Dinner and a Movie: iPic Theaters & Tanzy

December 19, 2014






Around this time of year, there are plenty of great movies to watch. And if your idea of a nice casual date is to go for dinner and a movie, then I have a great plan for you.

First, you choose to watch your flick at iPic Theaters in Westwood, but you don’t wait to buy your tickets there, you buy them ahead of time online or through their mobile app. Be sure to choose the Premium Plus Seating - it’s like being in first class. 




You get to iPic, skip the lines and go straight to your theater. Your date is probably asking, “Shouldn’t we get our drinks and popcorn?” You smile, and say, “Yea, they’ll bring it to us.” Waiting for you  at your seats (which are perfectly set up in pairs) is a small table in between, your 3D glasses, napkins, two very soft and comfortable blankets, and an iPad to order food and drinks. With the touch of a button, you recline your chair order a couple drinks and something to snack on. The server brings it to you so you don’t have to go anywhere. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the movie.




Afterwards, you walk through the lobby, that connects you to Tanzy. The space is beautiful. After being seated your first order of business is to ask for their Old Fashioned, which is unlike any other you’ve had before. Black-walnut infused rye, house made orange bitters, and a spoon of candied figs and walnuts, it’s perfect for this time of year.





The next thing you order is the house made meatballs and the endive and arugula salad that’s served with apples, candied walnuts, gorgonzola dolce and walnut vinaigrette. Both are a great way to start before your main entrees arrive. The pappardelle pasta served with a ragu of mushrooms and roasted jidori chicken is delicious and comforting.  The seared Scottish salmon is perfectly seared with a crispy outer crust and tender, moist center; it’s served with roasted squash, caramelized sunchokes, glazed romanesco, and a creamy soubise sauce. 

The food is executed well by Chef Bryan Podgorski, who trained at Thomas Keller’s famous French Laundry. Be sure to finish the night with a vanilla panna cotta with spiced apples and amaretti crumble. If you're in a chocolate mood, the flourless chocolate cake with salted caramel and banana gelato will be a great ending to the perfect dinner and a movie experience.