Have you watched Moana with your kids only 9,999 times? You are slacking! Make your 10,000th viewing one to remember with a Moana-themed dinner and a movie night. Set sail on the high seas with food and drinks that will make the hangriest guests turn from Te Kā into Te Fiti with just one taste.
But first, you have to set the mood. A tablecloth with a large palm leaf print is a nice base for a buffet table, and grass skirts tied about chair seats are a unique twist. Flower crowns are a must, as are shell necklaces. A pre-movie game of “Restore the heart of Te Fiti” is great for getting into the spirit of things and will be a hit with the kids.
Grown-ups and kids can both quench their thirst with tropical drinks. For the adults, a piña colada goes down cold, sweet and smooth. Kids love fruit punch, obviously. Serve them all in adorable coconut cups painted like the vicious Kakamora pirates.
Get your Moana on
Before you can see how far you’ll go (through the snacks, natch), you have to get the movie ready:
MOVIE: Moana (Don’t have it? Get it at Amazon or see more options)
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, 43 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE: 2016
RATING: PG
STARRING: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
Dinner and a movie: Your Moana menu
And now, for our feature presentation…
Nibbles: Shiny “Tamatoa” popcorn
Whet your appetite with this delicious take on a classic movie snack. Disney Family’s “shiny popcorn” — inspired by the giant crab Tamatoa from Moana — features edible gold dust and glitter sure to make little ones happy.
MORE: Homemade caramel popcorn
Appetizer: Air-fryer fried chicken
For those in the mood for something a little more savory, air-fried chicken strips are a healthier alternative to deep frying that both kids and grown-ups say hit the spot. Maybe the sight of his brethren breaded and fried will convince Heihei to pipe down and get in line.
MORE: The Best Air Fryers of 2019
Entrée: Rice bowls
A duo of rice bowls gives everyone an option for the main course, whether they prefer meat or seafood. Pineapple-Sriracha glazed salmon rice bowls from Grab a Plate taste just as good with tuna or other wild-caught fish.
MORE: Dinner and a movie: Disney’s ‘Cinderella’
The pineapple pork bowl is almost like sweet and sour pork without the heavy sauce. Sticky rice, sweet peppers and pineapple combine with a tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder in a delicious marinade. Save time and serve both over the same rice mixture.
Dessert: Crispy coconut date bars
For dessert, these crispy coconut date bars will satisfy any sweet tooth. Rice Krispies, dates and coconut are the perfect combo to end the meal on a lighter yet more nutritious note.
