Sylver Spoon takes Center Stage in Mamasaur’s latest review.
What started out as the dream of three close sisters has evolved into the hidden gem that is Sylver Spoon Dinner Theater. Nestled in the Texas Ski Ranch complex off of I-35, it may seem unassuming at first glance, but the location offers unexpected versatility. A little something for everyone.
(And here’s a little something for you if you want to jump straight to Pros and Cons…)
A casual exterior with balcony views overlooking the Ski Ranch activities below. Even a shelf set-up offering some fun tabletop games. A chic, modern, open-concept interior with aesthetically pleasing art and decor. Dress up, dress down, go for dinner, stay for the show. It’s really dealer’s choice here, and everyone’s welcome.
Setting the Bar High
Nathan and I have had the pleasure of dining at Sylver Spoon twice now. Our first time was back in June, in celebration of our 4th anniversary. We went all out for dinner. We set up reservations, pre-paying for the 8-course, chef-prepared, gastronomic adventure that is the Epic tasting menu.
Nathan and I dressed up for the occasion. There was some realtor party going on inside with a catered table set-up that obscured what the restaurant interior orientation usually looks like. We sat outside, feeling fancy (if not a little overdressed), enjoyed a pleasant breeze, as our tasting menu was served.
This was an extravagant experience. The flavors were all sublime. We were blown away how, with each subsequent serving, there was a subtle hint of the previous tasting. Some hidden element that tied each portion to the last and married the entire meal so beautifully. It was artistic, cohesive, culinary creativity, meant to be savored and explored. And boy, did we.
I’ll say this: after the epic EXPERIENCE that the Epic menu was, I immediately added Sylver Spoon to my New Braunfels recommendations list. I held off on this feature review, so that we could go back for a theater show. I really wanted to shine the spotlight on the experience as a whole.
Expectations vs. Execution
At long last, we set up reservations to visit Sylver Spoon again. This time, we decided to try the Choose Your Own Story 3-course meal. The timing would be ideal. We’d eat at 7:30 PM and be ready for the show at 9 PM.
Once again, my hubby and I got gussied up for no other reason than just wanting to make it a special date for each other. We were seated inside and felt more appropriately dressed for the seating atmosphere. Based on our prior experience here, we had high expectations for another exquisite meal.
We ordered a delightfully full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon based upon the recommendation of our hostess, none other than Tori Monaco herself (one of the 3 sisters who own Sylver Spoon). Then, we made our selections:
First Act: Fried Mozzarella for myself, the Shrimp Ceviche for Nathan.
Second Act: We both opted for the Duck a L’Orange | sweet potato puree | brussels
Third Act: Bring on that Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte, baby!
Where Sylver Spoon Missed The Mark
Let There Be Light…
Let’s just get this business out of the way, shall we? A few things stood out to me worth mentioning. The booth we were sitting in started out really dark. Not simply “dimly-lit, intimate and romantic”, but just dark. There was a small, decorative tea light on our table that was rather charming and festive; however, it was noticeably too dark.
A light near-by was turned on part of the way through our meal that rectified the issue nicely. And I will say, most of the restaurant was adequately lit. Just seemed to be more of an issue for the outer booths.
What Should Have Stayed in Shadows…
Minor constructive criticism here. It’s honestly hard to know exactly where Sylver Spoon falls on the upscale restaurant spectrum. Whether it’s meant to be a more “hole-in-the-wall”, super laid-back, casual place or a sophisticated, chic, primo date-night locale. As I mentioned before, depending on where you sit, it can feel like a catch-all.
I suppose the point I’m trying to make here is this. If Sylver Spoon is intending to be more upscale, save the maintenance for a more clandestine time. We noticed trash being wheeled through the dining area to be emptied, and it was just unexpected enough to stand out to us.
I blame the incongruency in the atmosphere, really. Based on the food quality, aesthetic appeal, and price, I consider Sylver Spoon to be a high-caliber dining experience. So seeing upkeep and maintenance out in the open was surprising.
Like I said, it’s a minor thing to point out.
An Earful with Each Mouthful…
While the open-concept layout of Sylver Spoon makes for pleasant, airy atmosphere, it does nothing for the acoustics. We were getting plenty of entertainment before we even stepped foot in the theater.
One table over, we heard a woman rather directly say to her date “Don’t think you’re getting out of sex tonight”. It’s just amazing to me how the voice can just carry when there’s nothing to dampen it.
Just food for thought if you’re considering any bedroom talk during your date night out here. Unless people listening in is something you’re into…
No judgment!
Less Food, Not Lesser Food…
This, I think, is the hardest part to address.
Maybe it’s our own fault. During our first excursion here, we opted for the most opulent menu offering available. With the Epic tasting menu, you have no choice but to savor and enjoy the curated choices made by the chef. And it really is more of an adventure in flavors than a basic meal.
At no point during the entire 8-course meal did I find myself bored. From the first bite to the last, I was swept up in awe and excitement by the flavors I had and the flavors to come.
The disappointment in the 3-course meal stems more from the notion that I was expecting similar food quality. The idea that we were paying less for less food, not paying less for lesser food. Compared to the Epic, there was a noticeable dip in perceived quality.
Beyond that, instead of the sweet potato puree listed on the menu (which would have been a perfect flavor and texture pairing), we received white, maybe pan-fried, potatoes with the duck. The plating was beautiful, but the flavors did not meld as well. There seemed to be something missing…
Salt. That’s it. Specifically on the potatoes. The brussels were delightfully crispy on the outside, but slightly underdone. The duck was outstanding. And we’re fairly certain that the torte was served with Cool-Whip. It had that distinctively Cool-Whippy taste. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but again, such incongruence when it’s something so easy to side-step.
My Standing Ovation for Sylver Spoon
Still Have to Give Props…
Was the meal perfect? No. However…
While it may not have offered the same level of excitement, cohesion, or originality as the Epic tasting menu, the food was still delicious and decadent. The plating and presentation were impeccable. The Cabernet was velvety and rich, and the cappuccinos we had with the torte were comforting and satisfying.
Again, the disappointment primarily stems from the stark contrast to the Epic 8-course tasting menu. Which ultimately redeems any minor disappointments we had in the 3-course. The Epic meal we had was absolutely flawless. I cannot stress that enough. We KNOW what Sylver Spoon is capable of, so any let-down or off-night requires virtually no effort to forgive.
Thinking about the food as a whole from our combined experiences, it’s really hard mentioning any fault. The Epic absolutely imprinted itself in our minds as the Sylver Spoon Standard. The creative incorporation of ingredients that told a story. One subtle ingredient being carried over from the last portion to brilliantly weave a tapestry of melding, married flavors and textures…
Had we started with the Choose Your Own Story for our Sylver Spoon introduction, I don’t think for a moment we would have necessarily keyed into any discernible issue with the meal. Needless to say, the food is delectable.
We HIGHLY recommend the Salt Block Filet Mignon. The Chocolate Peanut Butter torte tastes like a richly decadent, gourmet take on a Snickers bar. What’s not to love?
We even have plans to take our highschooler here for a special graduation celebration. Reservations for 3 for the Epic gastronomic adventure, please. It just feels like a wonderful transition into adulthood. Introducing him to lavish flavors, different foods, and an exciting sense of adventure from the first bite to the last. We can’t wait!
The Final Stage…
After we finished our meal, we took leave of our booth and made our way into the theater room for the final portion of our date. What an intriguing set-up! I applaud Sylver Spoon for the way such an unusual space has been utilized. The theater seating is CUSHY, incorporating worn leather couches that are well-broken in.
The two-tier staging makes such great use of the available space. Nathan and I weren’t entirely sure what to expect but settled in mid-way back and finished our coffees. There were amusing projected theater slides saying things like “Thanks for Spooning with Us” and advertising other offered showings like “Ho Ho Homicide”.
Then the slide for the show of the evening: “Neanderthals Next Door”. A Monaco production! Two of the sisters wrote and directed it! Side note: I’m incredibly impressed by how hands-on and involved the sisters are in their business. Writing, directing, managing, hosting. They have truly INVESTED in Sylver Spoon’s success. Every aspect of it.
Anyway, “Neanderthals Next Door”. I won’t spoil any of it, but it’s worth seeing. The cast members devote themselves to their performances. Even for a comedy (for adult audiences), they really put themselves into their characters and commit. And since the theater room is relatively small, the actors are able to engage with the audience and build up the energy.
The show was so much fun!
Curtain Call!
As a holistic experience, Nathan and I cannot think of the last date night in recent history during which we had so much fun! Reflective conversation and a satisfying meal. We laughed hard. We had a cast member teasingly chide us for kissing in the theater. What’s more: I had such an exceptional time that I felt compelled to hug the actors after the show. Social awkward, much…
Nathan and I walked out of Sylver Spoon giggling and joking, before he threw me over his shoulder like a caveman to run me out to the car. We’ve even found ourselves, since then, quoting lines from the play that we found particularly scintillating.
What the Monaco sisters have achieved with Sylver Spoon is nothing short of inspirational. They’ve combined their skillsets and talents and educations to create a beautiful collaborative company, providing exceptional food while supporting the arts. And yes. I am left wanting more. More palate-pleasing Epic tasting menus and more riotous productions.
Here’s to more dramatic date nights at the Sylver Spoon Dinner Theater.
And that’s a wrap!
Sylver Spoon Dinner Theater: Encore Presentation
Pros:
More than just a simple dinner date. Watch outdoor water sports, play some fun tabletop games, or take in an after-dinner theater performance! Versatile atmosphere. Chic decor. Delicious food with delightful wine pairings. Specialty coffees and cocktails also available.
Theater tickets are included with meals. For a casual, fun, dinner + entertainment experience or a lavish, celebratory, date night out, there are different options depending on budget. All reasonable price points for the holistic adventure.
Women-owned business run by 3 sisters who are personally invested in every aspect of running it. Excellent, hospitable service. Supporting of the local arts/artists. Entertaining, ORIGINAL, adult-appropriate theatrical productions.
Sylver Spoon is also open on most major holidays with special, thematic menu offerings!
Cons:
Food quality MAY vary depending upon how much you’re willing to spend. Then again, we may have just had an “off-night”. Even so, it was a delicious meal. Inconsistent/incongruent atmosphere. Pricey menu, upscale aesthetic, but the casual performance of maintenance and upkeep duties in the open (e.g. wheeling trash can through the dining area to be emptied).
Beautiful open-concept unfortunately lends to poor acoustic dampening. Unfortunate or entertaining depending on your perspective of overhearing risqué dialogue from your neighbors’ booth. This intimate setting may just not be the best place to engage in intimate conversation.