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[personal profile] threeplusfire
I love the Alamo Drafthouse. Not only do they enforce the policy of "don't talk during the movie and no phones" they've provided a place where you can combine the dinner and movie date into one place. The Drafthouse gets flack about their menu. Some criticism is for real - I mourn the loss of my favorite pizza from the menu. But when you consider they're running more seats than ANY other restaurant in town and they have to serve them almost simultaneously? Holy shit. That kitchen crew must be the most hardcore.

One of the things they do extraordinarily well are food and film paired events. Chef Trish Eichelberger is the sort of head chef of the Austin area, and has created some of the most memorable feasts I've attended.

Perhaps hands down one of the most memorable feasts, for both the deliciousness and the complementary action to the movie was the Deschutes Brewery feast for Stand By Me. I'd never even heard of Deschutes before this, but I enjoyed the hell out of their beer. I'm going to reproduce the entire menu here.

Amuse
Charred Arbol Marshmallow
Paired With Mirror Pond Pale Ale

One
Ham Sandwich
Jamon Serrano On Toasted Brioche With Baby Arugula,
Crispy Leeks, Sherry Vinaigrette And Roasted Roma
Paired With Inversion IPA

Two
Sic Balls
Fresh Hand Ground Beef Tenderloin Meatballs In A
Pumpkin Truffle Broth With Shaved Asiago
Paired With Jubelale

Three
Roast Bone In Pork Chop
With Sugarcane Coca Cola Glaze,
Burnt Ear Of White Corn, Roast Brussels
Paired With Chainbreaker White IPA

Four
Fresh Blueberry Pie
Paired With Black Butte Porter

I remember that marshmallow being absolutely exquisite. This meal was almost four years ago, and I still! Still think about that. Everything about that meal was perfection.

Another of my favorite Drafthouse experiences would be the Afternoon Tea series. Period dramas of all sorts - think Elizabeth, or Sense and Sensibility, Anna Karenina, Marie Antoinette, Crimson Peak. Anything with good costumes, witty dialogue, romance, beautiful people. They serve three cups of tea during the movie, and a plate of treats. Usually there's a scone or tea sandwich, a tiny cake or perhaps an eclair, sometimes shortbread, perhaps a galette or a croissant with pepper and cheese. It's always delightful. My absolute favorite thing is the little lime and lavender cakes they sometimes serve. Someone selects teas to complement the setting or tenor of the film from a local provider, and it is just always so excellent. The consumption of bonus champagne or wine is encouraged.

I recently had the pleasure of watching Let The Right One in again on a big screen, served with a special blood themed cocktail menu. Nothing says happiness like watching one of your favorite films in all its glory while sipping on sangria from blood bags. The cinema cocktails series is always a good deal. Plus you can order a giant pretzel or a burger if you get hungry.

Date: 2016-03-01 02:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rachel2205.livejournal.com
This cinema sounds amazing. I'd have loved the Stand by Me meal - perfect accompaniment to one of the best coming of age films.

Date: 2016-03-01 08:53 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tsarina.livejournal.com
It is, for me, the happiest place on earth. Getting to watch movies there is a treat. I hadn't seen Stand By Me since I was a kid, so this was extra awesome.

Date: 2016-03-01 02:35 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] denorios.livejournal.com
That place sounds awesome. I'm all about themed food, and when paired with movies even better!

Date: 2016-03-01 08:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tsarina.livejournal.com
The Drafthouse is one of my favorite things in the whole world. They do such cool food and film events.

Date: 2016-03-01 02:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dine.livejournal.com
what an awesome venue - a great way to enjoy dinner & a movie!

Deschutes Brewery is an Oregon craft brewer, known for their good beers - especially the Black Butte Porter. how cool that you got to sample their wares alongside such a wonderful meal

Date: 2016-03-01 08:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tsarina.livejournal.com
The Deschutes was so good! We actually got commemorative pint glasses from that night. I think that Chainbreaker White IPA was my favorite of the night - whenever I find Deschutes in the store I get some.

Date: 2016-03-01 03:32 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] splix.livejournal.com
omg, the Stand by Me menu is so inventive! It must be fun to dream up dishes to pair with films. Even more fun to eat them, though. :D I knew I'd love reading this!

I adored Let the Right One In.

Date: 2016-03-01 08:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tsarina.livejournal.com
Eichelberger is amazing. The specials and film feasts are something else.

Let the Right One In is one of my most favorite things. God, so freaking good. And what a soundtrack!

Date: 2016-03-02 12:41 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] brienze.livejournal.com
I still miss the pork schnitzel sandwich from Inglourious Basterds. A waiter gave me one of the menu cards from the Magic Mike Grind-her though, so I can try to replicate that one at home.

I'm resigned to the regular menu changes they make periodically (usually it's a trade-off, not all bad or all good), but I really miss when my seasonal favorites go away.

Date: 2016-03-02 01:28 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tsarina.livejournal.com
The Inglourious Basterds feast was another one! Oh god that schnitzel. Damn.

I was sort of bummed because the current specials are all heavy on the cheese!

Date: 2016-03-02 02:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] redstapler.livejournal.com
I still have the menu from the Gatsby feast.

Date: 2016-03-02 03:16 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tsarina.livejournal.com
Oh shit yeah, that was good!

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