Really El Real

We stopped in to El Real on Westheimer, just across the street from Hay Merchant. Bonus points: the have a parking lot. When I walked in the door the place looked small and homey, comfortable and friendly like a cafe, only to find out there's a huge huge room at the back and a whole second floor! What was I thinking? It is in an old time movie theater building- complete with the old marquis in the front. The wait staff wears black bowling shirts. There were TVs tuned in to sports in the bar. (A nod to the owners). And a really nice cement counter on the bar.......note that for decorating ideas. Need to bring The Deb.
It was early so there weren't many people there, mostly in the bar area. April was the bartender. She was busy, working quickly, but was a true multi-tasking bartender. Her super hearing kept her in on our conversation all night. We were served up house margaritas right away. (There are eight kinds of margaritas on the menu) and was quick to recommend something to eat- even though she is a vegetarian. I'm a big ceviche fan and the campeche, which is another name for the same, was super excellent! Campeche? If you check the link you might say "Was there shark in your Campeche?" No. Just finely diced crab and shrimp, along with avacado and salsa rojo. It was thick, probably served up with an ice cream scoop. With heavy tortilla chips on the side. Later on I had a smoked chicken enchilada with spicy salsa verde. It was full of flavor. Oh, and the refried beans had a great smoky meat flavor. They actually counted as part of the meal instead of being the usual plate filler.
The best part of the night was the fun we had chatting at the bar. I'd hoped for a Chef Brian Caswell sighting, but no luck. There was a guest cameo by Miss Nyla. And the arrival of our personal bartender and boyfriend (who we really didn't believe existed) of Nyla, Matthew. Let the fun begin!
Matthew and April work great tag teaming tending bar. The conversation flew all over the place. April has a Chihuahua. There's a coffee convention in town this week at the George R Brown. Matthew is a big sci-fi fan and he and Nyla are working their way through seasons of Battlestar Gallactica.
The nice man at the bar on the other side of Nyla was just trying to have a bite and a cocktail. But I saw him listening in on the conversations and snickering now and again. I was about try to sweep him into our banter but he was just about done and heading out. But never fear- he was quickly replaced. No lie- all I could think of the new guy was that he was a dead ringer for Lon Chaney as I watched him wolf down his food!
I have to apologize here, guys. I took a slew of pictures but I guess my phone had too many margaritas. However, I'll try to get some more shots next time for ya. In the mean time, here's the link to El Real. Check it out. It's a very interesting read!