Pictured: Ahi Tuna Ceviche from CineBistro. Photos by Wyatt Kostygan.

Opening its doors to the public this Friday, the CineBistro at Westfield Southgate stands nigh complete, the scaffolding and construction from previous trips replaced by spotless cast-stone walls and vaulted ceilings. The great proscenium-like arch beckons to the seven theater houses beyond, but yesterday’s star was decidedly the unveiling of CineBistro’s custom Sarasota menu. Between state-of-the-art digital projectors, special curved silver screens for 3D showings and luxury seating to rival all comers, CineBistro seems to have the ‘theater’ part of dinner-theater down pat, but if yesterday is any indication, the food could soon be the highlight of movie night.

With a full restaurant and bar available to the public regardless of intent to see a film, the location opens into the mall on one end and to an outdoor patio on the other, with a sizable bar nestled in between to accommodate the opening rush at its wraparound counter while secluded booths offer more intimate dining under dramatic sconce-light. The menu itself boasts more than 30 professionally prepared items, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, crafted with an eye to regional and Florida flavors. So while you can get a bag of popcorn if that’s really what you want, you also have the option to watch the latest blockbuster while chowing down on plump seared scallops, Moroccan spiced lamb or perhaps an order of chorizo and shrimp flatbread. Even playing with molecular gastronomy, the edamame risotto comes topped with Sriracha pearls in lieu of caviar.

“We have a company-wide culture that keeps on-trend,” said Corporate Executive Chef Isaac Stewart. “We’re always evolving.” Travelling from opening to opening training new staff, Stewart is the one who makes sure CineBistro flavor is in capable hands. He’s most excited about the desserts. With four on the menu, including the Key Lime Crème Brulee Doughnut with mango sauce and graham streusel, each is housemade from scratch ingredients. That's a dying practice, according to Stewart. “We even set ourselves apart from restaurants in that way,” he said.

Any good meal needs a good drink, and the bartenders at CineBistro can certainly accommodate. Between a sizable wine list and healthy beer selection, the cocktail menu boasts new creations and old favorites side-by-side. And at the bar as in the kitchen, if you can’t find what you want, it’s fair game to ask if they can make it. It’s not a theater with food, said CineBistro Vice President Fred Meyers. “It’s a restaurant that shows movies.”

Opening this Friday, tickets are now on sale and staff warns that shows, particularly on Fridays and weekends, can typically sell out up to two days in advance.

Pictured: Ahi Tuna Ceviche from CineBistro. Photos by Wyatt Kostygan.