'Like Water for Chocolate' inspires post-film food fest

More than 70 people ate quail, turkey mole and oxtail soup at the Palladium last night. Following an International House screening of the movie Like Water for Chocolate, based on the book by Laura Esquivel, viewers headed straight to the Palladium for a dinner that mirrored dishes that Tita, the movie's main character, created in the film. Organizer Gretjen Clausing, assistant director of the Neighborhood Film Video Project, said the event was a part of the "Book and Cook Fair," a Philadelphia celebration that unites reading and cooking. While Clausing said there would be "a mixture of people from the University community and around the city," there were few University students in attendance. According to several participants, the $35 price tag was well worth the meal. Dinner began with chilis with walnut sauce followed by oxtail soup. The participants chose between quail with rose petal sauce and turkey mole as an entree. Cream fritters rounded off the dinner. Those who attended the Palladium event said they enjoyed the food. "It was delicious," Philadelphia resident Catalina Rios said. "I loved the quail, and the three types of wine were great." Brian Regli, another participant and Philadelphia resident, agreed. "The food was darn good," he said. "I think it's a wonderful idea to attempt to create a meal from the film," Rios said. The event was International House's second annual presentation for the Book and Cook Fair. Last year, Babette's Feast was shown, also followed by dinner at the Palladium. "Last year, [the program] was well received," said Roger Harman, the owner of the Palladium. "We had reservations for 220 seats. We had to turn away people." The movie was screened at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. last night. The meal preceded the second showing. Clausing expected more than 200 people to participate this year. The program will be repeated tonight at the same times.