Tired of the restaurant norm? Bored with perusing bland wall decors while you wait for a waitress to scribble down your order? Often ignored and largely overlooked, dinner theaters remain the hidden gems of local eateries. Each theater provides an experience as unique and distinct as the troupe who performs and each show is sure to please. For couples seeking something more special than the regular Chili’s or Red Lobster night out, the following three Southern California dinner theaters are a must.
1.The Gourmet Detective
Prepare to travel back to the 1940s with the Gourmet Detective dinner theater and experience a wondrous evening of murder, mystery, and fine dining that is like no other. Featuring locations in Riverside and Newport Beach, dinner and shows begin at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays with individual tickets starting at $59 each. Hotel and celebration packages are available for larger parties, arrangements for private parties can be accommodated, and Valentine’s Day reservations are always recommended.
If cost is a factor and seems a bit on the high side, rest assured the level of entertainment and delectable entrees are worth every penny. The shows are clearly well-rehearsed, the props, wardrobe, and makeup are immaculate, and the food is every bit as gourmet as the name declares. In addition, all suspects, narrators, and heroes assist in all functions of the serving processes without missing a beat as to where their performances left off. Audiences are completely engaged throughout the acts until the killer’s identity is finally revealed and if you’re lucky enough to guess correctly, the cast bestows a delightful souvenir to remind you of your time at Café Noir.
For diners interested in a more elegant musical experience, the Candlelight Pavilion dinner theater delivers. Located in the heart of Claremont, parking is free and tickets range from $40-$68 per person, depending on the level of the seating area you prefer and entertainment for the night, but include the meal, show, and all taxes. Dress is appropriately formal, children are welcome to attend, and nearby accommodations are available with reservations through the theater. Birthday and anniversary packages cater to your special occasions and the wait staff is professional, yet friendly and highly attentive towards those small requests throughout the night.
The setting of the theater is intimate and the arrangements of seating around the stage allow you to feel included in the performance rather than a mere audience member. Acoustics within the theater are excellent, giving each amazing song its true strength and revealing the talent of its source. From the appetizers to the desserts, dining at the Candlelight Pavilion is first-rate and appeals to a wide range of tastes. If outstanding dining and Broadway-style musical brilliance draws in your attention, the Candlelight Pavilion has a reservation with your name on it.
3.El Cid L.A. Flamenco Dinner Theater
More reminiscent of a quaint Spanish inn than a dinner theater, the El Cid Los Angeles invites its guests within its adobe stucco walls and asks them to stay for dinner and a show. Here is where the traditional idea of theater with Broadway shows ends, however, as you are seated at either the long tables in front of the stage or at smaller tables along the sides and back edge of the room and await a night of traditional Flamenco song and dance. Performances are scheduled Thursday through Sunday, with tickets starting at $25 per person and vary depending on the evening of your choice and whether or not you are attending a holiday show.
The posters and wrought-iron decorations throughout are wonderful in creating the ambiance of spice and heartiness and the charming red-brick interior echoes the feel. One memorable hour of Flamenco entertainment combined with a full three-course meal of authentic Spanish cuisine will leave you with stories for days. You can also elect to finish the night off with a cocktail in the open-air patio or warm yourself by the fireplace decorated with tiled mosaics and paintings. El Cid L.A. has it all-an exceptional dinner, remarkable dancing, and an endless array of Spanish style décor that will leave you wanting more.
Having a night out to help shed the coat of workday stress does not have to be boring-dinner theater in lieu of the norm is the best way to ensure that. Regardless of whichever theater you choose, a great time is guaranteed for all. Relax, enjoy, and let the music take your worries away!
