In Virginia, especially on a night as warm and beautiful as it was on March 8 in Boca Raton, it was normal for us to end up at the local Drive-in. That's right. We still had one of those in Virginie. Pick up trucks backed in with camping chairs in the bed, picnic blankets laid out with fare from the car hop diner next door, kids running around barefoot. These nights were some of the best we had with friends, family and flicks!
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| At the Drive-In |
Movie night in Boca was painted just a smidgeon differently.
First, we made reservations. No, I didn't just buy tickets ahead in expectation of a sold out opening night...I reserved our specific seats...like on an airplane. In first class. Then we got there early. I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into. When we pulled up to the ipic, in Mizner Park, we were greeted by a young valet. We handed over the keys, happy not to have to find parking. I do believe that was the first time I ever used valet at the movies. Quite different from the drive-in. I didn't know I could go to the movies without self-parking on the grass.
As we entered the building, we were immediately impressed with the decor at Tanzy, the restaurant in the first level at the ipic. It had this twisty, branch cave thing. It was an instant kid magnet and something I'd love to have in my yard. We didn't stop there, rumor had it we could get food (including Gluten Free Food) upstairs.
Upstairs....
I don't know how they do it, but somehow they make a run-of-the-mill escalator ride seem like you're traveling to someplace exotic and exciting. Maybe it depends on the movie. Or maybe it really is exotic and exciting up there. The mood lighting is set, there is a full bar and swanky seating. The menu is mouth-watering. Flatbreads, salads, sandwiches...and yes, even popcorn. A note to my Gluten Free readers: Yes, the popcorn here is safe! This place has reset the bar where movie dates are concerned. The Regal will no longer cut it, I'm afraid. Sorry, Honey.
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| Exotic Escalator |
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| Waiting on the movie |
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| Bar |
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| Grilled cheese with bacon |
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| Satay Chicken (Gluten free version) |
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| Drink shakers, $15 |
Inside the theatre it looks more like a tripped out home theatre instead of a public one. Each seat is big, posh and has a table top for all your goodies. There are two tiers of seats. The Premium are in the first couple rows. Behind them sits the really lush seats...Premium Plus. These recline, have pillows, blankets and a wait staff. Hence the plus. I'm not sure this a good deal though. If I reclined with my pillow and blanket after the server brought me a drink drink...I'd be snoring in the ipic. Who's a mountain Mama?
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| Even the bathroom is swankified |
It was an experience for sure. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It could never take the place of my beloved Drive-in, but, in the end, it doesn't have to. They are different experiences and each make their own respective towns special.
I'm kinda looking forward to going back, though…
Update: November 19, 2013
I have been back. I've even tried the Premium Plus seats Twice. Yeah, I went there. I am happy to report that I did NOT fall asleep, but remained terribly comfortable the entire movie. I haven't gotten too crazy in my food choices, given my allergies, but everyone has been extremely helpful in making sure I did not leave my movie going experience blown up like a Blueberry (yes, that was a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reference for those paying attention).
XO, Ami
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