The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas and its Executive Chef John Bullington have created a Lord of the Rings marathon experience that cannot be forgotten. Jeremy Kirk was lucky enough to attend the screening of all three films, including the Extended Editions, with the accompanying Middle Earth-inspired feast.
After The Fellowship of the Ring started playing to the sold-out theatre, the first course was brought around to patrons. According to Jeremy Kirk, this First Breakfast was “fresh hen’s eggs, crispy bacon, grilled mushroom, and rosemary seared orange […] accompanied by a Canella blood orange mimosa. It was a meal that hit the Hobbit spot in all of us, but there was so much more to come.”
For Second Breakfast, they were treated to “strawberries and cream with an Oberhoff mead” which was followed by Elevensies. This third course included “pan seared sausage and tomatoes with cheeses, cabbage, and pickled beets. A Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale was served as well.”
There was a brief intermission after the conclusion of The Fellowship of the Ring, during which attendees were served “herbed Elven Lembas Bread” and were entertained by the behind the scenes featurettes from the film.
When The Two Towers began, the audience was treated to a Luncheon “which consisted of Grilled New Zealand lamb t-bone chops, a cabernet reduction with mashed potatoes (poh-tay-toes), roasted baby carrots and served with a Guinness Stout.” Later on, the Afternoon Tea of “tea baby greens with garlic blackberry vinaigrette, salted pork-cheese galette, shortbread and gingersnaps” arrived. Jeff described the combination of what was on his plate and what was on the screen by saying, “Along with the delicious hot tea that came with it, this dish provided a cacophony of mixed flavors that all added to the already incredible experience of watching the Battle of Helm’s Deep. The added shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey didn’t hurt matters, either. At this point, we all realized we were full and caught up in the world of orc armies and battling wizards.”
After another intermission, The Return of the King began, along with a tasty Dinner of “stewed Coney with taters, carrots, and leek, fresh garden herbs and crusty bread with a Woodchuck Amber Cider to help wash it down.” Just when the audience’s emotions (and stomachs) could hardly take anymore, Sam and Frodo neared Mount Doom, and the seventh course arrived. “It was a swirl of tomato and spinach soups with a wild mushroom crouton to sop it up. This was accompanied by an N.V. Charles Bove Sparkling Brute and another sweet surprise, a slice of apple pie, to finish it all off.”
This amazing event at the Alamo Drafthouse sold out almost immediately and people are already clamoring for the next one. No dates have been posted yet, but keep an eye on their website for future Lord of the Rings Trilogy Feasts!
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