One of our favorite symphonic pieces lured us to an Austin Symphony concert.  Several years ago, Debra played a band arrangement of Scheherazade at LBJ High School (a big SHOUT OUT to Don Haynes, LBJ Band Director).  Marc played the same transcription at Anderson High School.  A few years ago, the Anderson High School band played an entire marching band show featuring the work’s amazing themes by Rimsky-Korsakov.  What can we say.  We love it!

Due to ACL (Austin City Limits), we knew that our best bet for a bite to eat before the concert would be to get down to the Long Center early and find some spot close by to dine.  We decided on El Alma, described on their website as a “homespun take on the contemporary flavors of Mexico”

The wine list is pretty limited (only 4-5 offerings by the glass).  The Malbec Debra selected was fine, but did not hold up to the mole sauce in her entrée.  Marc went with a Negro Modello on tap.  Excellent choice.

For dinner, we enjoyed the following:

 

 

Fish Taco – marinated black drum, Valentina aioli slaw, avocado

 

 

 

 

The Tamale Special

 

 

 

Duck Enmoladas – Shredded roasted duck enchiladas with pasilla mole and almonds.  Side serving of Corn Pudding

 

 

The duck enmoladas were fantastic – a generous portion of shredded, tender duck meat rolled in a soft tortilla and covered in an authentic mole sauce.  The mole was excellent – in the same category as our favorite mole sauce at Manuels.  The Corn Pudding was served like a small cornbread casserole muffin – creamy texture and good balance of sweet flavor and heat.

I might also note that they serve chips with two styles of salsa while you are waiting for your meal. I really like the smokiness and the texture of their red salsa.

After the concert we had planned on stopping somewhere for dessert, but it took us over an hour just to get out of the Long Center parking garage (due to ACL traffic).  Oh well, I guess that goat cheesecake at Vino Vino will have to wait.