2003ish.
This baby is for evenings spent with one’s electronic entertainment equipment. I don’t know about yours but mine involves a TV, DVD player and budget home theatre system. It’s one of my favourite movie meals. Takes a few minutes to prep and less than ten to get ready. Enough time to load the player, change into something loose and comfortable, pour a drink and put the pesky cell phone on silent. Home delivery is an option but somehow the food arrives at a crucial moment, breaking the film’s momentum.

Besides, here’s my singular criteria for a TV meal. It should not make you look at the plate. Ever. Sure, a burger or pizza is the right choice. But only if you’re watching something classy and full of taste like Old School or Road Trip or the American Pie trilogy. But some movies that are elevating or stimulating calls for a certain amount of finesse, palate-wise. If the flick makes nice-nice with the mind then the body, too, deserves a bit of love-love-lovin’.

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

1 fillet of kingfish
Extra virgin olive oil
A handful of frozen peas
Half a red bell pepper (capsicum; cut lengthwise into strips)
Fresh pepper
Salt

HOW TO
Get a microwave safe plate/platter.
Take the fillet/piece of kingfish.
Drizzle generously with olive oil and coat thoroughly.
Rub in fresh pepper and salt.
Rub the frozen peas and capsicum in your oily, seasoned hands.
Assemble everything on plate (give free rein to any artistic urge).
Into the microwave oven for 6-9 minutes (I’ve made this dish in all kinds of m. ovens ranging from fancy convection behemoths to heat ‘n’ eat dodgy little bastards.
By and large, the results are the same given a few minutes here and there).
Remove, set aside to cool, pour a glass of nice white wine, put on a DVD, sup.
Enjoy!