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An article published in The Conversation this month is headlined “TikTok’s Wes Anderson Trend: Why The Quirky Director’s Style Is Ripe For Social Media Parody”. Of course, it’s not only on TikTok, Wes Anderson homages are par for the course on virtually every platform where his fans congregate, and have been adapted for pretty much any type of content you can think of (a woodworker’s day, a show-and-tell of the contents of one’s attic, chronicles of architecture and décor styles, spoof horror shorts, and even restaurant reviews). His distinctive aesthetic and creative signature are instantly recognisable, no matter what context you apply them to. On May 23, the folks over at Google Trends tweeted that “#WesAnderson (had) spiked +2,000% in the past month worldwide.”
As Anderson acolytes, we decided to put our own spin on the trend too, and asked Chat GPT to come up with a menu for a formal five-course dinner hosted by the filmmaker. And DALL-E provided a few images. Entranced by the possibilities of sitting down for a meal hosted by our other favourite filmmakers, we generated a few more menus and place settings: Anderson was joined on our list by Mira Nair, Sophia Coppola, Wong Kar-Wai, Guillermo del Toro and David Fincher, to name those that made the final cut. Several-obsessive-hours-down-a-rabbit-hole later, here we are, inviting you to dig in.
Wes Anderson's Five-Course Dinner
First Course: Margot's Melon and Prosciutto Salad
Fresh cantaloupe and honeydew melon, wrapped in prosciutto, served with a balsamic glaze
Second Course: Suzy's Samphire and Scallops
Seared scallops served with crispy samphire, lemon beurre blanc, and edible flower garnish
Third Course: Mendl's Courtesan au Chocolat
Miniature cream puffs filled with flavoured creams (strawberry, lavender, and pistachio) and topped with a rich chocolate ganache
Fourth Course: Mr Fox's Braised Rabbit with Apple Cider Glaze
Tender braised rabbit in a savoury apple cider glaze, served with roasted root vegetables and thyme-infused polenta
Fifth Course: Team Zissou's Blue Velvet Cake
Layered blue velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, decorated with edible gold leaf and sea-themed sugar sculptures
BEVERAGES
Cocktail: The Darjeeling Limited
A refreshing blend of gin, green tea, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint
First Course Wine: The Royal Blanc
Second Course Wine: Moonrise Merlot
Third Course Wine: The Grand Cru
Fourth Course Wine: Fantastic Pinot Noir
With Dessert: The Aquatic Martini
A sweet and tangy blend of blue curaçao, vodka, and a splash of lemon juice, garnished with a twist of lemon peel
A High Tea From Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet Of Curiosities
SAVOURIES
Pan's Labyrinth Mushroom Vol-au-Vent: Flaky puff pastry shells filled with a savoury mixture of wild mushrooms, herbs, and a touch of cream.
Crimson Peak Tea Sandwiches: Delicate finger sandwiches with an assortment of fillings such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and dill, and roasted turkey and cranberry.
The Shape of Water Seafood Canapés: Miniature toasts topped with a medley of seafood, including shrimp, crab, and smoked salmon, accented with a hint of lemon and fresh herbs.
SWEETS
Pan's Labyrinth Rosewater Macarons; Hellboy Devil's Food Cake Bites (decadent bites of rich devil's food cake enrobed in dark chocolate ganache, adorned with a touch of edible gold leaf); The Devil's Backbone Cinnamon Churros (crispy and cinnamon-dusted churros, served with a warm chocolate dipping sauce).
BEVERAGES
A selection of teas including a smoky lapsang souchong, a soothing chamomile blend, and a bold and dark oolong tea.
An Outdoor Luncheon With Mira Nair
Appetiser: Chaat Trio
A trio of street food snacks, including crispy samosas filled with spiced potatoes, tangy pani puri with a burst of flavors, and refreshing papri chaat topped with yoghurt, chutney, and crunchy sev. A salaam to Bombay!
Main Course: Peanut Stew
A rich and hearty stew made with sweet potatoes, lentils, and an aromatic blend of spices, simmered in a creamy peanut sauce. Served with steamed rice and bread, this dish celebrates the resilience and vibrant culture of Uganda, as seen in Queen of Katwe.
Side Dish: Spicy Collard Greens
Tender collard greens sautéed with garlic, onions, and a touch of heat, showcasing the fusion of Southern American and Indian flavours in Mississippi Masala.
BEVERAGES
Masala chai, refreshing lemon mint cooler, and fresh juices.
Late Supper Dished Up By Wong Kar-Wai
Mrs. Chan's Hot and Sour Dumpling Soup
A delicate and aromatic soup filled with handmade dumplings, symbolising the hidden desires and longing of the characters in In the Mood for Love.
Cop 223's Midnight Egg Toast
Crispy and buttery toast topped with a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg. This simple yet iconic dish represents the late-night adventures and unexpected connections of the characters in Chungking Express.
Killer's Spicy Beef Stir-Fry
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and a spicy sauce, showcasing the intense and unpredictable nature of the characters in Fallen Angels.
Lai Yiu-Fai's Fragrant Chili Shrimp
Succulent shrimp cooked in a fragrant blend of spices and chili, served with steamed rice. This dish reflects the passion, longing, and bittersweet love found in Happy Together.
BEVERAGES
Aromatic jasmine tea, a smoky Old-Fashioned cocktail, or a glass of vintage red wine.
Sophia Coppola's Cocktail Hour / Champagne Brunch
COCKTAIL HOUR
Suntory Whisky Highball: A classic Japanese highball made with Suntory whisky, soda water, and a twist of lemon that pays homage to Lost in Translation.
Champagne Tower: An extravagant display of champagne glasses stacked into a tower, filled with your choice of fine champagne or sparkling wine, capturing the opulence and decadence of the French court in "Marie Antoinette."
Lavender Lemonade: A delicate and refreshing drink made with fresh lemon juice, lavender-infused simple syrup, and sparkling water, embodying the innocence and ethereal atmosphere of The Virgin Suicides.
Negroni on the Rocks: A timeless classic, the Negroni, made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, served over ice with an orange twist, is a nod to the complexities of relationships depicted in On the Rocks.
CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
Marie Antoinette Macarons: Delicate and colourful macarons in flavors like rose, lavender, and pistachio, reminiscent of the sumptuous and extravagant desserts enjoyed in the French court.
Lost in Translation Eggs Benedict: Classic eggs Benedict with a twist, featuring poached eggs atop buttery English muffins, smoked salmon or crispy bacon, and drizzled with a silky hollandaise sauce. Served with a side of lightly dressed arugula.
Somewhere Quiche Lorraine: Savoury quiche filled with a rich blend of bacon, Gruyere cheese, and caramelised onions, baked in a flaky crust.
A Very Murray Christmas Brioche French Toast: Decadent brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon and vanilla-infused custard, griddled to perfection, and served with a dusting of powdered sugar. Accompanied by a side of seasonal berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
On the Rocks Mimosa Bar: A selection of freshly squeezed juices, including orange, grapefruit, and peach, paired with chilled champagne.
Dishes From A Very David Fincher Dinner
Covert Caprese Skewers
Skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze. A playful take on the classic Caprese salad, symbolising the layers of hidden secrets in Gone Girl.
Rebel's Loaded Nachos
A generous plate of crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeños. A hearty and indulgent dish, representing the rebellious and spirited nature of Fight Club.
Tech Taco Bar
A build-your-own taco station with a variety of fillings, such as grilled chicken, seasoned beef, sautéed vegetables, and an assortment of toppings including salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Guests can customise their tacos, reflecting the casual and social aspect of The Social Network.
Dark Chocolate Mystery Sundae
A luscious sundae with layers of dark chocolate ice cream, crushed cookies, whipped cream, and a drizzle of hot fudge. Topped with a cherry, it represents the intriguing and mysterious nature of the show Mindhunter.
BEVERAGES
A selection of craft beers, chilled wines and signature cocktails.