A great date night idea are few and far between. How often do you do dinner and a movie? Honestly, my husband and I have planned on doing this a few times, but we get sidetracked at dinner and run late to the movie since the pre-movie experience isn’t usually enjoyable. I skip a post-dinner cocktail in my rush to make the movie on time, try to get good seats, grab everything I can juggle while scooting to my seat in the nick of time. Wouldn’t it be a great idea to create an upscale date night atmosphere at the movie theater?
My husband and I recently attended an upscale dinner and a movie experience at CMX Cinebistro, located in the Westfield Old Orchard shopping center. The luxury theater opened a few months ago during the summer, so we were eager to check out everything that the high-end option had to offer and see what the difference was between the more value-priced options around town.
With a $16 price tag for weekend nights, it is notably more expensive than traditional movie theaters where we live. So what’s the difference with this upscale date night idea vs the traditional tub o’ popcorn and and soda set-up?
First of all, the theater is gorgeous, which isn’t a word I have ever used to describe a movie theater. There are no cardboard cutouts with kids characters lining the lobby nor is there a blaring arcade with teens hanging out- everything is sleek, shiny and upscale. There are real people to greet you in addition to convenient ticket kiosks and a bar/restaurant area that could double as a downtown lounge.
We grabbed appetizers and cocktails in the bar/lounge area prior to the movie. Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to put your order in, and you can make a night of it by arriving an hour or more early. Although a few theaters offer cocktails, wine and beer now, CMX Cinebistro has an extensive offering at their location. From Moscow Mules to Manhattans, Bloody Marys to Bellinis, they have a wide selection of spirits to please even the pickiest imbiber. This evening, we sipped on Beetlejuice-themed cocktails including:
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice- Vodka, Midori, Chambord, Blue Curacao, Sour Mix and Cranberry Juice
Sandworm– Pumpkin Pie Martini with Stoli Vanilla, Kahlua, Bailey’s Butterscotch Schnapps and Pumpkin Syrup
Shrunken Head– Peach Schnapps, Bacardi Gold, Blue Curacao, Malibu Coconut, OJ and Sprite
To go along with our sweet sips, we also ordered a few appetizers without a mozzarella stick or hot wing in site. This was not your typical bar food- the menu includes Wagyu Sliders, Truffle Fries and Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese.
CMX Cinebistro actually provides a unique double date night idea- you are able to chat with friends in the bar area and enjoy a cocktail together prior to the movie, but then cuddle up next your date in the theater after. We all placed our dinner order with the wait staff, and they helped us carry our cocktails and appetizers to the seats in time for the start of the movie.
Now, do you remember going to date night at the movies in your 20s? You usually waded through sticky pop-stained aisles and grimy popcorn piles, fighting to find a seat together and praying that chatty little kids (or loquacious adults) didn’t park right next to you. At this luxury theater, the seats are set up in semi-secluded pairs and assigned when you purchase the tickets! PLUS- the age is 21 and over. No strollers. No babies. No toddlers. No crying (unless you see a tear-jerker and the tears come from you, of course). You are almost guaranteed an ideal movie-going experience for this date night idea.
The seats themselves are leather recliners with a moveable table that swings over your lap when you are ready to dive into the divine dinner they serve. Want another cocktail or dessert during the show? Simply press the discreet button on your chair and a server will magically appear. Chilly in the theater because you NEVER dress appropriately? They bring cozy blankets around for this purpose.
I enjoyed the Shrimp Mac n’ Cheese with Bacon from the comfort of my seat during the show. My husband had a massive burger with all the fixings and a stack of fries.
For dessert, I had Banana Carmel Cheesecake with a Creme Brulee Crust. They also have Famous Spiked Shakes for the kid in all of us (well, a grown up kid who likes alcohol but tries to steal their own child’s ice cream). This one is the Kahlua Oreo:
If you are nervous about the price tag, they do have a Tempting Tuesday promotion every week: $10 movie tickets all day and a 3 course meal for $20, plus tax and gratuity. Weekday evenings are $13 and weekend matinees are $12. Seniors and military guests receive $12 admission every day of the week. There is also CMX Market located in Old Orchard which is an all ages, self-serve upscale theater.
Cheers to an upscale date night idea for you and whomever you deem worthy of this unique theater experience!
Disclosure: I received entrance, food and beverage for review purposes at CMX. All opinions are honest and my own. Photo credit: Carol Fox & CMX.
