If
there's a good band playing at one of the local music venues and it's a Friday
or Saturday night, you can pretty well bet that Ryan and I will be there. This
past weekend we saw one of our favorite shows of all time, Lord Huron, at The
Moore. The Moore is this beautiful old venue that feels like you're in a
smaller version of the Paramount. Warm lighting pours from a variety of antique
chandeliers and the columns and walls are adorned with intricate molding work.
The theater is a piece of art in and of itself. And when you're there, you feel
the history of the venue which has housed so many of the local Seattle greats.
You just feel lucky to be there, enjoying a show in a theater that's seeped
with local history. And let me tell you, Lord Huron did not disappoint.
But first, dinner. In the mood for something
salty to accompany the booze we planned to indulge in, we tried out Cantina
Lena, a Tom Douglas restaurant located a few blocks from The Moore. The cantina
is aptly named, as it's a much more casual eatery than most of his more upscale
dining restaurants. The windows are covered with rainbow hued felt cutouts masquerading
as curtains and colorful flags are strung wall-to-wall. The wood tables and
cheery red metal chairs make you feel like you are, indeed, eating in a local
restaurant somewhere south of the border. Each table is set up with a variety
of accoutrements for your meal, including my favorite Tajin seasoning. Spotting
Tajin at the table the second we were seated confirmed what I already knew--I
was going to like this place!
There were a surprising number of vegan dishes
on the menu, including jackfruit tacos. But, I was in the mood to try a couple
of different things, so we ordered chips with guacamole, crispy pinto beans,
and the broccolini salad. True to form, Ryan ordered some kind of meat-filled
taco, which arrived deconstructed with a foil-wrapped envelope of handmade
tortillas. The meal was fabulous and reasonably priced. Drinks included, we
were in and out for under $70. The service was excellent and the people
watching was even better. We will definitely return to explore more of the menu
and to linger when we're not rushing off to a show.
