The Getaway by Sheela Tessler When I lived in California my salvation was the knowledge that in a short time frame, a weekend getaway could not only be a dream, but a reality. The time frame, usually the ability to reach a destination in less then 4 hours, assured a weekend not entirely spent in travel mode. There seemed to be an endless amount of destination possibilities, from the mountains to the desert to the beach. These short getaways did wonders to rejuvenate the creative juices. I felt a longing for these divine little excursions upon my relocation to Dallas. Fortunately, I found Austin, Texas. The topography is dashed with rolling hills and 2 lakes (Austin and Travis) that provide waterfront dining and play. Austin also provides a potpourri of interesting people and those ingredients blended together definitely have had an impact on my lingering infatuation with Austin. I recently declared Austin destination of choice for my birthday celebration and happily I was able to realize that wish. Drive time to Austin is about 31/2 hours from Dallas. Several airlines service Austin from Dallas/Fort Worth and Love Field airports. Southwest and American Airlines are 2 of the flight choices that can land you in Austin in about 45 minutes. My birthday weekend started with a Friday afternoon drive, arriving in Austin about 7:00 PM. We checked into a favorite bed and breakfast, The McCallum House. The McCallum House is a historic two-story Princess Anne Victorian home located a scant two miles north of the state capitol. This enchanting Austin landmark was built in 1907 and has been lovingly restored to bring out its past grandeur. Innkeepers Nancy and Roger Danley graciously make you feel at home. The guest accommodations are all uniquely different. This trip our room was called Jane's Loft (after the original owner Jane Y. McCallum). Jane's Loft is the entire third floor of the main house. The memorable features include a private porch, a quaint kitchen and dining area, a sky lighted private bath and two sitting areas. Morning brings the wafting smell of Nancy and Rogers culinary expertise. Breakfast (included in the price of the room) is always looked forward to during each McCallum House visit. In the morning you find Nancy holding court at the breakfast table, surrounded by the guests (usually a fascinating mix) and the warm woods of the dining room. Roger's daily quiche and muffin specialties glide past your lips and caress your taste buds. A stay at The McCallum house is always memorable and this time especially so, because it was December and the holiday decorations, grand Victorian decorated tree and all, gave an unusually wonderful ambiance and added dimension that was a visual treat. My birthday dinner was shared with friends at one of my favorite spots in Austin, Jeffrey's Restaurant and Bar. Jeffrey's always provides a dining experience that makes the 31/2 hour drive to Austin worthwhile. The ambiance, food and service of this 20 year old establishment are always first rate and make you long for a return visit. David Garrido is the chef. He has a national following and is known for his innovative twists and unique presentations. Wine Spectator has deemed Jeffrey's over 200 bottle wine list "one of the worlds most outstanding". The menu is updated and changed daily to include fresh and exotic ingredients like Elk, Foie Gras, and Caviar. A few of the exotic menu items include Duck & Shrimp with Black Bean Ravioli & Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Venison Loin with English Pea Risotto & Cranberry Sage Sauce and for dessert Chocolate Intemperance with Gold Dusted Chocolate (with real gold). The dress ranges from nice casual to semi-dressy. The bar area has a smoking section and some creative fun bartenders. Reservations are recommended and a wonderful private room provides the perfect atmosphere for a quaint dinner party. There are a couple of other Austin dining spots I'd like to suggest that will help make your weekend dining experience eclectic. A beautiful drive through gorgeous "Hill Country" roads, about 15 miles from downtown Austin, takes you into Driftwood, Texas to the sight of some of the best barbeque your nose, mouth and taste buds have ever caressed. "The Salt Lick" is a world renowned barbeque institution in existence since 1969. A "salt lick" is said to be something where all the animals congregate. The Salt Lick recipes have been handed down amongst the family members since the Civil War. At The Salt Lick meals are served family style in a rustic setting on picnic tables. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas and down home and casual is the mood and dress. You have to bring your own alcoholic beverages if you want to indulge because it's a dry area. The brisket and pork ribs are melt in your mouth sensations. The sauce has a bold taste with a great kick. Don't forget to take some of the sauce to go or you can order it on the Internet at www.saltlickbbq.com. In fact take a look at all of their to go offerings, you'll be glad you did. The last recommendation is great for a cool night. Sixth Street is the hot street in Austin for all of the clubs that present some of the best blues and jazz around. Tucked in th middle of 6th Street is a Vietnamese Noodle House called "Cong Ly". The large bowls of succulent one dish noodle soups are nutritious and filling. They also have other Vietnamese specialties like Vermicelli Bowls and Vegetarian dishes. The prices are very reasonable and the service friendly and even. Cong Ly is worth a try. Austin has much to offer in entertainment with a great range of theater, music, art and food. It's definitely a getaway worth pursuing. The McCallum House 613 West 32nd Austin, Texas 78705 ph. (512) 451-6744 fax (512) 451-4752 email: mccallum@austintx.net Jeffrey's Restaurant and Bar 1204 West Lynn Austin, Texas 78703 ph. (512) 477-5584 fax (512) 474- 7279 The Salt Lick 18001 FM 1826 Driftwood, Texas 78619 888-SALT-LICK www.saltlickbq.com Cong Ly Vietnamese Noodle Soup 215 East 6th Street Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 236-8878 www. Phohoa.com Sheela Tessler is a freelance Dallas writer and founder of The Press Club of Dallas "Food, Wine and Travel Network". Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.