Marcus Theater's burger may be the next blockbuster

This Spooky Season, I got an invitation from a friend to go see the doubleheader of new Halloween movies at Marcus Cape West Cinema. The third and final installment is coming out soon, and she thought it would be fun to have a refresher so we wouldn't miss any of the third movie's references. Now, to be honest, scary movies weren't really my thing before I met this friend, and I'm not really sure they are my thing now, but I love watching them with her. We make fun of the silly things people do, the mistakes they make, the corny jokes, the bad acting. It's just all great fun when you have someone witty to comment with, and we usually have a good time even watching the worst scary movies.

So I met her at Marcus Cape West 14, bought both of my tickets online because I'm hip, and settled in to stay at the theater a while. But I had a problem, because did I mention I procrastinate? I had to eat somewhere for an article, and the previous week I was homebound for the usual reasons people are homebound in this day and age. So, this time it wasn't totally my fault. But the deadline loomed, and here I was committing four-ish hours to a movie marathon when what I really needed was to find some good food to share with you guys. So I basically hoped and prayed that I could find something good to eat at the theater.

When Marcus took over the theater, hot food was added to the usual fare, and I've tried some of it before. My favorite is the toasted ravioli. I know it is probably just frozen stuff dropped in a fryer, but it is plump, and the filling is tasty. The marinara dip is satisfying, and they sprinkle some Parmesan on everything for some extra oomph. I've also tried the pizza. Usually when with my daughter, we just get a cheese to make her happy, and the thin crispy crust with the type of cheese they use is surprisingly yummy.

But today I wanted something a little more photogenic, and I always did want to try one of the smashburgers, and what did I have to lose, really? If this worked out right, I could hang out with my friend, do food research, and kill two birds with one stone. Oh boy, did it work out right!

They brought my burger and fries to my seat; that's service! At first glance, the burger was pretty. Stacked neatly, wrapped in paper to make it easier to eat without a table, it was nestled in between two piles of fries. It smelled wonderful. Rich and meaty beef scent swirled up to my nose seasoned with a soft yeasty bread tang. My mouth started to water, but honestly, I was still a little worried. I feel like I never expect much from theater food, but I have to beg Marcus Theater's forgiveness, and my compliments to the chef. I got a simple Double Smashburger Classic, topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup. When I bit into it, it was so juicy that I got it on my shirt in spite of the paper wrapper. Well seasoned, the burger had a delicate beefiness balanced by salt, pepper, maybe a little garlic. The veggies were fresh, crisp, and stayed on the bun thanks to the wrapper. Huge, I only ate half the burger and a third of the fries, which were also tasty and above par.

The Toasted Ravioli, an old favorite and still satisfying for a popcorn alternative.Submitted by Rebecca LaClair

Marcus really doesn't phone it in when it comes to the hot food served there. What I was given was cooked fresh, seasoned beautifully and comparable to what you would go to a specialty burger joint to order. I'm not even exaggerating. This was a good burger.

Talking about price, you have to remember this is the theater. You will pay a couple bucks more here than other places, but I feel like the mark up on the hot food is minor compared to say, popcorn and soda. It feels reasonable and justified. I am grateful that I have this option and while I may not visit just to get that burger, I will eat there more often while visiting to see a movie. Next time, I will be sure to tuck a napkin around my neck in anticipation of the juiciness. You can't accuse me of not being classy.