What's New in Our Fair City? Pizza and Popcorn, to Start

When friends and strangers find out I went to the new Rochester Hills theater for a movie over holiday break, they want to know, "Is it really as nice as they say?" 

My answer:

"Yes! The new really is that nice."

Stone, tile and beautiful woodwork, a grand piano and a cocktail bar are all beautiful additions to the old AMC theater building. (The new lobby is not even recognizable as the same place.)

But for this particular moviegoing experience, these fancy enhancements weren't really necessary. 

The additions that did enhance our Wednesday afternoon matinee showing of Yogi Bear were:

• 3-D capabilities, previously not available at the location.
• Big, comfortable chairs that rock (literally and figuratively).
• Lots of leg room between rows for daddy to stretch out.
• An aisle large enough to dance in, if Yogi's soundtrack so moved you (and it did move some of us).

Emagine Theatre opened less than a week ago. Like with any new business, there are some glitches to smooth out. They forgot to give us 3-D glasses with our tickets (but were very apologetic about the error). The lobby was still under construction. And if strong smells bother you, you might wait until the new carpet, paint, caulk, glue and other odors fade.

But as a Rochester resident, you seriously cannot beat the location.

But how is that healthy popcorn?

Emagine serves Poppin' Olive popcorn; it is cooked with olive oil. My kids and husband — who is a bit of a popcorn snob — ate up every bite and wanted more.

I guess that answers that.

A sad ghost town no more

Towards the end of its run, the AMC was a sad little ghost town. Understaffed and rather shabby, the theater was a get-in-and-out kind of place. Now shiny, new and filled with friendly workers, I can't wait to go back for Date Night and/or Girls Night Out* to test out the cocktail bar and really enjoy all Emagine has to offer.

(* By Girls Night Out, I mean a movie with dialog that does not include Justin Timberlake saying in his best Boo Boo voice, "I have a problem with baked beans.") 

Simply Zaa Unique Pizza

Also shiny and new in Rochester Hills is Zaa! Simply Unique Pizza in the Kroger plaza on Livernois and Walton. Wanting to entertain friends but feeling too lazy to cook, we decided to give Zaa a try. In the wonderful world of pizza choices, Zaa offers Neapolitan-style. There are also a couple wonderful perks about the place.

First, if you are a Facebook fan you get free delivery or 15 percent off your bill. Fresh, hot pizza delivered to my doorstep without a delivery charge? Sign me up; I am a fan.

Second, sometimes ordering for a group of adults and kids means a multitude of pizzas. Not necessary with Zaa. They offer a pie called The Virgin Sampler. I guess in theory it allows newbies to try the four most popular pizzas, but it also lets everyone  get what they want in one large box. It is one-fourth Liberal (mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic and basil), one-fourth Popeye (spinach, mozzarella, garlic and spices), one-fourth Zaa (sauce and mozzarella) and one-fourth Old School (mozzarella, sauce, Parmesan and basil). A large is $19; it's pretty huge so bring your pizza-loving appetite.

FYI: Zaa does have a healthy love for garlic, so Team Edward members need not apply.