ken "kickstand" z.'s Profile

During a recent four-day stay at the Cape, my lunch at Brewster Fish House was the most memorable dining experience. I had the fish sandwich and a delightful mousse dessert. It's not an everyday kind of place, it's a little special but without being over-the-top. It's the kind of place I would go for a special occasion.

Service was quick, despite being part of a group of about 15, with people coming and going. A memorable experience.

Well, I'm a huge fan of LBJ, so what can I say. I loved it. It's a great monument to his life and accomplishments. One can see the truth that nothing changes in this world: war, economic hardship, fighting for progressive causes, it's all like it's straight from today's headlines.

Stupid me, I didn't realize there was a 2nd floor, so I missed that. But the first floor was extensive and well done.

Gift shop was small but nice.

Only three stars? I must explain:

This place has an amazing collection, true. However, be aware that only two items are on permanent display: A complete Gutenberg Bible (one of about five in the US), and the world's first photograph. The other exhibits rotate every six months, and the exhibit space is rather small.

As a photography enthusiast, the first photograph was a must-see. It is the singular original first photograph ever taken by Niepce. If you have any interest in the history of photography, this artifact alone is worth the trip.

Also I took the free tour of the public exhibits, which was quite detailed and informative. And the center is free of charge.

So, I give them one star for the Bible, one for the photograph, and one for the free admission; three stars.

I just have to take away one star because it is frustrating to know that there are so many other amazing artifacts here that are NOT on public display. The exhibit space is not very large overall (just one floor), so even though the collection is in a league with world-class museums, the public exhibits are not nearly as wide or comprehensive as a major museum. So, for the casual visitor, it's kind of hit-or-miss. If a Gutenberg Bible and first photograph in the world are not interesting to you, then it all depends if the temporary exhibit is interesting to you.

Minus another star because no photography was allowed. This is understandable, but there are many major museums around the world which do allow it.

This is THE place to go for Austin souvenirs. Music memorabilia of all kinds. The other souvenir shops along 6th street were kind of tacky, but this one was in a class by itself.

I bought a couple of stunning Christmas ornaments here. They are a miniature saxophone and a miniature flute, for my kids who play those instruments (well, they play real instruments, not the ornaments!). The ornaments are made of real metal, wonderfully detailed, simply stunning, only $10 each. The perfect souvenirs of Austin. The staff was helpful and friendly (well, it seems everybody in Austin is helpful and friendly).

Old-fashioned fun. Can I get one of these in my town? Please?

I was in this hotel for a conference. As a business hotel, it was excellent. The single room was roomy, the view of downtown was absolutely stunning. The location is superb; it's just a short walk to the bat bridge (ie Congress Street Bridge); walk across the bridge and you're right in downtown. Elevators are fast, employees are all helpful and cheery. Layout is excellent, with nice outdoor seating, bar area, lounge.

I had room service one night; it was a little pricey ($21 for a burger), but the food arrived by the promised time (20-25 minutes from order to delivery) and hot and juicy. I did not eat in the hotel otherwise.

I had no problem with my AC; first, the room was a little warm, until I set the thermostat lower, and it was just right.

Cons: Hard to think of any. The wi-fi was slow, but then again the hotel was filled with web professionals, so that would overload any wifi.

I think it's a little pricey as a vacation destination; I'm not sure I would bring my family here. But as a conference/business hotel, it was an excellent experience.

I had a solid English breakfast for Sunday Brunch. I like the open, bright atmosphere. Would eat here again.

Quite good. Fresh, tasty and quick. I had the vegetable fried rice with egg, and it could have used a little more egg, but otherwise quite enjoyable. Was quite empty on a Monday late night.

* Minus one star for being 10 minutes late on an early Saturday morning
* Minus one star for not helping me with my luggage, or offering;
* Minus half star for the car smelling like cigarettes
* Minus half star for not giving me a receipt
* Minus one star for not knowing how to get out of my neighborhood to I-195 (hint: it's not far, and you just came that way!)

* Gets one star for knowing where the airport is

I've been here several times; it's my favorite restaurant in the area. Hamburger and steak are consistently juicy and properly cooked. Salad is fresh and more than just iceberg lettuce and tomatoes. Salmon is plump and flaky. Wife did had a negative experience with salad that was missing an ingredient, though. Still, I like it, and I will be back. It's my go-to place for out of town guests.

Note: is the place crowded and noisy? Yes; that's because it's the best restaurant in the area. Phone ahead.