Great movies, great food and beer. What an excellent idea! The Austin theater chain, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has perfected the concept. With an eclectic blend of art house films, new releases and their own Signature Movie Events, the Alamo Drafthouse has something for almost everyone. I say ‘everyone‘ because if you like to talk or text during the movie, you should probably go to Cinemark. I am happy to say that they will open their first North Texas location in Richardson in the spring of 2013.
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema received national attention when Anderson Cooper featured a hilarious voicemail. The obviously drunk girl was asked to leave the movie when she refused to stopped texting and disturbing other movie-goers.
The Magical Mystery Media Tour
Thanks to the wonderful Kelly Kitchens of Kitchens PR, a group of local movie writers and bloggers got a sneak peek of what we can expect when Alamo Drafthouse comes to North Texas. We rode the party bus on to Austin with Bill DiGaetano and Sarah Pitre of the Alamo Drafthouse. They gave answered our questions and gave us a little insight on how the Alamo Drafthouse is different from similar theater concepts.
First Stop on the Alamo Media Tour
Our first stop was the Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Road. We were greeted by Derrick, the General Manager and movie programmer, Lars Nilsen. After walking through the clean and organized kitchen, we toured the theater’s collection of project booth (which was filled with film canisters, recused and awaiting restoration).
In the theater, we also met Chef John Bullington, who served us a few items from his Food and Film Feast Series. The appetizers from the Lord of the Rings Film Feast menu were accompanied by wine from their Bottle of Wits Signature Collection . This month’s wines, an Inconceivable Cab and an As You Wish White — in honor of The Princess Bride.
In addition to the regular menu of pizzas, burgers, salads and a huge selection of craft beers, Chef Bullington creates special menus for their Food and Film Feast Series. Executive Chef John Bullington prides himself on serving food made from fresh ingredients. “There are no microwaves in our kitchens…Even the cocktails are made with fresh juices.”
Alamo Drafthouse Signature Movie Events
Signature Events like Music Mondays, Girlie Nights, Movie Quote Alongs and Sing Alongs, Master Pancake Theater, Food & Film Feasts and Cinema Cocktails are just a few of the options for movie-goers.
At the helm of these cinema events is programmer, Lars Nilsen who must have an encyclopedic knowledge of movies. He is also the host of Weird Wednesdays, a series of exploitation classics with all your favorite bad killer cheerleader, women in prison and other cheesy movies you love to hate.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DFW
Alamo Drafthouse DFW will be located in Richardson at Beltline Road and Central Expressway. After a few renovations to the existing building, the theater will to open in the spring of 2013.