THE
Dish
Food Revue
Skip the parsley! Drop in on a dynamic dinner show to dramatize your dining event.
I
f you’re jonesing a break from the typical “How was your day?” mealtime jabber, an armload of new dinner show choices can soup up an evening out with dazzling live performances right before your table. Although the dinner theater concept isn’t exactly new, today’s fresh combo platter of entertainment moves past the congealed mold of jousting feasts and murder mysteries, bringing onlookers a high-caliber, fullon sensory experience. Now, unwrap these simple instructions: watch, eat, enjoy.
Ticket Tip VIP upgrades: Ask or check online for VIP rates for premium seating, expanded menus and souvenirs. (Mango’s offers $25 salsa lessons with reservations.)
MANGO’S TROPICAL CAFÉ 8126 International Drive, Orlando › mangos.com › (407) 673-4422 $49 or $62 packages; reservation deposits vary Mango’s Tropical Café patrons come for the food and stay for the shake-
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rattle-and-roll action. With infectious, high-energy dancing, sizzling costumes and pulsating music, owner Joshua Wallack guarantees enough interactive fun at this nightclub/ restaurant/lounge to get you clapping and on your feet. “It’s like nothing that Orlando has ever seen,” says Wallack. “It’s Vegas and South Beach excitement for the whole family. Our show invites you to dance and sing along. We perform in the crowd and bring everyone into the experience. We want it to be something that you’ll never forget.” Start with a three-course gourmet menu offering Latin or American cuisine, and then supplement with colorful specialty drinks. A nonstop showcase includes a Michael Jackson tribute (Wallack’s favorite) or Celia Cruz experience, plus salsa, merengue, hip hop, Cuban conga with conga line and dance DJ playing on until 2am for a jam-packed, memorable evening. Select a two-and-a-half-hour dinner show slot for up-front seating, a table from four lounge areas or dinner only seating.
Photo courtesy of Capone’s Dinner Show
› By Angelique Anacleto
CAPONE’S DINNER & SHOW 4740 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (Hwy 192), Kissimmee › alcapones.com › (407) 397-2378 Half-price online tickets: $35.46 ages 13 and older, $22.56 ages 4-12 That there Capone’s Dinner & Show promises one lulu of a good time. Like a shifty scene straight out of 1931 Chicago, bootlegging thrills come alive with hard-boiled gangsters, sassy flappers, roaring jazz numbers and wacky comedy. Not to mention, this “knock three times” speakeasy dispenses a swell all-you-can-eat
Italian and American buffet with meat carving station, salad bar, dessert and unlimited beverages (classy alcoholic hooch, too). There’s even a chance to score nifty goods during the show’s new shootout segment. Web manager Carla Sinclair-Wells notes that Capone’s is the snake’s hips for several reasons. “Many guests enjoy the standup comedy and guest interaction. And those who play along seem to have the best time. We also feature a hot buffet (not plated food) and more drink options than any other show for the best value.”