Gain Sense Of 'Sobremesa' At Austin Restaurant La Condesa

AUSTIN, TX — La Condesa wants you to experience a sense of sobremesa — that delightful, post-meal feeling when one finds oneself in perfect, unhurried contentment as easy banter flows freely among friends.

To that end, restaurant officials are poised to launch a series of collaborative pop-up dinners conducive to these joyful state. The James Beard-nominated modern Mexican restaurant will unleash this culinary bliss on Tuesday, Sept. 17, with its inaugural dinner series, Sobremesa, with Executive Chef Rick Lopez.

In Spanish, the term "sobremesa" literally translates to "over the table" but really relates to an experience that is not fully translatable in conveying its nuanced delights. It's largely a construct of the Spaniards rooted in a penchant to linger over a meal — conversing, digesting, enjoying and relaxing. Sobremesa is reflexively practiced at every meal — meal-centered weekday and business gatherings included — but is best exemplified on Sundays.

It's the Latino way, uninitiated ones. For it's not only what one eats that's important, grasshopper, but how one eats. But let's get back to eat. The La Condesa iteration in its series will feature:

• Chef Aaron Bludorn (former Executive Chef of Café Boulud, Netflix’s The Final Table) and
• Chef Drake Leonards (Executive Chef-Partner of Eunice, former Executive Chef La Provence).

The one-day only menu will feature dishes from each chef that explore Mexican cuisine in their unique style, as well as collaborations with Chef Rick. The menu is curated with La Condesa’s signature shared experience in mind, including features:

• Louisiana shrimp + chorizo with green chile grits.
• Confit lamb with Oaxacan corn tortillas.
• Soft shell crab tacos.
• Grilled sweetbreads with charred cactus.
• Chocolate tamal with dulce de leche ice cream.

Anticipating her achievement of 'sobremesa," this lady appears blurred given her hurried excitement. But look at her slightly hidden visage to spot the smile even in blurred state that only comes in knowing the state of culinary bliss soon will be achieved. Photo by Jody Horton.

Collaborative and contributed dishes from reach chef will be also be served alongside a few favorites from past La Condesa menus. The full menu can be found HERE, and guests are encouraged to make a reservation HERE.