Lin-Manuel Miranda musical, In The Heights, is dancing it’s way to theaters and HBO! Sadly, I haven’t seen the live musical but after seeing trailers, I knew this movie was a must-see. It’s drenched in culture and fabulous music and fabulous scenes from upper Manhattan!
It’s the first film I’ve seen in the theater since the pandemic hit. In The Heights was the perfect movie to ease my nerves. It’s so dreamy, heartfelt, romantic and funny! Add in some hyped up music and we were moving in our seats!
The story follows Usnavi (wait to you find out how his name came about) sharing a story from the beaches of Dominican Republic to three children. His story transports us to a close-nit neighborhood, Washington Heights. He is surrounded by the communities’ dreams, love, and friendship and we were invited into this world of Latin wonder!
I was waiting for food to make an appearance in the movie as food brings people together. From delightful images of a grand dinner cooked by Abuela (seriously made my mouth water) to an essential icy treat, Piragua it has me wanting more!
A Bearded Lin Manuel Miranda plays the hard-working Piragüero’s or “Piragua Guy,” and he breaks into song about his wonderful shaved ice. Like most small communities, local vendors are threatened by new and fancy chains. Piragua Guy is not happy with the new ice cream truck who tries to take on his turf. I actually love his brief scenes in the film.
I decided to make up a version of Piragua in honor of the film’s release. This recipe is inspired by blogger The Noshery. Check out her cherry Piragua recipe here!
See In The Heights from the comfort of your home on HBO Max and treat your family to these yummy treats or brave the summer heat and see it on the big screen which I highly recommend. It’s a beautiful film and should be celebrated.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- ½ tsp of vanilla extract
- 4 cups shaved ice
Instructions
- Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, vanilla extract and water in a pot.
- Bring strawberry mixture to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth. Once cooled, refrigerate strawberry syrup until chilled.
- I used my blender to chop up the ice. You can even add some of the syrup while you blending.
- Divide ice between 4 cups, pour mixture over the ice and enjoy!!!!
In The Heights is showing in theaters and HBO Max. The film is directed by Jon Chu and stars Corey Hawkins, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Jimmy Smits, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stephanie Beatriz, Anthony Ramos and Dascha Polanco.
Thanks to Warner Bros for inviting us to a special screening of the film.
