Dispatches From The Seven Kingdoms: A Dispatch From Hollywood

AROUND THE WEB
by Bryan Cogman

"Later came sweetbreads and pigeon pie and baked apples fragrant with cinnamon and lemon cakes frosted in sugar, but by then Sansa was so stuffed that she could not manage more than two little lemon cakes, as much as she loved them."  -A Game of Thrones

HOLLYWOOD, CA - Hello friends. It's been a while. I believe my last dispatch was from Malta?!  Forgive me, faithful readers.  I was pulled in about a thousand directions once I was back in Belfast what with shooting the final episodes while simultaneously beginning post production work.  And the last month of production proved most challenging - we were hit with some harsh December weather - the worst in Belfast since 1982.  Apparently the Gods failed to remember the tagline of our show is "Winter is ComING."  

Thankfully, between the Maester's Path, the "Artisan" and "House" videos, and the first several scenes of the series premiere previewing the weekend before last, I'm confident you've had plenty to keep you occupied. And last week I had the distinct pleasure of indulging in HBO's latest "Thrones"-related promotion when I dropped by the Game of Thrones Food Truck, with delectable dishes created exclusively for GOT fans by world-class chef Tom Colicchio.

CRAFT is one of my favorite restaurants (haven't had the chance to try Colicchio & Sons, but am dying to when I'm in NYC next) so, naturally, I was thrilled when I was informed he was creating dishes based on various regions in Westeros and across the Narrow Sea.

My wife Mandy and I sampled both dishes, inspired by the capital of Westeros, King's Landing. The first was a succulent roast rabbit dish with lemon and these crazy-good stewed pistachios.  The second (and my favorite) was a delicious crispy trout served with an incredible almond butter mostarda... oh MAN! So good.

Lemon cakes for dessert. Unlike Sansa Stark, I am not so easily stuffed and would have been able to eat a whole lot more than two if given the opportunity. Another highlight of our visit was I had the chance to meet and chat with a few fans of the books (and hopefully) the show.  Great to see such a large turnout.

Quick update about what I've been up to since I've been back in the states.  I've been keeping busy since we wrapped working with the HBO Home Entertainment people on some exciting special features for the show's Season One Bluray.  Otherwise, I'm eagerly awaiting the show's premiere on April 17th. Thanks again, to you all, for your enthusiastic support of the show.  

Until, next time, friends,

Ours is the Fury!