Mystery, murder and mayhem combine with a great menu at Bistro Romano's Mystery Dinner Theater.
The restaurant, located at 120 Lombard St., sits tucked on a quiet road near South Street. The narrow brick building -- which dates back to the early 1700s -- is dimly lit, with wood floors and dark, rich colors. On the main floor, a piano singer sits perched in the corner, his music carrying throughout the room.
Before the show started, hors d'oeuvres -- including vegetables, cheese and crackers, chicken wings and meatballs -- were served at the bar. When the show was ready to begin, we were led upstairs to a room decorated with large curtain-adorned mirrors. After chatting with those seated at our table and reading the descriptions of all of the characters, we were served a garden salad, and watched as the first scene unfolded.
Next came minestrone soup, its strong, spicy flavor hinting at the excellent dishes to come. For the main course, there was a choice of chicken Marsala, Alaskan salmon or pasta primavera. My guest and I chose the salmon, which was surprisingly fresh, with a nice flavor. The mashed potatoes that came on the side had just the right consistency and were a great complement to the salmon. Dessert was cheesecake with raspberry sauce, and the indulgence served as the perfect end to a filling meal.
The show, modeled after The Sopranos, was entertaining throughout, and included a few memorable moments, such as a slow-motion shooting scene and song-and-dance number. The performers were skilled at staying in character while mingling with the diners, and some members of the audience even had the chance to participate in the show.
The service was extremely good, and all of the actors/waiters were quick to refill glasses and clear empty plates. The portion sizes were quite large, but due to the nature of the show, there was ample time to digest each course before moving on to the next.
Good for both couples on a date and large groups of friends, the entire evening is a reasonable $36.95 per person, though drinks are not included. For those just looking to dine at the restaurant, Bistro Romano has a romantic underground wine cellar, an extensive Italian menu and an award-winning Caesar salad.
My guest summed up the two-hour show best when she called it "engaging, entertaining and energetic." If you're looking for something different to do on a Friday or Saturday night, Bistro Romano's Mystery Dinner Theater is a must-see.
