Heading out with friends or family for dinner, theatre and post-show drinks is a great way to enjoy time together. Not only does it offer a chance to chat both before and after the show, it gives you an opportunity to try delicious food, experience a fantastic production and perhaps even discover a new favourite restaurant or bar. The challenge for many pre-show diners is what to choose from the menu. A heavy meal with lots of carbs can make you feel sleepy, so what can you select that will keep you sharp during the performance? Here are some ideas from the Studio Five pre-theatre dinner menu.
Keep starters light
Pre-theatre menus typically offer two or three courses for a set price. If you want to take advantage of all three, or prefer to skip dessert, choose something light to start. Grilled king prawns or heritage carrots with feta and parsley are an excellent way to kick off your meal.
If you prefer a heartier starter followed by a lighter main, why not try our mushroom and mozzarella arancini or our curry leaf tempered tarka dahl? Both these dishes are nutritious and flavoursome without putting you in danger of mid-show drowsiness.
Make protein the star
To ensure you have plenty of energy throughout the production, make protein the star of your meal and go easy on the carbs. Our recommendations include:
Half cafreal chicken
This Goan-style dish puts slow-cooked chicken centre stage, marinating it in a delicious coriander and lemon dressing. Packed with flavour, it’s also high in protein and comes with our sweet honey mixed leaf salad. If you would like to add something extra, our hand made paratha is the perfect side.
Braised beef cheek
Tender beef cheek takes the lead role in this dish, accompanied by a rich red wine sauce, carrot purée and roasted fennel. Add a side of sautéed stem broccoli to round out your meal. This is a great option if you have opted for arancini or tarka dahl to start, or you want to indulge in a decadent dessert.
Chickpea coconut curry
Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a protein-packed chickpea coconut curry, made with our special blend of spices and served with basmati rice. This well-balanced dish means you’ll leave the table feeling full without having to worry about sleep creeping up on you during the performance.
A refreshing finish
Finishing your meal with a lighter dessert will ensure you’re wide awake and ready to immerse yourself in the show. Gelato is a popular choice, cleansing your palate and leaving you feeling refreshed. Alternatively, try out deconstructed crumble, which showcases spiced apples and berries alongside vegan vanilla gelato.
Dining at Studio Five
Studio Five offers a range of dining options, from pre-show dinner and live music evenings to private venue hire. Whether you have tickets to the latest theatre production or you want to host an event with us, we cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements. Book your table or contact us to discuss venue hire today.
