Wow. Can you say bad service?
Holy crap.... I think the hostess had a very large stick up her ass that evening. Her eye-rolling attitude set the tone for our experience with the staff in general.
On the bright side, this restaurant is beautiful! A little awkward architecturally speaking, but the interior is gorgeous and soaked in the unmistakable Mozersky touch.The design is an experience itself, classy, comfortable, tasteful. The entrance alone will make you feel fabulous.
I don't really know how they came up with the location, but they should have thought about parking (Hello! This is Texas, not NYC). There is a tiny lot behind for complimentary valet, but even Ferrari Man was afraid of letting the valet guys park it in such tight squeeze. I lucked out in the neighborhood.
We were seated on the second level in a cozy booth. It took a very long time and two refills of water to get a server's attention. When our server finally came, he was not knowledgeable of the menu...it went sort of like this:
EV: "How are the sweetbreads?"
Server: "mmmm... I don't know, it's a really big plate"
EV: "But, are they ordered often?"
Server: "I don't know"
EV: "How about the rabbit?"
Server: "Do you like chicken?"
EV: "I like rabbit, is it good here?"
Server: "mmm.... I guess. You should get one of our meats, we're famous for that"
EV: "I'll have the rabbit"
So...I convinced Ferrari Man to try the Anticucho de Corazon (Heart)and the spinach Empanada for our appetizers. It was delicious. Skewered strips, perfectly seasoned, and perfectly cooked; add a little of the best chimichurri in Austin (hints of red pepper) and done.The empanada didn't disappoint 
The rabbit was fantastic. The sauce was perfect and didn't overpower the taste of the meat. Loved it! Ferrari Man's lomo (the 5 oz) was melt-in-your-mouth good. The salts on it were perfect, and with just a tiny bit of chimichurri it was truly the best tenderloin I've had in a while. We were mid-bite of rabbit and lomo when the lights in our booth turned off. Literally couldn't even see my plate. It took a good 5 minutes for them to realize it and turn them back on. Bizarre.
We had dessert, but it's not even worth describing.
We had dessert, but it's not even worth describing.
The patios are awesome; the colors, the furniture, the different levels, just add some good Austin weather, and a cocktail in your hand. I only wish there was a view... I wish they could have found a massive tree, like the one they wrapped this place around, near downtown or the water. Oh well.
Only time will tell if El Arbol improves their service and survives in this random location.
