There was a moment last night when — as I was enjoying delicious straw french fries and chicken fingers, both dipped in honey mustard, while watching a delightful musical performance — I realized I was having a unique experience in our town.
Granted, the Hippodrome's Christian concert night wasn't a big fancy event and there were a few kinks that need working out, but it was cool.
As I mentioned, my buddy Tye Barrett's band, The Gladsome Light, headlined the event. They followed the Joel Sprayberry band, who put on an extended and fun set. It all sort of felt like a dress rehearsal for the venue, though. I don't know if that's what they intended, but there were a few dozen folks in attendance rather than a few hundred, so it was on the chill side.
Everyone had the opportunity to check out the Hippordome's new digs, which are fantastic. The restaurant in particular felt like a country club's 19th hole. It is cool, comfortable and a nice addition to the downtown dining scene. I'm going to stretch the legs of the menu during the Hunger Games marathon today, but the chicken strips, as mentioned, were solid.
I'm impressed by the setup of the in-theater dining, which I think will be the biggest draw of the venue. I've been to Alamo Draft House in Austin a few times and, while it's top notch, the dining aspect is the slightest bit awkward because of the theater-seat-to-table-edge gap. At the Hippodrome, the chairs and tables align better, very much akin to when I'm on press row at a basketball game (ok, that's me shamelessly pointing out that I often sit on press row at basketball games but I don't care; I guess I'm shameless).
The wait staff worked hard and they were very friendly. But it's a tricky deal taking food and drink orders in a dark theater during a presentation. I would imagine there's still some trial-and-erroer before they really have it down.
Anyway, we'll have more insight coming your way as, like I've said, I'm hitting the Hunger Games marathon today. Stay tuned.
