TZ’s ¡Caliente! Getting Warmer

Sometimes it’s nice to just head on out and make a night of it – a little food, a little drink, some laughs … maybe even an occasional “ooh” and “ahh” every now and again.

One option just may be the latest Love, Chaos and Dinner! show at Teatro Zinzanni (TZ). (Your Hedonista recently caught a show as media.) Dubbed ¡Caliente! Unleash Your Inner Jalapeno!, this is a spicy show with a bite … and a clearly Latin flavor, both in the show and in the food. While the show has been fairly consistent (and good) over the last several years, the food has really improved. While such TZ veterans as Christine Deaver (Tres), Robert Lopez (Cinco), and Les Petits Frères (Jacques, Lulu, and Coco) keep the audience both in stitches and in awe, the menu is also worthy of note (see below).

This was a five-course meal show. First, an “aperitivo” of oaxaca polenta, made with house made Spanish chorizo and a tapenade made with roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and sun dried tomatoes. Second, a “sopa” consisting of a creamy crimini mushroom and bronzed nopales blended with a cilantro crème fraîche. Third, an “ensalada” made up of watercress, jimaca and tomato salad, along with avocado, arugula, toasted pumpkin seeds all dressed up with a sweet honey-lime vinaigrette. Fourth, a choice of three “plato principals”: guajillo New York steak, prawns diablo, or handmade stuffed masa cakes. I went with the prawns. Two of the following three sides – molasses baked beans, seasoned rice, and seasonal grilled vegetables – were offered in some combination.

TZ’s ¡Caliente! runs from February 2nd until June 10th, 2012. Tickets are available online, by phone, or at their box office.

Oh, and for all of you true hedonists out there,  on March 17th, 2012 TZ will be hosting Manuela Horn’s Naughty St. Patty’s Day Party.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.