When you’re invited to an immersive dinner theater event, you never quite know what to expect. 5 Senses Theatre is the force behind Krāv, an immersive experience that takes place over a four-course meal. The show is described as “an immersive experience over a four-course meal, where the line between “audience” and “actor” no longer exists.” While I did enjoy my evening with Krāv, I’d have to say it was much more dinner than theater. Apart from the very beginning and very end of the evening, there was no drama, intrigue or storyline. Which is not to say it is not worth experiencing.
Without giving any of the ‘dramatics’ away, each guest is texted the location of the event 24 hours prior to its start, taking us back to the day of underground supper clubs. All guests are given scattered arrival times, where they are then ushered inside, offered refreshing cocktails, and separated from those they know to mix and mingle with the other guests. During this cocktail hour, guests are encouraged to meet and greet one another and make new friends, while enjoying drinks and a few light bites. Executive chef Rick Martinez is responsible for the menu and beverage pairings, which began with a rum punch and Radish Toast, which was served on a baguette with lemon thyme butter. Also served during the cocktail hour were Cajun Fried Oysters with garlic aioli and pickled fresno peppers. Vegetarians received a mushroom version of this dish.
Next, all the guests were assigned seats around a big, long table where the long night of dining and drinking began. No one was seated near whoever they arrived with, forcing attendees to make new friends and strike up conversations. Oh, and cell phones were not allowed to be used (no live tweeting, people). The evening’s menu played homage to the rustic cuisine of Louisiana, making for a flavorful, spicy and uniquely delicious meal. First up was a King Prawn Salad, with grilled beer brined king prawns over greens with lemon habanero vinaigrette. The peel ’em yourself prawns lent an authentic feel to the meal and were sizeable and flavorful. The main course was a definite wow factor — Spicy Glazed Short Ribs, served with roasted corn and fingerling potato salad, along with green beans and spring garlic confit. This power plate packed a punch, with hot spices, tender short ribs, and refreshing sides to balance out the dish. All of these dishes were interspersed with lively conversation and even a spontaneous table-wide game of Truth or Dare (topless push-ups were definitely the highlight). No one knew who were actual guests and who were implanted actors, so many conversations led themselves to detective work amongst the guests.
The night finished off with a Strawberry Rhubarb Bread Pudding, which consisted of butter croissant and strawberry rhubarb jam bread pudding with fresh strawberries. This dessert hit the sweet spot and added a nice ending to a fantastic meal. All in all, it was an enjoyable evening. For those looking for entertaining theater, you might want to try elsewhere, but for a fun night of making new friends and enjoying a delicious meal, this is definitely the ticket.
Twisted Talk: Have you been to an immersive dinner theater performance before? Tell us about what you’ve done!
