Los Angeles - January 06, 2003

Dinner and a Movie

Cinespace Opens

Be honest. Do the words dinner theater inspire confidence?

Or do they conjure visions of retirees gumming a farmer dinner of stewed veal while swaying appreciatively to third-rate renditions of Gilbert and Sullivan?

Cinespace, the newest restaurant/bar to open in Hollywood, wants to update that image. The self-described “digital supper club,” located upstairs from the Ivar, is dinner theater for the 21st century — screening videos, indie films, classics, and animation for diners as they feed on American fare.

In addition to a private screening room and lounge, a futuristic dining area features state-of-the-art equipment, including Dolby Digital sound and an eighteen-by-eight-foot Hurley viewing screen. Oh, and the food is serious stuff, prepared by former North chef Monica May: grilled pizzas with wild mushrooms, fontina, and prosciuto; lobster potpie; and grilled steaks.

Not exactly your average geriatric scene.

You had enough of that drama over the holidays.

Cinespace, 6356 Hollywood Boulevard, at Ivar Street (323-817-3456).