top three drafthouse combos
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.
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.