Historic Folsom keeps pulling surprises out of its venerable overcoat. As I approached the entrance of the Mystique Dining “theater,” a small crowd of guests were casually gathered outside, all smiling widely and sharing anecdotes on the evening's events. I had no idea what to expect, but if the assembly out front was any indication—it’s clear that good food, mystery and a healthy dose of humor lie in wait just inside the Old West theater doors.

 Our butler for the evening, Tim, resplendently attired in a tuxedo, greeted us at the lobby door to explain the night’s event protocols. As he swung open the doors to what I assumed to be a dining hall/banquet room, a smile matching that of those outside splashed across the faces of the 18 guests poised to enter for the 8:45 p.m. dinner show. The room was an amalgamation of Disney’s The Haunted Mansion, Murder on the Orient Express, and the train car from the original Wild Wild West TV show; in other words, a fantastic venue for dinner and magic.

 Chef and Co-Owner Terry Commons presides over the kitchen while his wife and partner, Nicole, runs the front of the house. As each guest was presented with a plate of fresh fruit and crackers, wine and other beverages were ordered and poured. The duo then delivered a refreshing salad full of greens, mandarin oranges, blueberries and almonds in a creamy poppy seed dressing. For the first time, the room grew quiet. 

Just as our salad forks ceased to move, Tim and Nicole magically reappeared (pun intended) with a classic intermezzo (palate cleanser) of pineapple sorbet. On cue with the last spoonful of delicious sorbet, the plates were cleared, and the entrées steadily flowed from Chef Terry’s kitchen. Guests had their choice of prime rib, Cornish game hen, or vegetarian lasagna.

While the menu may seem limited, each entrée was skillfully prepared, and indeed, no one went hungry. My prime rib—served alongside a vegetable medley—was cooked exactly as I would have done myself, medium rare, resulting in a tender and flavorful feast. The game hen was also perfectly seasoned, moist and juicy. My fellow friends dining on the lasagna were equally impressed. 

The food was a prelude to the evening’s main attraction—magic—which was performed skillfully on this night by Alexander Slemmer, whose sleight of hand conjurations made us all believers in the dark arts...with a side of laughter.

Come and be captivated by Terry and Nicole's enchanting vision; you won’t soon forget it.  

Hours
Box office: 1-6 p.m. (Monday-Friday); showtimes: 6 p.m. (Tuesday-Thursday), 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. (Friday-Saturday)

Try This
Manifestations: A Magically Macabre Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe (September 12-October 31)

Alcohol
Beer and wine 

Tab
$$$$ 

Heads-Up
Private performances and 10-percent discount for groups of 18; can accommodate vegetarians; soda and lemonade are included with each meal; customized, off-site entertainment is available; magicians and performances frequently change, so check website for the current schedule

By Lorn Randall // entertainment photos courtesy of Mystique Dining, food photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

Mystique Dining, 611 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-534-7201