Oscar Nom Noms: A Pun-Tastic Menu for the 2019 Academy Awards
Dish ideas blending Hollywood charm with playful wordplay and crowd-pleasing taste.
Who says the red carpet has to be reserved for Hollywood’s elite? Bring home the glitz, glam, and cinematic magic of the 2019 Academy Awards with a party menu brimming with clever puns, film nods, and crowd-pleasing recipes. Inspired by the year’s top nominees, this menu turns every dish into a playful tribute—ensuring your guests will chuckle as much as they chow down.
Table of Contents
Appetizers: Red Carpet Starters
Start your Oscar night with a flourish. These appetizers use inventive food wordplay and the year’s most celebrated movies as their muse.
- Bohemian Wrap-sody
Packed with flavor and Queen homage, these tortilla wraps let you honor Bohemian Rhapsody, one of the year’s most talk-about biopics.
- Fill mini tortillas with roasted veggies, hummus, and feta for a hearty vegetarian option.
- For extra flair, add grilled chicken and spicy mayo, rolling them up for handheld convenience.
- Arrange in a circular pattern on the platter to visually mimic Freddie Mercury’s flamboyant style.
- A Star Is Corn
A tribute to A Star Is Born. A versatile corn-based dish, whether chowder, cornbread, or classic grilled corn, brings golden warmth to your gathering.
- Try a creamy corn chowder with smoked paprika for depth.
- Serve bite-sized cornbread muffins topped with chili caramel corn.
- Garnish with edible glitter to channel that Grammy-winning energy.
- If Beale Street Could Tacos
Honoring Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk, these tacos are as soulful as the film’s score.
- Classic taco shells filled with slow-braised beef or king crab in homage to Regina King.
- Veggie option: black bean and sweet potato with chipotle crema.
- Arrange on a jazz-themed board with mini records for extra charm.
More Star-worthy Bites
- Isle of Hot Dogs
Inspired by Wes Anderson’s quirky animated film Isle of Dogs. Serve mini hot dogs in crescent roll “napkins”, presenting on an island platter.
- Cocktail franks wrapped in dough, baked until golden.
- Garnish with poppy seeds and spicy ketchup “lava”.
- Add fake palm trees for fun “set design”.
- Christian Kale Salad With Roma Tomatoes
A clever fusion nodding to Roma and Christian Bale’s role in Vice. A salad that’s healthy and sophisticated enough for a Best Supporting Dish role.
- Baby kale tossed with roasted Roma tomatoes, parmesan, and a lemon-anchovy dressing.
- Optional: Candied pecans for crunch and drama.
Main Courses: Showstoppers Worthy of Best Picture
Transition from light bites to heartier fare with these pun-centric mains, each inspired by a blockbuster nomination.
- BlacKkKlansman-spiced Chicken Skewers
Pay homage to Spike Lee’s breakthrough with spicy skewers marinated in North African spices and sesame seeds.
- Pair with a cooling yogurt dip to balance the heat.
- Green Book Pesto Pasta
Emulating the road trip through southern fare featured in Green Book, vibrant basil pesto pasta with pine nuts and parmesan make a satisfying main.
- Serve in individual bowls to echo the film’s sense of personal journey.
- The Favourite Duck Confit Sliders
A tongue-in-cheek salute to the film’s royal intrigue. Mini duck sliders on brioche buns with fig-orange chutney deliver Old World decadence.
- Top with microgreens for an elegant bite.
Drinks: Toasting the Nominees
Sip and savor with cocktails and non-alcoholic picks that pun on nominees and actors, ensuring celebratory clinks throughout the evening.
- Adam Screwdrivers
A classic cocktail toast to Adam Driver (BlacKkKlansman): vodka and orange juice, garnished with a twist of humor.
- Serve with orange wedges and a stir stick “microphone.”
- Can You Ever Forgive Tea?
Melissa McCarthy’s witty turn in Can You Ever Forgive Me? gets a nod with a tea service—try Earl Grey, chamomile, or spiced chai.
- Offer little “forgiveness” notes for guests to exchange.
- Spiked Tea
A Spike Lee wink, this spirited update jazzes up the tea with whisky or rum.
- Serve hot or iced, garnished with fresh herbs.
Desserts: Sweet Endings Fit for a Standing Ovation
Cap off your Oscar feast with desserts that play on key nominees, bringing indulgence and cleverness to your table.
- Vice Cream Sandwiches
Vice gets its just rewards with customizable ice cream sandwiches—mix and match cookie flavors and creamy fillings.
- Lay out spread including classic chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, and ginger snaps.
- Fillings: vanilla, espresso, strawberry ice cream.
- Offer toppings like crushed nuts and sprinkles.
- Rachel Weisz Cream Sandwiches
Want to honor The Favourite star Rachel Weisz? Same concept, maybe with a British flair: shortbread and vanilla clotted cream ice cream.
- Decorate with edible flowers.
- Serve on vintage tea plates for extra sophistication.
Entertaining Tips: Creating a Cinematic Experience
- Set the Scene:
Decorate with mini Oscar statuettes, film reels, and gold-accented serveware. Utilize movie posters for conversation starters. - Dress Code:
Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite nominees or in red carpet attire. - Printable Menus:
Hand out pun-inspired menus for easy reference and plenty of giggles. - Award Voting:
Host ballot competitions and present winners with golden chocolate statuettes.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How did you come up with the Oscar food puns? | Each dish is inspired by a top nominee of the 2019 Academy Awards, using wordplay for playful and thematic menu planning. |
| Are these recipes difficult to make? | No. The menu includes a mix of simple appetizers and more elaborate mains, offering options for all skill levels. |
| Can I modify the dishes for dietary restrictions? | Absolutely. Substitute proteins, offer vegetarian/vegan versions, and make gluten-free choices as needed. |
| How do I serve these dishes for a large group? | Focus on finger foods, provide small plates, and set up a buffet for easy access during the broadcast. |
| What are the most popular Oscar party trends? | Pun-based menus, themed cocktails, ballot games, and movie trivia are all top choices for an engaging gathering. |
Bonus: Oscar Menu Inspiration for Future Parties
If you loved the creativity of this 2019 menu, consider adapting the same approach in years to come. As new films enter the spotlight, use their titles, characters, and settings for delicious—and hilarious—inspiration. For example:
- “La La Flan” for a custard dessert themed to La La Land.
- “Black Panther-Anade” for a smoky grilled duck breast.
- “The Shape of Watermelon” salad with feta and mint.
Movie magic is timeless—and so is great party food.
Conclusion
From appetizers worthy of a standing ovation to desserts that bring sweet cinematic closure, this Oscar Nom Noms pun-tastic menu delivers entertainment and indulgence in equal measure. Whether your guests arrive in tuxes or pajamas, they’ll leave raving about the clever puns, delicious bites, and festive atmosphere that brought the spirit of the Academy Awards into your home.
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