The Dude Abides in Missoula

By RYAN NEWHOUSE

The Trail 103.3 and Stonefly Productions are presenting the Second Annual “The Dude Abides: A Celebration of The Big Lebowski,” showing at the Wilma Theater next Friday, March 30, at 7:00 p.m. for $5.

I care because perhaps no other film is so closely tied to the White Russian cocktail than this 1998 cult classic by the Coen Brothers.

The Dude Abides in Missoula

Next week’s event is sure to sell out, so tickets should be snapped up as quickly as possible. You can find them here at Brown Paper Tickets. The evening will feature the following:

  • Character Costume Contest: (Best Overall, The Dude, Walter, Jesus, Maude, Bunny)
  • Miller Creek (Covering songs from the soundtrack)
  • Fabulous Prizes and Drink Specials
  • Original screen prints available by Josh Quick
  • Chris Baumann spinning all those 70’s jams
  • White Russian After-Party featuring Unicycle Loves You @ Badlander

I may or may not don my best Walter get-up that day, and if I do, I’ll make sure there will be no photographic evidence of such behavior. But I will very likely raise a White Russian or two to honor the evening.

In the film, “The Dude” refers to the drink as a “Caucasian.” And it is said (by the New York Times) that the film inspired a renaissance of this 1960s drink, which was originally called a “Black Russian,” though it is has no official ties to Russia (other than the vodka).

The first mention of a “White Russian” came from a November 21, 1965 article in the Oakland Tribune, printed in an insert advertisement for Coffee Southern liqueur.

The standard recipe for a White Russian is:

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • Top with fresh cream or whole milk

A word of warning, though, if one drinks too many of these, a severe hangover will incur as the sugars in the cream and liqueur will build up in your system, so please imbibe responsibly.

The Badlander is hosting the official After-Party and they will be serving up $3.50 White Russian specials all night. Entry for that event is only $3 with your Wilma wristband.

More details are available at The Dude Abides Facebook event page.

And if you think you’re a Dude, you can check out The Dude Is Everywhere for great info on other Lebowski fests.

 

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Thirsty for more? Missoula’s beverage expert, Ryan Newhouse, has plenty on tap: Family Friendly Fridays at the Top HatGet Your (Bar) Game on in Missoula, and The Best Bars for Celebrating a Birthday.

Looking for a local bar or pub? Check out our Missoula Restaurants and Dining and Missoula Nightlife sections.

   Visit the Drink It Missoula archive.

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Ryan Newhouse knows good craft beer.

Ryan Newhouse has lived in Missoula since 2002 and has tipped his glass in most of the town’s establishments. He is (in no particular order) a full-time writer, husband, and parent, and a part-time zymurgist. He makes a mean hard cider and pairs his cocktails with dishes from his blog, Cooked Animals: Recipes for Wild Game.