Alpine, Texas: Reata Restaurant, part one
Updated 7 December 2001 URL is http://our.tentativetimes.net/marfa/alpine1.html
The "Other" Reata: Reata Restaurant in Alpine, Texasby Magdalin LeonardoAll text and images © 1998 Magdalin Leonardo, email[email protected]No Dean fan’s trip to Marfa would be complete without a visit to the Reata Restaurant in the neighboring town of Alpine. It’s about 25 miles from Marfa, past the infamous site of the Marfa Lights. The drive there is spectacular; the scenery is just breathtaking. Travel east on Highway 90 and you’ll head right into Alpine. You’ll pass Tom’s Patio & Country Cottage on your left. Make a left onto Highway 118 and you’ll see Reata Restaurant on your left, just past the Cowboys and Cadillacs mall.As you may have guessed, this tempting home of "Texas Cowboy Cuisine" was inspired by the Benedict’s home in the movie, "Giant." LIke the menu says, this legendary film, "captured the true flavor of the West." Reata Restaurant aims to do the same…and succeeds.But even before you browse the menu, take a good look around you. Reata Restaurant is filled with timeless reminders from James Dean’s last film. Just like "JR" emblazoned the empire of Jett Rink, so too does the familiar "R" logo adorn Reata. You’ll find it everywhere — not just on the menus, but on the lamps, dinner plates,and the adorable salt and pepper shakers that grace each table. Why, it’s even engraved on the fancy leather check covers in a beautiful shade of burgundy!There’s a lot of cowboy art at the Reata, too, including four exquisitely-detailed murals by local artist Stylle Read. The most magnificent one of all is Reata’s famous James Dean Mural, located in the outdoor dining area. This priceless painting, which features Jimmy on horseback in front of Reata’s famed facade, blends so perfectly into the background you can almost reach out and touch him!On a beautiful day, this gorgeous mural will most definitely enhance your dining pleasure. There’s plenty of room and plenty of shade outside. And with Jimmy keeping you company, what more could a Dean fan ask for?Inside Reata, there are two separate dining rooms, plus a bar area with additional seating. The sturdy wooden furniture that decorates each room is relatively nondescript, except for the chairs, which are comfortably covered in real cowhide.All text and images © 1998 Magdalin Leonardo email [email protected]NEXT:Part Two of the Reata Restaurant in Alpine, TexasContinue Your Voyage:Overview: Where the heck is Marfa?Getting ThereThe Arcón InnPart one, Reata RuinsPart two, The Ruins of ReataLittle ReataEl Paisano HotelBorunda’s Bar and GrillPart One, Faces and PlacesFaces and Places Part Two“Jimmy Beans”Part One, Reata Restaurant, AlpineReata Restaurant, Alpine, Part TwoAbout the AuthorLinks to Deaner PagesTo the Deaner Marfa Pages Index
James Dean Deaner IndexLogo graphics © copyright 1997 by Mark K. Kinnaman, artist to the fans.