-star cast, including Ellen Page, Roberto Benigni, Penelope Cruz and Alec Baldwin. In Allen's classic style, the lives of his characters intersect and are cleverly woven together. This time the backdrop for the characters' love affairs, existential crises and entertaining follies is, as the movie's title makes clear, Rome.
WHERE TO EAT
Quartino
Like Rome, Quartino is always bustling and offers a reliable selection of authentic Italian eats. Plus, the touristy location of the restaurant makes for prime people watching that could make you feel like you're actually on the set of a Woody Allen film. Sip some Chianti from an old-school juice glass, nibble on some sopressata and Taleggio, and sit back and enjoy your second show of the evening. Quartino is located at 626 N. State St.; call 312-698-5000 or visit www.quartinochicago.com .