Review by Paul Levy

Pop some bubbly, sit back and enjoy Café Nordo’s “The Champagne Widow,” a historical journey through Champagne’s bottled up history, and the strong women who made this beloved beverage so delicious.

Café Nordo doesn’t disappoint with this sparkly, romp of a cabaret experience. The music, food, and story are overflowing with creativity and delight. Walking into Cafe Nordo’s Pioneer Square theatre/restaurant, you’re whisked away into an abandoned wine cellar, which makes sense since in this show you’re a young bottle of champagne eating your way into a fully finished bottle of Champagne’s golden bubbles. The servers, who are also the performers, serve up food inspired by the ingredients and process of becoming a bottle of bubbly.

Between each of the multiple courses, “The Champagne Widow” tells thoughtful stories on some of Champagne’s unsung heroines. As you sip on your Brut Royal the echoes of its history surround you in the form of ghosts from Champagne’s past. The lovely ensemble of performers, led by the charming and talented Opal Peachey, dance, sing and portray the fascinating female characters who helped to create champagne. 

If you enjoy Champagne, this experience is a must see. Treat yourself to one of the flights and celebrate your love of bubbles. The show runs until Sunday, July 7th, 2019 (extended dates!) and tickets are only available for some of the remaining shows (some performances are sold out). Tickets include dinner – but not the champagne. Be sure to budget for some glasses of bubbly. In my opinion, this show requires a class of sparkling in your hand. Tickets and more information, here.

Photo by Bruce Clayton Tom

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More about our guest blogger, Paul Levy:

Paul Levy is always on the hunt for stories brought to life in immersive formats. He is the Creative Director at TPN, an agency that creates small and large live-events and experiences for fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing.

Review by Nora McLellan

Teatro Zinzanni is no stranger to putting together dinner and a show, but their latest show, “Love, Chaos, & Dinner” in Woodinville, Washington takes the experience to a new level. From the sparkling rosé wine flight to the gorgeous costumes, your senses will be delighted all evening.

It would be easy to just talk about the acts, but the food is worth looking forward to. Like magic, Chef Jason Wilson orchestrates a room full of delicious meals artfully served at the same time. I happily tried both the fish and steak entrees, and my companion splurged by adding perfectly cooked lobster. The sparkling wine flight was a particular favorite. Everything was flavorful and delicious.

It really is the performers that are the most memorable parts of the evening. With a cast of stars who has performed and trained all over the world, there’s an amazing amount of talent there to keep you entertained all night. You might blush a bit, but you will definitely laugh as Lady Rizo’s powerful voice sings bawdy tunes. (And her costume changes? Rhinestones! Feathers! Sequins! Oh my!) The Anastasini brothers defy gravity and juggle each other in the air with their feet! But it is the Duo Rose that will leave your jaw on the floor. Their unique combination of graceful trapeze and twisted contortion is impossible to look away from. Every moment of the show there’s someone dynamic and charming to watch, even as waiters and performers roles blend throughout the evening.

The show will keep you entertained every minute and can take on a life of its own with audience participation. Teatro’s founder and the director of this show describes it as a playful interpretation on the art of flirtation, and it is a perfect date night. Don’t miss this show in Woodinville, WA now through June 30, 2019. Tickets here. 

Photos via Teatro Zinzanni

Watch the trailer here.