gives a stunning performance as the persecuted poet, Johnny Depp plays two provocative roles in the film, and Sean Penn pops up in a cameo.
To accompany the film, we paired it with a Cuban Sandwich, a side of Tostones (twice-fried plantains), Rum and Butter Popcorn, and a Mojito.
Film: Before Night Falls (2000)
Entrée: Cuban Sandwiches and Tostones
Popcorn: Rum and Butter Popcorn with Cashews and Dried Mango
Beverage: Mojito
Get the breakdown after the jump.
to make something extraordinary and deeply satisfying. Sometimes called the Midnighter or La Media Noche, this sandwich is good to eat any time of the day or night. It starts with the Roast Pork, seasoned Cuban style with a bitter orange, garlic, oregano based marinade. Once the sandwich is assembled, it is pressed. We used our George Foreman Grill and found wrapping the sandwich in foil helps keep it together on the slanted surface. If you do not have a Foreman or a panini press, a cast iron skillet or foil wrapped brick also does this trick. We found this recipe at Epicurious.
Tostones
Tostones are green plantains that are fried, pressed, and fried again and make a great alternative to French Fries. We tossed ours in a mojo of minced garlic and a pinch of salt in olive oil. Click here for a recipe.
Rum and Butter Popcorn
To make this boozed up popcorn, add 1-2 teaspoons of dark rum to ¼ cup of melted butter and toss with popped corn. We started ours with rum scented kettle corn, and then added a handful of cashews and chopped, dried mango.
To make the kettle corn, add the following to a large pan with lid: 1/4 cup of oil, 1 teaspoon each of rum and sugar. Place 1/2 cup popcorn kernels in the pan with lid, and pop until done shaking the pan to prevent burning. *For a lighter rum flavor, leave the rum out of the butter.
Mojito
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons fine sugar
Several fresh mint sprigs
White rum
Club soda
Ice
In a tall glass, such as a highball glass, add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to 2 teaspoons of sugar and mix. Place 3-4 mint leaves in glass and muddle. Add ice (crushed ice works best, but cubes will do) and stir. Stir in 2 oz of white rum and top off with club soda. Rub a mint leaf around the top of the rim for extra minty aroma. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve with a straw.
