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You could go out this Valentine’s Day for a sexy dinner. But if Cupid shot you and you fell and landed on your couch with a bottle of wine in one hand and your remote in the other, then it’s probably best to stay in and order takeout. Here, we’ve rounded up some classic rom-coms and paired them with local takeout dishes. Call them power couples.
The Wedding Singer and Meatballs
Put on your comfiest ’80s rock band T-shirt and settle in to watch Adam Sandler (who plays a wedding singer named Robbie Hart) bounce back from being stood up at the altar only to fall in love with a waitress (Drew Barrymore) who is engaged. A memorable scene from this comic romance is when a little old lady—as a payment for her singing lessons—ladles two large homemade meatballs into Sandler’s open palms. She then insists he eat the meatballs in front of her. He agrees to do so and gives us the quotable line: “That’s a good meatball.”
Where to find it: Take your pick of meatball dishes from Angelo’s Taverna. Known for its pizza and oysters (an aphrodisiac, we should mention), the Italian spot calls its meat lover’s pizza the Sir Psycho Sexy. It comes with sausage, pepperoni, pancetta, salami and, of course, meatballs. Or go the more obvious route and get your pasta dishes topped with meatballs. Enjoy said meatballs without anyone watching (and with utensils, should you prefer) in the comfort of home. 620 E 6th Ave.; 6885 S. Santa Fe Dr. Suite A, Littleton
Crazy Rich Asians and Dumplings
Not only is Crazy Rich Asians one of the best contemporary rom-coms, but it’s also a fantastic food feature. As Rachel (Constance Wu) slowly discovers her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) is Singapore’s most eligible bachelor, we’re simultaneously drooling over dishes that have inspired movie-themed food tours. Soon after touching down in Singapore, the main characters meet up with friends at the Newton Food Centre, a thrumming outdoor market where Michelin-recognized chefs serve satay, whole chili crab,
stir-fried noodles, and generous, steaming bowls of laksa curry from their stalls. But there’s also a memorable and pivotal dumpling scene in the movie. Nick playfully narrates how to make his grandmother’s dumplings by placing the baby (the meat and vegetable stuffing) into bed (the dough) and then tucking the baby into bed (folding it closed).
Where to find it: Located in crazy, rich Cherry Creek, Fortune Wok to Table is a split-level restaurant with a casual eatery on the first floor and a fine dining restaurant on the second. You know what to do: Order handmade dumplings (6 for $11) from the casual level. Take your pick between pork, beef, or vegetable dumplings stuffed with spinach, bok choy and vermicelli. Street noodles and fried rice dishes are also on the menu. 2817 E. 3rd Ave.
When Harry Met Sally and Deli Sandwiches
It’s the famous scene in one of the most iconic rom-coms: Meg Ryan’s character Sally moans and pounds the table shouting “yes, yes, yes!” in a crowded New York deli, proving to Billy Crystal’s character Harry that women can most certainly fake orgasms. He’s humbled as she sanguinely returns to her plate and takes a bite of coleslaw. The scene’s punchline is delivered by a fellow diner who says: “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Where to find it: The New York Deli News—an old-school diner on Hampden Avenue that serves huge sandwiches and chocolate egg creams—is the closest you’ll find to Katz Deli here in the Mile High City. You could order a salty and succulent pastrami on rye. But if you’ll have what she’s having, go for the turkey breast sandwich (and don’t forget the coleslaw). 7105 E. Hampden Ave.
Steel Magnolias and Red Velvet Cake
When Steel Magnolias was released in 1989, its tagline was “the funniest movie to make you cry.” The film about Southern sisterhood stars some big names including Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, and Sally Field. During a wedding scene—and to the embarrassment of the bride (Roberts)—a red velvet “groom’s cake” shaped like an armadillo is served. The ever-so-sassy “Ouiser” Boudreaux (Shirley MacLain) chops off the tail of the quirky cake and serves it to the father of the bride with whom she’s been quarreling. He replies: “Nothing like a good piece of ass.”
Where to find it: Pass on armadillo-shaped desserts, but definitely say “I do” to red velvet cake. Mermaid’s Bakery sells red velvet cupcakes with crowns of cream cheese frosting among other flavors like tart Lemon Drop and coconut Samoa Scout (Girl Scouts share February with Cupid). Single large cupcakes are $3.75 or order them by the dozen ($25 for small cupcakes; $39 for large ones). 1543 Champa St.
Father of the Bride and Guacamole
At first, budget-conscious Father of the Bride Steve Martin suggests his daughter books her wedding reception at “the Steak Pit,” a homey rib joint with sawdust on the floor. The bride-to-be (played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley) responds and says she wants a church wedding with a backyard reception. Martin lights up and says: “This is a better idea than the Steak Pit! We’ll get some picnic tables and crêpe paper and balloons and, you know, invite all of our best pals. I’ll make my famous guacamole.”
Where to find it: Order creamy, garlicky homemade guacamole from Los Carboncitos, a family owned Mexican restaurant that serves tasty tacos and huge tortas. Dip lovers should go off script and also order the gooey choriqueso that marries melted cheese with chorizo. Multiple locations: 3757 N. Pecos St.; 722 Sheridan Blvd.; 15210 E. 6th Ave., Aurora
