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After coming across the Instagram page for the Local, a contemporary Mexican restaurant and bar in Abilene, I was determined to visit. It didn’t look like the typical rustic mom-and-pop Mexican restaurant I’m accustomed to seeing in West Texas. The social media posts showed a sleek establishment, which piqued my curiosity. But several issues prevented me from stopping by right away. First there was the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, travel plans collapsed. Then owners and spouses Justin and Alex Russell and their business partner–executive chef, Cody Enriquez, temporarily closed the restaurant to work through staffing issues. I was beginning to think the universe didn’t want me to eat there. Then news came that the Local would reopen in early November. I was determined to take advantage…

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