Sunday, March 7, 2010

Red Carpet Chocolate Cherry Martini

I can't recall the exact time we met as young stews, but Marcie and I became good friends in a short time. Her relaxed southern California manner, long chestnut hair and turquoise jewelry seemed so different from my Ohio roots. She was a Sandra Bullock lookalike, before Sandra Bullock. Not taking a lot seriously, she laughed often. She grew up riding horses year round in the warm California sun. Animals felt comfortable beside her and she beside them. She actually felt comfortable everywhere. We became roommates along with a few other friends in a carriage house on an Old Westbury estate on New York's Long Island. Pam, The Gypsy Chef was one of them, but that is a whole other story. Somewhere around the time we decided to load up our VW Bugs to move to San Fransisco, Marcie invited me to go to the Academy Awards and the Governor's Ball that year. Her charming stepfather, Jerry, an exec for Disney, was in charge of security for the ceremony and every year received tickets. Let's see...lemme think...OK, I'll go (in a New York minute!) We flew out to L.A. from New York and I met her mom and stepfather for the first time. Her mom was slim and stylish in her capri pants. As we sat and chatted, she balanced a cigarette in one hand and a martini in the other, and her somewhat husky voice was warm and inviting. She was California casual chic, with full command of life. Their ranch style home was informal, but very pulled together, just like Marilyn. Oh yeah, I even liked her name. Over her delicious dinner, her motherly wisdom realized I needed a new dress to wear to this Hollywood bash. So she loaned me one. Cinderella had nothing on me! The evening came, the red carpet rolled out and the stars arrived. I remember having a captivating conversation with the beautiful Estee Lauder as she came in with the other guests. At one point we were backstage as the winner's exited the stage after receiving their award. We saw Oscar from a whole new viewpoint. Steve Martin was a presenter then, during his "arrow through the head" days, and this year he is a co-host. (Click on the photo to enlarge the program.)The Governor's Ball afterward was a glorious blur for this 20 something. I was so glad I had Marilyn's loaner on...my Ohio dud's just wouldn' t have been right! Marcie was used to all of this, I guess that was why she was so comfortable everywhere. Picture taking was tightly controlled, so I have no pics. Marcie is looking through her photos, so hopefully I'll be able to add a few later. The next day we had a chance to have our photos taken with the large Oscar, but my dratted camera jammed....where were iphones when you needed them?! Even the studio camera men couldn't get it to unjam. I have the pictures in my mind, but the years have caused them to fade a little around the edges, just like my souvenir program. Marcie's son is very involved in acting now, so you never know if we'll be revisiting the Awards Ceremony in the future, sans the loaner dress and with a martini in my hand.Marilyn this martini is for you. Thanks for the memories.

Now....the envelope, please!

Red Carpet Chocolate Cherry Martini
Per serving:
3 ounces chilled Chocolate vodka
a splash or 2 of cherry juice

Pour the chocolate vodka in 8 ounce chilled martini glasses, or mix desired servings in a pitcher.
Add a splash or 2 of chilled cherry juice, more or less according to taste. Put in a chocolate stick as a stirrer. I used Mademoiselle de Margaux Chocolate twigs. Serve immediately.
Red Carpet Chocolate Cherry Martini recipe click here.

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