Fabulous productions aren’t limited to what appears on the Fox’s magnificent stage. Productions at the Fabulous Fox also appear during each performance at its various tabletop venues, the Fox Club, Curtain Call and Stage Left.
Productions (aka menus), created by a culinary team headlined by director of food and beverage Rob Marbs and executive chef David Powderly, have a goal: to complement the Fox Theatre experience with food choices that contribute to making a memorable night (or day).
“One of the many things I love about The Fabulous Fox Theatre is the show starts way before you’re in your seat,” Marbs said. “It starts when you call for tickets, park, dine and drink in our restaurants and concessions.”
The Fox has always embraced the on-site dinner-and-show concept, a combo that’s become more popular than ever for theatergoers who wish to dine and imbibe without risking being late for the show.
“We could triple our capacity at each area and still be full,” Marbs said. “Our food service has always been popular, but the last few years, our themed menu additions and craft cocktails are getting a following.”
Providing a pre-dinner option for Fox patrons, as well as the concessions sold before and during intermission allows for a total theatre experience and gives chefs an opportunity to design themed menu specials, in addition to creating a show’s signature cocktail offered at lobby bars.
Marbs explains how his team plays off a show’s theme when creating menu and drink specials. As an example, look for French-themed food and drink specials for Moulin Rouge. Other shows may feature a food or beverage reflecting where a show is set, such as Canadian salmon from Newfoundland, the setting for “Come From Away.”
The Fox’s themed food and cocktail program’s success is credited to the flexibility chefs have to create everything in-house and having the ability to use quality ingredients – a combination guaranteeing the best culinary experience served with style.
“We want our food and beverage to match our iconic theater. We also think of convenience and speed so we can get you to the show on time,” Marbs said.
Convenience, speed and style drive the concession choices of Jen Boyer, director of beverage and concessions, the elements she has delivered for over 25 years to Fox guests. Topping that list of fan favorites are the hand-buttered pretzels and the roasted candied nuts, both of which are reported as marvelously addicting.
Boyer also researches packaging that would be “quiet” to eat in the theater. A great example is the collaboration with local ice cream company Clementine’s for themed ice cream that has great flavor and something that can be quietly eaten.
Venues beyond the Fox Club and adjacent to the theater is the Curtain Call Lounge and Stage Left. Each offers unique menus and different styles with convenience as its main attraction. Stage Left is to the right of the box office at the corner of Grand and Washington; Curtain Call has an entrance to the theater outside and inside from the lobby.
Curtain Call started as a Champagne bar, the first in the area. Look for craft cocktails and wine matched with fun small plates and shareable menu items as pizzettes – creative flat breads baked in a wood-burning pizza oven. Other menu options include seafood such as Diver Scallops and Ahi Tuna.
Stage Left has a cool vibe with a throwback diner feel. Here, burgers are smashed and shoestring fries rule, along with massive hand-dipped milkshakes.
When it comes to legendary dining, the Fox’s historic Siamese byzantine-styled theater is an experience chefs love as much as the guests they serve.
“I have always loved historical places and The Fabulous Fox is so iconic. I’m lucky to get to work in our beautiful building every day,” Marbs said. “I am excited for every show and we are proud of the many options we offer to eat and drink. There is something for everyone. We can also do private parties before shows or even when there is no show, and actually do private events onstage when there isn’t a show.”
Fox chefs are keeping busy this season, while also planning menus for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Some shows that promise great inspiration include “Some Like it Hot” and “Back to the Future.” But don’t miss what’s on the menus for upcoming shows such as “Book of Mormon,” which opens tonight, as well as “Moulin Rouge” and “MJ the Musical.”
Visit the Fabulous Fox online for more information on dining options and reservations.
