It’s Ann here today. Andy is over in OurLittleCorner fretting about life’s purpose.
I don’t often go to cafes or restaurants and start laughing so much that it seems everyone nearby is staring. But that’s what happened one morning on our recent trip to Hudson, NY. Andy and I and our traveling mates were having breakfast at Bubba’s Biscuit Bar, and I was watching the Biscuit Bar’s TV, which was playing an old film. The sound was off, so I was reading the large subtitles. The movie? Mike Nichols’ 1996 The Birdcage, a spinoff on La Cage Aux Folles. The stars? Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman. OMG it’s funny!
If you haven’t seen – or don’t remember –The Birdcage, be sure to read the little synopsis below before watching the most hysterical 9-minute clip from the film, which I posted below.
“Absurdity and silliness abound in this Nichols & May farce when gay drag club owner Armand (Robin Williams) is coaxed temporarily back into the closet by his son Val in order to ensure a smooth meeting of his new in-laws, a Republican senator (Gene Hackman) and straight-laced mom (Dianne Wiest), respectively. To add a flair of authenticity to the well-intentioned charade, Val’s biological mother (Christine Baranski) is invited to join, but when she’s held up at the last minute Armand’s drag queen partner (Nathan Lane) decides to play the role instead. “(from QuadCinema.com).
According to one critic, “The Birdcage is flamboyant, tender, hilarious and heartbreaking. It is a queer cinema staple, and just an all-around fun time.”
Another review, published in The Advocate, is perfect: the”underlying feelings of compassion, tolerance, and understanding are this Bird’s brightest plumage.”
Here’s hoping compassion, tolerance, and understanding guide our way forward into 2027 – and beyond! And may it be a wonderful time.
In case you’re wondering – the dinner party at Armand’s house was supposed to feature a seafood chowder, so, of course, that’s our recipe for today. I’m sad to say that I don’t have the “colorful”black and white bowls used by Agador Spartacus, Armand’s “houseboy.” Be sure to watch the hysterical scene (about 1:45 into the video) when the Senator’s equally-conservative wife studies them.
Smoked Fish Chowder
- 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 c heavy cream
- 1 c milk
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 T butter
- 1 T olive oil
- 1/2 c onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery ribs, finely chopped (about 1 c)
- 1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 1 T fresh thyme, minced – or substitute 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 c dry white wine
- 3 1/2 c chicken broth
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn kernels
- 1 lb smoked whitefish—skin and bones discarded, fish coarsely flaked (I used smoked trout, but had to soak it in milk for 1/2 hr to remove some of the saltiness; I’m sure that would depend on the brand) or substitute an unsmoked fish, such as cod, chopped into small pieces, and added when you add the corn. Add salt to taste.
- 2 T chopped dill
- 2 T chopped flat-leaf parsley
- several dashes of Tabasco
In a medium saucepan, cover the potato chunks with the cream and milk. Season lightly with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Partially cover the saucepan and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, melt the butter in the oil. Add the onion, celery, leek and thyme and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the wine and boil until nearly evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and season very lightly with salt.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer half of the cooked potatoes to a bowl. Transfer the remaining potatoes and all of the liquid to a blender and puree until very smooth. Add the potato chunks, the pureed potatoes and the corn to the soup pot and simmer just until the corn is tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in the whitefish. Add the dill and parsley and season with Tabasco.
Ann, thanks for the reminder about La Cage aux Folles and The Birdcage. Time to give both of them another look, I think! And the recipe looks wonderful, too. With cooler weather coming, this one is going on my list.
The Birdcage did make us LOL (if that means “laugh out loud”). And the chowder is a good idea for hunkering down during the rain that’s showing up on our Weather Underground app. Thanks for the comment.
Great writing Nana! The recipe looks like it slaps😋 -silas
Thanks for kudos for my writing. And I appreciate your comment about the recipe (unless “slaps” is negative).