What’s the best dinner and a movie you’ve had lately? Leave a comment.
Everyone knows that dinner and a movie is a great combination. Like macaroni and cheese. Like tattoos and rum. Wait. What?
Team Betty was invited to a private screening of Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry, a documentary about the life of American tattoo master, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. We enjoyed cocktails made with Sailor Jerry Rum, the comfort cuisine of The Edendale Grill and the wild tales of Erich Weiss, director of the eye-opening documentary.
We gathered in the historic space that originally operated as Los Angeles Fire Station Number 56 in the 1920s. The district of Edendale, now known as Echo Park, was the home of the first permanent movie studios in California. Hollywood was just a farming community when the studios in Edendale started churning out classics from Charlie Chaplin and Mabel Normand. Would you believe a guy named Walt created the world’s most iconic mouse in a studio right around the corner from The Edendale Grill?
Signature Sailor Jerry cocktails called The Perfect Storm and Grog got the party started. I felt like a Merchant Marine sipping rum as Weiss shared war stories from producing the film and interviewing contemporaries of Sailor Jerry. After spending time with Weiss, you see how his witty, down-to-earth demeanor enabled him to gain the trust of guys like Philadelphia Eddie Funk and get them talking on camera about the industry and culture they helped create.
Appetizers like the ultra creamy Miniature Macaroni & Cheese (top of post) were devoured and the Chilled Shrimp Cocktail (above) taunted us with simplicity.
These cute Miniature Crab Cakes may have also found their way into my belly.
As we sat down for dinner, the film began to roll… and so did my education on tattooing. Considering I earned a degree in Art History, it’s embarrassing that I have not given the art or the history of tattooing much thought. Sailor Jerry, or Hori Smoku as he came to be known by the Japanese, pioneered the techniques, the aesthetics, the colors and ultimately the cleanliness of the American tattoo industry. Put it this way, if you think Ed Hardy is just a wildly successful clothing brand (like I did), you need to watch this film (NOTE: for mature audiences).
In between laughter and shock, I enjoyed the Scottish Salmon Fillet on lemon Israeli couscous with cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, arugula and fried capers. My shipmates enjoyed tender cuts of Hanger Steak and homey Chicken Pot Pie.
As Sailor Jerry’s story played out on the wall, the taste of Sailor Jerry Rum passed our lips and stories flowed. Weiss’ use of interviews and archival footage exposes fascinating hard truths about American tattoo culture, but does so in a “one day we’ll look back on this and laugh” kind of way.
The sweetest salute to Sailor Jerry was the Molten Chocolate Cake with Sailor Jerry Rum Sauce.
The historic and intimate feel of The Edendale Grill was perfect for the screening of Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry. Both the location and the film have roots in the past and seeds in the future; a nod to movie making old and new.
Erich Weiss is a super cool cat. Since he’s from Philly, I had to know: Pat’s or Geno’s? He hesitated to answer but eventually did. Score one for Pat’s.
Special thanks to Sailor Jerry Rum, Erich Weiss, EC Gladstone and the Edendale Grill for the super fun dinner and a movie!
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HAVE YOU SEEN THE LATEST VIDEO?
When you’ve learned as much about cooking from television as I have, seeing a celebrity chef in person is like seeing a movie star. I’m giddy. I’m flustered. I’m wondering, “is there anything in my teeth?” You might say I’m foodstarstruck. So just imagine how excited I was to meet and interview Chefs Wolfgang Puck, Cat Cora, Kerry Simon, Jet Tila and Scott Linquist at Vegas Uncork’d! What did I ask and what did they say? Watch Foodstarstruck: Vegas Uncork’d and find out now!
Link to the Foodstarstruck video.
Link to the Foodstarstruck blog post.
Link to the Back to Earth from Vegas Uncork’d blog post.
This looks like alot of fun. My father in law was a tatoo guy. Its interesting, people who are way into tattoos (like full body stuff). My husband and I have none. My father in law only has his business logo on his arm and a bracelet. I’d love to see that documentary, the food looks fab too. And I love your latest video about Vegas, I watched it last week sometime.
Looks like great fun! I would love all the food but man, give me that dessert anytime!!
Hey Angie! I have to say, whether you’re a tattoo person or not, this movie is really fascinating. And YAY!!! you watched my Vegas video! Thank you!!
HoneyB – the cake was yummy! A squirt of molten chocolate in the center and sinful rum sauce on top. Mmmm
Thanks for stopping by, ladies!
xoxo
Need to go with you to these wonderful parties mmm this mini chilled shrimp cocktail.
I don’t like the chocolate cake looks too small ;-) – I need 2 of them :-)
Have a great weekend!
Gera
I love tattoos and don’t for a minute regret having any of them, I’m currently getting a koi tattoo down my right arm can’t wait to get it all done! as can only afford smallsessions at a time. My artist is very experienced and also extremly expensive but, he’s worth it! Great site btw