At a time when movie theaters nationwide are struggling to get audiences off their couches, Pruneyard Cinemas in Campbell has hit upon unexpected success with its Culinary Cinema series . Audiences are packing the theater’s auditoriums to see classic movies — from “Legally Blonde” to “Seven Samurai” — paired with three-course dinners.
“I think people have really missed that experience of seeing these older movies together in a theater, and then when you link it up with food, it adds a whole new level of fun,” Pruneyard Cinemas co-owner Jack NyBlom said.
Serving food in the theater with a movie is hardly a new concept, but what sets Culinary Cinema apart is the work of chefs Trevor Hansen and Nicko Moulinos, and mixologist Jacqueline Aguirre. The chefs design menus that take their lead