Alice Tisthammer
I've been dying to try Austin's since I noticed that Mimi's had closed after a long decline in quality. After checking out the menu online, I decided I could afford LUNCH, and was intrigued by the fried green tomato BLT. The bacon app also called to me, but I thought I'd leave that for another time. I ate in the piano bar. Very nicely decorated, but (and I'm probably the only one that would notice this) when I stepped up onto the raised platform at the perimeter to sit in my booth, the floor sounded hollow underneath. That struck me a ODD, since it should have had a more solid (better built) sound. Sounded more like cheap painted plywood. Maybe a little thick carpet would give it a better, richer sound and feel. But I digress...
I ordered the BLT and half sweet/half unsweet tea. No salt & pepper on any of the tables. Odd, again, but fixable. The manager delivered my plate and tea. The sandwich was very tasty, and the mac & cheese side was delicious. I asked the manager for s&p and mayo, and he returned with it very quickly. Since it wasn't busy, he and I chatted awhile, mostly about the restaurant. He was extremely personable.
Another table of three ladies about my same age were having lunch near me. When their order arrived, one of the ladies' sandwiches was about 6" high! I could see that she wasn't impressed with the size/bulk of it, and started to deconstruct it. They seemed to have a pretty good time, though, in spite of the big sandwich.
I do have to comment about the background music. LOVED it. It was Sinatra, Buble, Como, Bennett, and the like. Volume was perfect - I could hear, but still carry on a conversation. Excellent.
My tab arrived, and I was surprised to see that I'd enjoyed my sandwich, side and tea for only 13.60! Not bad for a swanky joint!
All in all, I had a good first visit, and plan to return to listen to the piano music. Maybe I'll even take out a loan and have dinner there!
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