15 Oscar Party Ideas

Sunset Magazine

Cook up dishes that pay homage to our favorite movies set in the diverse landscapes of the West.


Chinatown: Chinese Scallops
Roman Polanski's multi-layered, neo-noir mystery explores corruption in early 20th-century California politics and dysfunctional family dynamics, with classic performances by Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston.
Savor this tasty dish as you do your best imitation of the film's famous last line: "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown."

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The Shining: Pumpkin Bourbon Shakes
Stanley Kubrick's creep-tastic adaptation of the Stephen King novel features Jack Nicholson in the unforgettable role of a Colorado hotel caretaker driven to madness by the spirits haunting the place. All work and no play make Jack go crazy, so he occasionally takes a break at the hotel bar, where his chats with the (ghostly) bartender lead him to murderous violence (um, worst bartender ever!).
Our bourbon-laced milkshake provides sweet solace during those harrowing scenes.
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City Slickers: Sausage and Bean Dutch-Oven Stew
In this proto-bromantic comedy, a trio of New Yorkers goes on a New Mexico dude ranch vacation, hilarious hijinks and touching moments ensue, and they emerge (what else?) transformed. Plus, we get to see Billy Crystal deliver a calf.
This hearty campfire stew is just the kind of dish they would've eaten after a long day of trying to rope cattle.
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There Will Be Blood: Roasted Garlic Toasts with Olio Nuovo
Daniel Day Lewis plays an oil prospector in turn-of-the-century California. His ascension to power sheds light on man's ruthless ambition, as well as the early days of the industry.
Pay homage with this simple yet elegant appetizer using olio nuovo, the first and freshest pressing of extra virgin olive oil.
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The Hangover: Marmalade Sours
The raunchy comedy follows a Vegas bachelor party gone horribly, horribly wrong. A few drinks get spiked, the dudes black out, and then have to race against the clock to find the missing groom before his impending nuptials.
Say bottoms up with our updated (and unlaced) version of the classic whiskey sour, and know that you'll always be a part of our wolf pack.
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127 Hours: Devilish Chorizo Chili with Hominy
Inspired by a true story, the film follows mountain climber Aron Ralston's doomed adventure in the canyons of southern Utah.
If Ralston had packed enough rations, he would have enjoyed classic campfire grub like this flavorful chili, whose rich color also pays homage to the film's red-rock landscape.
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The Proposal: Cedar-planked Salmon
Sandra Bullock fakes an engagement to her underling, Ryan Reynolds, to avoid deportation. He takes her to Alaska for his grandma's 90th (hello, Betty White!), and she plays the Manhattanite-out-of-water to perfection.
Celebrate Alaska's signature ingredient with this classic salmon preparation.
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Brokeback Mountain: Grilled Trout Fillets with Crunchy Pine-nut Lemon Topping
Ang Lee's memorable drama follows the complex romance between Wyoming ranch hands Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Cook up this rustic grilled fish dish in honor of the characters' rendezvouses masked as "fishing trips" and the local trout found in Wyoming and Montana streams.
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