#ik they think seasoning is butter mayo and ketchup

[ladychlo]

"I'm all about the flavor, Presentation for me is secondary"

#ik they think seasoning is butter mayo and ketchup

[soymimikyu]

Food in Netflix’s Series of Unfortunate Events: Season 1

I like food in television and for a long time have been finding inspiration in dishes I see in anime. Don’t think food anime, like Food Wars. Think of Sophie cooking bacon on Calcifer in Howl’s Moving Castle, Mugi’s tea time treats in K-On!, the pastries made by Kaori’s family in Your Lie in April, or the meal shared by Taki and Miki in Your name. Essentially, I like it when food is not the focus, but accentuates a scene or deepens a character or a relationship. While this is not anime, I had a lot of fun with it!

Having read the books more than a decade ago, I was surprised (possibly because I have forgotten) at how much food is in this series. From episode 1, I took semi-detailed notes on what dishes appeared in each part and made an attempt to also note down the scene in which it appeared. The following list does omit somethings because I felt they were not important (what the market sellers sold in the Wide Window – fish heads, limes, and something I can’t recall and didn’t write down). I may circle back at some point and double check the list, but I will definitely check it against the books when I reread them. If anyone thinks I forgot something critical – please let me know.

Enjoy!

Some side remarks:

If I made the recipe, I will mark it with an X.

If I have thoughts on recipes, I will include them. This might be rambling nonsense to some (most) of you.

Food in A Bad Beginning

Mint Jelly and Braised Leg of Lamb

Brought by Justice Strauss

Pasta Puttanesca [X]

Adding more anchovies did not really add more anchovy flavor. They are heavily masked with the kalamata olives and capers. Perhaps a milder olive?

Served to Count Olaf

Comes up serveral times in later episodes.

Raspberry Cupcakes

A raspberry swiss meringue butter cream would go really well here. To get extra fruit flavor in your icing you can add finely ground (and sifted) freeze dried fruit. Infused butter is another route.

Working raspberries into a sponge might be tricky as they are rather wet. Control moisture carefully.

Offered to the children by Count Olaf

Wedding Cake Slices with Vanilla, Nutmeg, or Lemon(y) buttercream

I believe Olaf picked the Vanilla flavored cake.

Spiced butter cream sounds delicious. Perhaps a spiced butter or a spiced tea butter?

Hook handed man asks Olaf for his opinion.

Food in The Reptile Room

Coconut Cream Cake

Never thought about a coconut cream cake. Not sure what the frosting would be. Sponge looks like yellow cake with coconut flakes.

Offered by Doctor Montgomery to the children.

Chinese Take out with pot stickers

Meal shared between the children, Doctor Montgomery, and Stefano.

Popcorn

Eaten by Stefano at the theater. Unclear if it was buttered or not.

Canned Peaches

Consumed by Hook Handed Man posing as a detective after murder.

Food in The Wide Window

Peppermint

Offered by Mr. Poe to the children

Vegetarian Chili [X]

Cab driver’s meal. I also believe the children made this when Josephine was out buying limes.

Chilled Cucumber soup

This actually looks really tasty despite the context and dreariness of the scene. Meal shared between Josephine and the children.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Meringues are tricky beasts. Italian meringues are stable, but be sure to get your sugar syrup to the soft ball point (~230 F). Also don’t dry your meringue too much.

Mentioned by Lemony and possibly carried by Larry.

Cold Lime Stew

I believe this was Josephine’s proposed hurricane meal.

Fried Egg Sandwich with toasted rye and a runny yolk

[X]

Date meal between Josephine and Captain Sham.

Extra Special Family Fun Appetizer

We never actually see this, but I propose bacon, french toast, crispier pancakes (fried in the bacon fat), and beneigts topped with maple syrup.

Described as a “bunch of fried things served with a sauce” by Larry (the clown).

Cheer Up Cheese Burgers

The pickles, mustard, and ketchup make a smiley on the burger. Offered by Larry (the clown).

Wasabi Mayo

I believe this is what Mr. Poe received as part of his brunch meal.

Fuzzy Navel

Captain Sham’s drink at brunch.

Banana

Josephine’s last meal.

Shredded Beef Tamales

Lard plays a role in making the dough.

Meal given to Ike by Count Olaf resulting in Ike’s death.

Chewing Gum

On the box in the truck carrying the children to Lucky Smells.

Food in The Miserable Mill

Clam Chowder

Consumed by Mr. Poe and distracts him for some time

Dense Beef Casserole

I don’t know what would make beef casserole dense. Too much flour? Incorrect cut of meat?

Served to workers at Lucky Smells.

Blue Berry pancakes and fresh orange juice [X]

How a good day can start according to Lemony

Must be served in bed by a butler, otherwise the day may not be quite as good.

Chewing Gum

Lunch at Lucky Smells

Goat Cheese and Beef Jerkey Omelette

This seems wrong. Jerky is rather tough and toughness is generally unbecoming of an omelette (we want soft to the palette but structured to the bite). Perhaps the Jerky was a side? Perhaps it was finely chopped? Perhaps Charles makes his own beef jerky less tough because he knows Sir likes it in omelettes?

Served to Sir by Charles

A fresh peach

Offered to the children by Charles

Cannoli

A mold can be fashioned out of copper piping. Cheaper and just as effective. Cut to appropriate length.

Don’t use foil

Poe’s punishment if he does not find the children

Cookies [X]

Looks like (store bought) short bread cookies.

Receptionist Shirley offers the children and Sir.

#netflix asoue #food in asoue #food in television #asoue