Colonel Saab x Clueless: A Match made in Musical Heaven

We had a delicious time visiting Colonel Saab in Trafalgar and watching Clueless the Musical at the Trafalgar Theatre. It was an invite** to explore the Colonel Saab x Clueless pre-theatre dining menu before tucking into the main event on stage. I’m not sure I’d have thought to pair Indian cuisine with the California Valley Girl vibes of Clueless. However, it turned out to be a match made in musical (and culinary) heaven. In fact, I’d love to see a Bollywood version of Clueless a la Bride and Prejudice. 

The decor in Colonel Saab Trafalgar is as lavish as any Bollywood spectacle: extravagant lighting, luxurious banquette seating and an air of opulence. The main menu tells the origin story of this popular restaurant that first opened in Holborn. Owner Roop Partap Choudhary took inspiration from the travel tales of his parents, blending home style and street food with regional dishes and staples from royal kitchens.

We kicked things off with cocktails. My guest Rachel enjoyed a gimlet while I stuck with the set menu’s signature aperitif, Chercules, described as ‘a bold blend of D’yavol vodka, zesty lime, fresh raspberries & a hint of heroism’. At first I was like ‘Ummm…’ but after a couple of sips, I warmed to its bittersweet notes and it certainly has some kick to it. 

Next up was the “Ugh, As If!” Amuse Bouche: a tiny but tasty muffin with subtle hints of cumin. For starters we picked the spiced crispy baby potatoes known as “Totally Buggin'” Jaipuri Baby Aloo and the “You’re a Virgin Who Can’t Drive” Anglo Indian Chicken Chop (aka Madras spiced pulled chicken cutlets) — and frankly, we couldn’t decide which was yummier.

The mains included some delectable sounding veggie dishes, but we went for the “Rollin’ with the Homies” prawns in coconut milk curry and the “The Paul Rudd Never Ages” Butter Chicken. I’ve had some amazing Butter Chicken over the years so this wasn’t mind-blowing for me but it’s my boys’ favourite Indian dish and I’m sure it would tick their boxes. The prawn curry was light and creamy and just the right size to fill you up without making you feel bloated. All dishes come with rice and naan bread.

Dessert was a ripe jackfruit halwa tart with popping pearls, Alphonso mango sorbet and raspberry crumble. It’s an unusual combination of flavours but like Cher’s matching tweed hat, blazer and skirt in Clueless, it just works. Overall, the Colonel Saab x Clueless theatrical dining experience is a stylishly put together three-course feast that will have you singing out the door.

After our meal, we took a short stroll over to the Grade II listed Trafalgar Theatre to watch Clueless the Musical. After premiering off-Broadway, the West End show has rave reviews. It’s created by a sterling team of acclaimed director Rachel Kavanaugh with book by the movie’s writer-director Amy Heckerling, lyrics by Grammy and three-time Tony nominee Glenn Slater and music by pop star KT Tunstall.

Clueless follows Cher Horowitz, a popular Beverly Hills high schooler who likes to be in control, especially of other peoples’ love lives. But when things take a wrong turn, Cher has to dig deeper and figure out what to do when she meets a problem she can’t fix.

Clueless the Musical takes all the kitschy fun of the iconic ‘90s comedy and turns it WAY up with big song and dance numbers and comic routines. It’s hard to beat Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd in the original movie but the casting is solid. Lead actress Emma Flynn pulls off Cher’s “ditsy diva with a heart of gold” to perfection. I also enjoyed Keelan McAuley as her snarky stepbrother/crush Josh, and Chyna Rose-Frederick as her girlfriend Dionne. Romona Lewis-Malley was uncannily like Brittany Murphy as ‘clueless’ newcomer Tai, who becomes Cher and Dionne’s makeover project. 

Clueless is one of the ‘90s movies that I’ve watched again with my kids. The snappy dialogue and smart spin on Jane Austen’s novel Emma has timeless appeal and seeing some of Cher’s drama play out on stage gave me all the nostalgic feels. It was sweet to spot some youngsters there, including one dressed as Cher. These fans weren’t even twinkling in their parents’ eyes when the movie took the world by storm!

Thanks to Colonel Saab x Clueless for a memorable (and munchable) night out.

Colonel Saab x Clueless: A Theatrical Dining Experience is at Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square, 40-42 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD (Piccadilly Circus tube, Charing Cross tube/rail). Menu Price: £60 per person (includes a cocktail). Dinner and Show Price: From £95 per person. Show Venue: Trafalgar Theatre (5-minute walk)

Clueless the Musical is at Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A 2DY (Charing Cross tube/rail). The show is recommended for ages 12+ (under 5s not admitted). Shows at 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 ((until Aug 23)

**press invite

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