Outtakes Backstage Bistro

We arrived an hour early for our show so we could take advantage of the whole experience offered in the new VIP Cinema. The bar offered typical bar stool seating and was attractively designed with bright blue backlighting. There were numerous soft armchairs in the lounge, laid out in groups of 4 or more. One section of seating had a gas fireplace along the wall. There was a large TV in another section and a few more above the bar.
A few waiting staff took orders from patrons. A full menu of drinks (alcoholic, non-​alcoholic and coffee specialties), appetizers, entrees, and desserts was available. Drinks ordered in the lobby can be taken into the theatre but food cannot. To have food during the movie, it must be ordered from your seat in the theatre before the movie start time.
We ordered drinks and perused the menu to determine our food choices. The waitress returned some time later, still without drinks and took our appetizer order. We ordered nachos with chicken and guacamole ($ 12.50), which came fairly quickly but our drinks were served after we’d nearly finished eating (about 25 minutes wait). The nachos were nothing to write home about. I found the chicken luke warm and bland with no seasoning. The guacamole was pretty good, however.
After paying our bill in the lounge, we took our seats in the theatre (about 20 minutes before movie start time). The seats, high backed and upholstered in leather, were wider than normal with more leg room for improved comfort. There was also the option of a shared drink holder in an arm rest between adjoining seats which could be lifted out of the way for more intimacy.
We found a menu at each seat and discovered that many of the food options were no longer available. These included the flatbreads and several of the appetizers. Entrees were limited to an Angus Burger, crispy chicken wrap and chicken fingers. They come with fries but can be substituted for a Caesar salad for an additional $ 1.50 or sweet potato fries for $ 2.00, which are served with a chili mayo dip.
We tried on numerous occasions to get the attention of one of the attendants to place our order, but they continued to take orders from patrons who just walked in. This was very frustrating. It seemed we were going to miss our opportunity to place a food order, which could only be made up to the start of the movie. While it was convenient to have our order taken and delivered at our seats, they really need to improve the way in which they take orders.
My soft drink was delivered within minutes of ordering and food took about 10 minutes but again, my husband’s beer took more than 15 minutes to be served. The burger was pretty good but had sweet pickles. The fries were very tasty.
Overall, the experience did not meet our expectations. Service was very poor and, as one might expect in a theatre, the prices were pretty steep. As we’re already paying a premium to have the service available (seats are $ 17.50 vs. $ 10.50), they really need to improve this or I don’t see it surviving.