ALONG COMES MARY

Before I met Michael, I admit: I didn’t go to the movies much. I find myself often anxious at the theatre, and much prefer kicking back in my own home, on my comfy couch and enjoying a glass of wine or a drink, with some “cheat day” munchies.

So, you can imagine my intrigue when The Arclight Cinema of Hollywood invited us out to try their drinks and appetizers menu. While many cinemas are slowly incorporating bars and light bites at their theatres, Arclight is truly the pioneer of uniting what goes so obviously well at the movies: Great cocktails and food!

Our evening began with a warm welcome from the Arclight team and we were immediately offered their Endless Summer drink. Easily my favorite libation of the evening, the Endless Summer features cimarron blanco tequila, pineapple, lime juice, giffard pamplemouse and blue curacao. The ultimate “Summer” drink, with its crystal blue curacao color and orange wedge, brought to mind a more tropical Margarita. Which we all know is my jam. It had big notes of citrus, and the lime added the perfect punch without being too sour. It also was not too strong, and gave me a great little “buzz” after a long work day.

As the event progressed, trays of delicious platters came out like a parade! While enjoying our nibbles, we moved into a fantastic presentation from one of the bar’s leading bartenders, Devin. We got to gather around the bar and watch as before our eyes, these delicious libations were created expertly and to sheer perfection by Devin

If something a bit more sweet is up your alley, you will love The Emerald City and Treat Yourself. While I adored the title for The Emerald City, which has plantation white rum, Oregon apple brandy, fresh green apple and lime juices and honey, it was extremely strong and sweet for my taste. If you love an Apple Martini, this cocktail is for you.

And, how can you not love a drink named Treat Yourself?! Served in a smaller glass, Treat Yourself is indeed a grown up treat that is hard to resist: Plantation 5 year aged rum, crème de cacao, giffard menthe pastille, pierre ferrand ambre cognac and….wait for it…hand whipped cream. The zing to this concoction certainly lays in the 5 year aged rum. Strong, stiff, mighty, the drink sends you into a great taste of the fresh whipped cream, then quickly your palette is introduced to this incredible rum. Two sips, and I was happy….and, I knew to stop!

My 2nd favorite drink was The Eliza. As soon as I saw Devin reach for lavender and sparkling wine, I knew I would be enjoying this drink. With aviation american gin, bartlett pear, crème de cassis and fresh lemon juice, it was a smooth drink with a great balance with the pear and sparkling wine.

And, how can I not mention their food?! While several items were not gluten-free friendly (calamari fritti, popcorn shrimp), I was able to enjoy the ahi poke and ceviche. A long time lover of the latter, their ceviche was terrific. Not at all what I would have expected from a movie theatre. This once again reminded me The Arclight goes beyond your usual “Movie Stand Snacks.”

Following this awesome event, we were invited to stay for a screening of Trainspotting 2. Making it the perfect date night, I will admit that for someone not entirely keen on seeing this film, the drinks and bites hit the spot as I loved the film, too.

With a gorgeous patio (heat lamps, too) as well as an ample atmosphere and lounge inside, definitely do yourself a favor and plan a night out at The Arclight. Its your one stop for a fantastic evening of great cocktails, food and a movie (or 2)! xo

(*Disclosure: I was a media guest at The Arclight on behalf of this feature. All opinions are my own.)