Sneaking Out

So hubby and I snuck out of work for 2.5 hours to enjoy a little escape at the new Gold Class Cinemas in Austin at the Domain. I offer my opinion:

Here's my official review of Gold Class Cinemas ($22/ticket if you sign up for the free membership, $29.ticket if you don't... why wouldn't you??): I arrived 30 mins early as the online order receipt asks you to. I put my credit card down for my "tab" to order food and drinks from. I was escorted to the appropriate swanky lounge area for my theatre (Iron Man 2), and a pleasant waiter came by within a minute to chat as I waited on Jeff to join me. Very courteous and said many times that our experience there was the most important thing for the waitstaff, so always let them know if we need anything. We ordered appetizers: bread sticks with 3 dipping/spreading sauces ($12) and some drinks. At about 5 minutes til noon, we were ushered to our previously-selected seats in the 24-person theatre and had the call button explained to us, as well as the controls for the reclining seats. We were offered a blanket and pillow, but it wasn't needed at the time (after I ate, I did ask for a blanket and it was a fabulous warm and cozy one!). I had the cuban pork sandwich ($11) and Jeff had the artisan pizza ($16). Really awesome food. REALLY awesome movie. Really comfy chairs. All told, it was a $100 movie, but if you calculate a night out at, say, The Melting Pot or equivalent-priced restaurant, then a move at a regular theatre, it's about even. My only complaint is that the tray for eating on is too small to share with someone, and their plates for the food are too large to go on the small tray. Other than that, the experience was delightful! Two thumbs up!

And let me say, what a nice treat to do this during the day to avoid the customary $40 babysitting fee that you incur on a Friday/Saturday night! Though I sure would have liked a glass of wine, which I wasn't comfortable partaking in on a "lunch break."