Pretzels and Popcorn and Cocktails, Oh My!
When was the last time you went to a real drive-in movie? I know when I did. 1974. The Towering Inferno. But this statement is not entirely true, as I went to another drive-in mov-ie to see Rocky. And not in 1976 when it first came out, either.
In fact, I went a couple of weeks ago, to Lefty’s on Route One, were I watched Rocky on a huge screen on the side of the building. And ate popcorn and had drinks served by waitstaff directly to my “movie seat” in my car in their large parking lot. And they arrived on roller skates. Loved it.
In this age of COVID, Lefty’s owners made a business-sense pivot and launched the drive-in to give locals, visitors, families, and date-night enthusiasts something safe to do this summer. And it’s a terrific idea.
It’s also high-tech-ish for 2020. While the movie is shown on a big screen on the Lefty’s building, the sound arrives in your car on your radio. Tune to a specific channel and voilà! You can hear the dialogue and music perfectly, as loud or as softly as you’d like, with no bulky speakers hanging out your car window.
You get a comfy seat, screen visible perfectly from all over the lot, dialogue crisp and clear, and refreshments are just roller skates away. For the record, I had Prosecco with a straw, which was weird indeed but also just as much fun as the whole movie night.
You can show up with six people in your COVID bubble (from your same household) and enjoy a night out at the movies together. The movies are classic, and so is the experience. And folks are finding out about it as the movies are selling out and the word of mouth has been terrific.
Tickets ($25 per car), go on sale at 8 a.m. a week prior to each show and are only available in advance online. There is a 72-hour cancellation/refund policy. Check out the website (iloveleftys.com) and Lefty’s Facebook page and you can see what classic movies are coming up. They will even be showing some of Clearspace Theatre’s recent performances.
As this issue hits the screens and the streets, they are showing I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Breakfast Club, but they might be sold out. Check out the web site for next week’s classics and you can get your tickets. What fun!
But imagine, in addition to the snack menu, having dinner car-side from Lefty’s new Executive Chef Paige van den Burg, imported directly from New York, who has put together an amazing summer menu. With appetizers like Bruschetta, Calamari, or Wings, and main courses from casual (pizza—New York Style, or a French Onion Cheesesteak) to entrees (like Shrimp Spaetzle, Crab Cakes, or Cowboy Steak), you can dine out in the safety of your vehicle.
I loved my experience with Rocky and the soft pretzel (that sounds like a good name for a garage band) and sipping Prosecco with a straw, but I’m now determined to get online and do the dinner movie deal.
And while I’m at it, don’t forget that Lefty’s is open inside for both carry-out and dining in these days, complete with social distancing and many anti-COVID precautions.
Just like many of our local mom and pop businesses, Lefty’s is working hard to stay the course and serve our community during this challenging time. Personally, I think a classic flick and a box of popcorn for date night or a kids’ night out is clever, resourceful, and welcome. ▼
LEFTY’S ALLEY & EATS36450 Plaza DriveLewes, DE 19958(302) 864-6000www.iloveleftys.com