If you like to growl and drink up with battling and brewing pirates, cheer on the victors as medieval knights perform mock fights on horses, become a guest at an Italian wedding or be mesmerized as the world's finest acrobats twist and turn under the spotlights, you can have your cake & eat it, too- at California dinner shows.

Northern California

Beach Blanket Babylon: The longest running musical revue in theatre history, this San Francisco show is a zany musical spoof of pop culture with extravagant costumes and outrageously huge hats. Beach Blanket Babylon continually evolves in its hilarious parodies of current events and popular icons as todays headlines unfold. (beachblanketbabylon.com)

Teatro Zinzanni : The San Francisco dinner show Teatro Zinzanni, features a European Cabaret and Cirque, along with a five course dinner. Teatro ZinZanni includes music and comedy presented in the elegance and intimate comfort of an antique Belgian spiegeltent or mirror tent. New additions to the dinner experience in 2011 include monthly Matinees and late night Cabaret Lunatique experiences (zinzanni.org) On hiatus check back in 2014

Southern California

Pirates Dinner Adventure: Held in Buena Park, the show is presented on an authentically replicated 18th century Spanish galleon anchored in a 250,000 gallon indoor lagoon. It sets the stage for an astonishing display of special effects, wizardry, aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay and dynamic duels. The elaborate dinner theater set provides the backdrop for action, acrobatics, romance, comedy and a hearty feast! Tickets (piratesdinneradventureca.com)

Medieval Times: Also in Buena Park (Orange County) the stage is set in the 11th century! Just beyond the great doors of the Hall of Arms waits the celebration arena, the heart of each of Medieval Times' nine castles. From high above King Philippe and his daughter-in-law, Princess Leonore, preside over a four-course feast. Below, privileged royal guests are transported to faraway lands including a romantic snowy rendezvous in the woods and an authentic medieval tournament for the Battle of Champions, including some amazing special effects. Tickets (medievaltimes.com)