Sex and the City—The Girls Are Back

Sex and the City, the movie, is nearly upon us, and I cannot think of a better excuse to call up my friends and throw a party. This film truly is the event of the summer.

By Khalil Hymore

Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte are back and I couldn't be more ecstatic! Just a few more days until Sex and the City opens in movie theaters across the country; I can hardly wait. I am practically giddy! I love these girls and from the moment they first appeared on HBO in 1998, I've been hooked. I literally begin to salivate whenever I see the trailer on television. This will be the movie event of the summer (well...that and Indiana Jones, but I digress).

Now, I know that a lot has been written about the film--the stars, the clothes, the shoes, and, of course, the men--and you may be asking yourself, "What does Sex and the City have to do with food?" Well, for starters, Sex and the City has put many a New York City eatery on the map. From Magnolia Bakery in the West Village (which still has lines a mile long for their famous cupcakes) to mega restaurant Tao in Midtown (a constant happening hot spot)--many New York City restaurants owe a debt of gratitude to Carrie and company. Other New York City restaurants that have benefited from a little Sex and the City coverage include Payard Patisserie and Bistro, Monkey Bar, Pastis, City Bakery, Eleven Madison Park, and Sushi Samba. And let's not forget that the girls did most of their bonding over omelets and French fries at their local coffee shop.

At its heart, Sex and the City was a show about friendship. The unbreakable bond that the four women shared over six seasons is what endeared the show to so many people and what made it such a huge success. Entertaining and feeding people is also an act of friendship. I never feel closer to my friends and family then when I am cooking for them or entertaining them. So with the Sex and the City movie almost upon us, I cannot think of a better excuse to throw a party to catch up with "the girls" and my best friends.

The theme of the evening will be friendship, and I plan on having my favorite Sex and the City episodes on DVD ("I Heart NY" anyone?), delicious Brie and phyllo purses (cubes of Brie cheese and raspberry jam wrapped in buttery phyllo dough), fresh cupcakes (à la Magnolia), and a pink cocktail, the Bee Sting, provided by my sister Ashley (see my recipe posts). I have advised my guests to bring any snacks or appetizers that they would like to share with the group, to dress comfortably, and prepare for a long haul.

For a party like this, it's really great to prepare things that can be eaten at room temperature, so that you can prep in advance and not have to sneak off to the kitchen while everyone else watches the show. Set up your bar and buffet in the same room with the television so that no one has to miss any of the action in case they get up to mix a cocktail or get a snack. Speaking of bars, select a signature cocktail for the evening that you can mix up in batches in a pitcher and be sure to have plenty of nonalcoholic options on hand as well. Also, grab lots of pillows and blankets and arrange them around the room if you don't have enough seating, so that guests can get comfortable on the floor.

I'm really looking forward to a cozy, casual evening with my friends as we catch up, gossip about Sex and the City, and fall in love with the four girls all over again. I invite you to do the same and would love to hear about your party plans!