I have a special place in my heart for Mt Bonnell for many reasons. One is the beauty of the area and the other is that my husband asked me to marry him at the top of Mt Bonnell in 1989! When my husband and I were dating in the late 80′s, one of the many fun things we loved to do was find a private little spot on top of a hill to relax, sip wine and chat. What a great escape from the “real” world! We saw some pretty spectacular sunsets too! Since these special moments were so meaningful to us, it’s no wonder that when my husband decided to surprise me by popping the question and putting an engagement ring on my finger, that he would pick one of the most dramatic hills in all of Austin, as the perfect venue!

Not only are the panoramic views fabulous, on Mt Bonnell, but the homes in the area are over the top, as well. Some of the finest, one of a kind, architecture in all Austin sit at the top of Mt Bonnell and down below on Lake Austin. You rarely see architecture such as an 83 foot long cantilevered lap pool with transparent end, but you will, on Mt Bonnell. Inspiring and innovative, to say the least.

Mt Bonnell sits 775 feet high above our beloved city and is considered to be one of the highest points in all of Austin. It’s named after the founder, George Bonnell, who moved to Austin in 1839 and was Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Texas Republic.

If you haven’t made it to Mt Bonnell, take some time to check it out. Once there, you will understand why the people that live on Mt Bonnell, chose to make it their home.

From Mopac, take 2222 west, to Mt. Bonnell and turn left. Park and climb the stairs to the top of the hill; an easy hike. Downtown Austin can be seen to the southeast and you can see the Hill Country to the west.

Don’t worry about parking. Perry’s Steakhouse has valet service right at the front door.

We like to make reservations online and arrive an hour ahead of time, to sit in the piano bar and have a drink before dinner. Perry’s Steakhouse has a great selection of wines, cocktails, and liquors to choose from. There of course is also, quite a selection of appetizers to pick from, that are to die for. Appetizer selections from Shrimp Cocktail and Crab Cakes to Escargot or Ahi Tuna. There is always nice live music in the piano bar to listen to. It’s not too loud, so you can still carry on a nice conversation.

After a drink in the piano bar, on a recent visit, we headed over to the dining area for one of the best meals Austin has to offer. My husband started out with the French Onion Soup and shared some with me. It was one of the best I’ve ever had. I tried the fabulous Chopped Salad with Applewood Smoked Bacon and there was more than I can eat, so my husband finished it off for me! We moved on to the main course, which is quite an extensive list to select from, with numerous steaks and fish dishes. The main reason we love to go to Perry’s Steakhouse is to dine on their “claim to fame” prime porkchop that has been cured for days, roasted and slow smoked and carmelized. It is hand selected in the Midwest, specifically for Perry’s Steakhouse and is carved tableside and served with applesauce. Now that is one unbelievable tasty pork chop!

So what’s a great meal, if you don’t leave room for dessert, I ask? Oh yeah… we sure did! So many choices, once again, but we decided on a great one to share. Mont Blanc a la Frisc! Yes! That’s right! It is vanilla ice cream served on a homemade sponge cake with freshly cut strawberries, topped with a flambéd Belgium white chocolate sauce prepared tableside with Baileys Irish Cream. Talk about heaven…

So if you are into after dinner drinks or a great cup of coffee, all you have to do is ask! The wait staff is second to none and never did we ever feel rushed.

What a great night out! Give it a try soon!

Patti Simon, REALTOR®, ABR, GRI

Shipman Partners LLC  512-913-4124

What a great day today, to sit outside in the sunshine with a light breeze and drink one of the best Espresso Americano’s I’ve had in a long time. Caffè Medici has a wonderful  espresso with a rich, nutty flavor and was very smooth. This place was hopping with all walks of life, from students to business professionals, when I met up with an old friend today for coffee.

Caffè Medici has a nice selection of coffee drinks for the faint of heart to the die hard coffee connoisseur. Traditional espresso and lattes are on the menu, as well as a nice French Press coffee. This local favorite, takes their passion for coffee seriously with their holistic approach. If coffee doesnít suit your palette, then teas and other beverages are available. If you’re hungry, there is a case full of good things to eat.

Caffè Medici sits among some great Austin favorites such as Jeffrey’s Restaurant, the Galaxy Cafe, and Fresh Plus Grocery Store for starters. The West Lynn location is the original Austin spot for Caffè Medici, however they recently opened another location at  2222B Guadalupe on the UT Campus, an area, better known to most of us as, The Drag.

Caffè Medici is open Monday-Friday 6am-10pm and Saturday-Sunday 6:30am-10pm.

When you’re heading to your downtown office, stop in Caffè Medici and get a few cups to take to your co-workers. Won’t you be the hit at the office? You can always stop in after your morning jog or evening at the theater.

Caffè Medici is on my list of favorites. I am taking my favorite husband by for a cup this weekend and I bet it becomes one of his favorite places for a great cup too!
…..life is short! Live it Venti!

Patti Simon, REALTOR®, ABR, GRI
Shipman Partners  LLC
512-913-4124
www.MyHomeinAustinTexas.com