Source: The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
This month in select Alamo Drafthouse locations we’re excited to feature a menu inspired by one of our favorite movies of the year, THE BIG SICK. Produced by Judd Apatow and based on the actual (and unusual) courtship of comedian Kumail Nanjiani (SILICON VALLEY) and Emily Gordon (author, SUPER YOU). The film is hilarious, emotional, touching and very, very honest.
This honesty shapes the culture clash of a Pakistani Muslim dating a Southern white girl, a narrative that places the Nanjiani family and their Pakistani culture at the heart of the film. To celebrate, our chef Brad Sorenson worked with Kumail and Emily to create a menu that reflected the meals the two shared while dating and the rich, tasty and traditional dishes that would be served at the Nanjiani family dinner table.
“For THE BIG SICK menu, my inspiration was really the writers of the film and their true-life experiences,” explains Alamo Drafthouse Chef Brad Sorenson. “Through conversations with Kumail and Emily and extensive menu testing we were able to find a menu that really represented what Kumail ate growing up around the family table and what is reflected in key moments of the film. I love this movie, and I’m very proud of the menu that compliments it.”
Kumail and Emily further describe the huge role food plays in their film: “When we got together, we realized that the biggest thing our families had in common was food: big sprawling meals that required an extra table just to get every dish on the table. As we were writing THE BIG SICK, we wanted to make sure it communicated the importance of food in the lives of our families. The film features multiple scenes of families, new and old, Pakistani and Southern American, bonding over meals.”
“Having our movie inspire a menu at the Alamo Drafthouse is a dream for us, and getting to eat Biryani in our favorite movie theater is the icing on top.” – Kumail Nanjiani & Emily Gordon – writers of THE BIG SICK
Here’s a sneak peak at the dishes we’re serving this month with additional commentary from Kumail and Emily:
Aloo Chaap
Gold Potatoes Mixed With Onions, Garlic, and Spiced Beef then Pan Roasted. Served With Seasoned Yogurt and Herbs
“Aloo Chaap is top 3. If I got good grades, this is what my mom would make – and she still makes it for me when I visit her in Jersey to this day.” – Kumail
Seekh Kebab
All Beef Kebab Made With Chili, Garlic and Spices. Served With Yogurt and Fresh Vegetables on Warm Naan. Served with Fries
“For the uninitiated, think of this as a “Pakistani hot dog.” My family and I would go to restaurants and watch the guys grill our food before bringing it to our table. I would always burn my mouth because I couldn’t wait.” – Kumail
“When we first started dating, Kumail would take me to Pakistani restaurants in Chicago. I fell in love with Kumail and Seekh Kebab at the same time.” – Emily
Potato Stuffed Naan
Gold Potato Stuffing With Red Onion, Green Peas and Chili. With Salted Butter Brushed Naan. Served With Herb Chutney
“My grandmother would make these for us every week. When she wasn’t looking, I’d sneak over and grab handfuls of the potato filling and stuff it into my mouth.” – Kumail
Biryani With Extra Potatoes
Yogurt Marinated Potatoes Roasted In Butter. Basmati Rice Cooked With Garam Masala, Tomato and Turmeric
“Biryani with Extra Potatoes is my favorite food on the planet. True fact: My nickname was ‘Kumail Biryani.’ Biryani is also the traditional Pakistani food of celebration.” – Kumail
“This dish has a starring role in the movie and is a great example of how food can be used to show love.” – Emily
Gajar Ka Halwa With Kheer
Sweet Carrot Dessert on top of Rice Pudding made with Coconut Milk and Golden Raisins. Garnished with Cashews and Toasted Almonds
“The closest dish to Southern-American cooking and my favorite. You may be stuffed but leave room for dessert as this is one of the most amazing dishes your tastebuds will ever experience.” – Emily
THE BIG SICK opens at Alamo Drafthouse locations in Austin, Brooklyn and San Francisco on June 30th, and expands to additional Alamo Drafthouse markets on July 7th and 14th – tickets are on sale now at drafthouse.com.