This is what I call a “stumble-upon post”. It’s probably my favorite kind of blog post because I feel like an undercover journalist (though I reveal my identity) when I come across something that isn’t yet widely known and I make a detour on my planned path to get the scoop (on camera). In this case, I was en route to dinner with lovely ladies Susan and Emily for tapas and sangria at Malaga Tapas & Bar on 2nd Street. The ladies were running late, so instead of waiting inside, I quickly pranced over to the new arthouse film-playing Violet Crown Cinema that opened next door on April 29th, according to my sources, to take a peek. I was enchanted by what I saw. Check out some of the pics I snapped!

The sleek, earthy, industrial, yet vintage-modern decor creates a setting that made this happy visitor feel like I was walking into a concierge-hosted cinematic boutique. Classy and refined, while maintaining the down-to-earth ambiance that Austin demands.

I love the lounge- the wooden perimeter boxed around an open space carefully designed, and somewhere I’d love to grab a drink even if a movie was sold out. Great date spot too! I only had second to glance at the menu, but it looks delicious and includes an attractive classic cocktail menu. Rebecca-magnet? I think so.

Personally, I can’t wait to go back and actually experience the Violet Crown. I’ll leave you with the answer to the question I asked Manager James on my way out, “What does Violet Crown mean?”. His response was that it was a reference to Austin in an O. Henry short story, Tictocq: “The drawing-rooms of one of the most magnificent private residences in Austin are a blaze of lights. Carriages line the streets in front, and from gate to doorway is spread a velvet carpet, on which the delicate feet of the guests may tread. The occasion is the entrée into society of one of the fairest buds in the City of the Violet Crown.” There’s also an account of another, earlier reference. I would say sometimes the skies of Austin could resemble a violet crown. Either way, the combination of those two words is so magestic, I think it fits the look n’ feel of the Violet Crown Cinema precisely and I am excited to explore my artsy side on my next visit. Will I see you there?