There’s a reason why dinner and a movie has stood the test of time as the classic date night activity.
It’s because so many people are more passionate about good food and good movies than almost anything else. So for Valentine’s Day, a holiday born of passion, what better way to celebrate than with dinner and a movie?
Here are some suggestions for pairing movies with a Maine restaurant that matches the film’s theme or locale in some way. Some of the movies are out in theaters and some are streaming, making them a perfect match for takeout.
ARRIVEDERCI ROMA
Solo Italiano, Portland, and “Solo Mio”
“Solo Mio” is a romantic comedy in theaters now, starring Kevin James as a man who dreams of an Italian wedding but is stood up at the altar. So he takes his honeymoon alone, drinking in Italy’s food, beauty and culture. Solo Italiano in the Old Port has a menu full of authentic Italian cuisine and boasts a chef who won Best Young Chef in Italy in 1992.
BLUES IN THE BAR
Gill’s Neighborhood Bar, Portland, and “Blue Moon”
“Blue Moon” is up for an Oscar for best screenplay and star Ethan Hawke is up for best actor. Hawke plays songwriter Lorenz Hart, who wrote so many classic American showtunes with Richard Rodgers. The film, available for streaming, takes place on a night near the end of Hart’s life, mostly at the bar of legendary Broadway nightspot Sardi’s. Gill’s Neighborhood Bar on Spring Street is relatively new and owned by the same group as Wayside Tavern, but with a cozy vibe and traditional cocktails.
DINERS AND DRIVING
A1 Diner, Gardiner, and “Thelma and Louise”
The 1991 classic road movie “Thelma and Louise” is playing Saturdayand Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Maine Film Center in Waterville. The film stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis and there some prominent diner scenes, partly because Sarandon is a waitress in one. So after seeing the Valentine’s Day matinee, drive south for dinner at a classic Maine diner, the A1 Diner in Gardiner, which is open until 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
HEAPING HELPING OF HEATHCLIFF
Smittys Entertainment, Topsham, and “Wuthering Heights”
A new film inspired by Emily Bronte’s epic love story, “Wuthering Heights” is opening in theaters Friday. It stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff. Smitty’s, a theater and cafe chain, is offering a special “Galentine’s Day” premiere happy hour at 6 p.m. Friday, before the 7 p.m. showing. There’ll be movie-themed drink and food specials, served right to your seats. The event is also scheduled for the Smittys theaters in Windham and Sanford.
MEATBALL MELEÉ
Antigoni’s, Lewiston, and “Bugonia”
“Bugonia” is a dark comedy sci-fi film that’s up for a best picture Oscar, and now streaming. It stars Jesse Plemons as a conspiracy theorist who kidnaps a high-powered CEO played by Emma Stone. There’s a pivotal scene featuring spaghetti and meatballs that gets a little out of hand. You wouldn’t want to try to re-create this scene in a restaurant, it’s way too messy.
So instead it’s a great chance to get some old-school takeout spaghetti and homemade meatballs from Antigoni’s, a classic Maine pizza and pasta place with locations in Augusta, Brunswick, Lewiston, Scarborough and Turner.
STEAK SECRETS
Bonissoni Brazilian Steakhouse, Ogunquit, and “The Secret Agent”
“The Secret Agent” is a political thriller set in late 1970s Brazil, with the country under a military dictatorship. It’s nominated for several Oscars this year, including best picture, best international feature film and best actor, and is streaming now. At Bonissoni, you can get a “full Brazilian experience” with servers/gauchos bringing skewers of meat to your table.
SONG SUNG SAUSAGE
The Sausage Kitchen, Lisbon Falls, and “Song Sung Blue”
“Song Sung Blue” is based on the true story of a Milwaukee couple who formed a Neil Diamond tribute band and met with triumphs and tragedy, starring Kate Hudson (nominated for a best actress Oscar) and Hugh Jackman. It’s set in Milwaukee, including at the Wisconsin State Fair, so it puts German food top of mind. To get your bratwurst fix, head to The Sausage Kitchen in Lisbon Falls and eat at home while you stream the movie. Or go out for a bratwurst plate with potato salad and sauerkraut at Schulte & Herr in Portland, since the film is also still in theaters.