After a Fashion

Horses frolic in the early-morning light at the Inn at Dos Brisas.

Photo by Seabrook/juicythis.com

ROOM AT THE INN There's lots of room at the Inn at Dos Brisas (www.dosbrisas.com), near Chappell Hill and Brenham – 300 acres of manicured lawns, gardens, trails, and ponds, to be exact. Our experience there was sublime. Owners Doug and Jennifer Bosch provide faaabulous food, luxurious accommodations, and a sense of peace that doesn't exist in the city. As you're driving through the Dos Brisas gates, past the wildflowers that look like pools of liquid fire and ultraviolet light, past the fully stocked fishing pond, past the horses frolicking in dappled sunlight, and past the organic gardens, where much of the inn's food is grown, the cares of the city melt away. This place is heaven on earth, with virtually every creature comfort available. Not for the faint of pocketbook! We had an early dinner that was exquisitely prepared by Executive Chef Jason Robinson, a veteran of Chicago's legendary Tru restaurant. While I can't even pretend to be a foodie, all the foodies I know say the Inn at Dos Brisas provides a superlative dining experience. All I know is that the food was mouthwateringly divine – from the fresh vegetables to the whole-roasted foie gras to the poached Maine lobster to the grilled Texas Wagyu beef tenderloin to the scrumptious organic carrot cake accompanied by roasted-carrot ice cream and a carrot reduction – all with excellent wine pairings. What I do know about is luxury accommodations, and the inn offers a superlative experience there, too. Four private casitas (with eight more on the way, each with its own private pool) are equipped with a bootjack in every room, remote-controlled fireplaces, kitchens loaded with complimentary snacks and drinks, and their own golf carts. Everything is so complete that my biggest decision was whether to go fishing, swimming, or horseback riding; stroll the property; lounge with cocktails; or just wallow in the ultra-comfortable bed and watch television. After a long weekend, I chose the bed route, availing myself of the snacks and drinks, followed by late-night Champagne-sipping on the casita's private terrace. The innkeeper practically had to throw me out the next day; otherwise I would have remained happily ensconced in my quarters for weeks on end, signaling only when I needed the kitchen restocked. Even as I returned to my humble Austin abode, I remained on cloud nine for the rest of the week.

Gail Rubin, Joel Mozersky, and Ted Allen at last weekend's Art After Dark event

Photo by Seabrook/juicythis.com

SELF-SERVE I was on Ray Seggern's Chillville on 101X last Sunday morning, discussing my, um, "condition" and some of the fundraisers being held for me (www.chillville.com). It's awkward to discuss fundraisers when they are being held for me, which is why in my last column I did not plug last Tuesday's Valley of the Dolls benefit for me at the Downtown Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz. But having been scolded by friends who read about it elsewhere, I should mention that there are two more scheduled benefits: Sunday, May 4, 2pm, at the Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz, there will be a coffee and pie social, hosted by author and Chronicle Food Editor Virginia Wood, with a screening of Joan Crawford's Mildred Pierce. Also, Wednesday, May 14, is booked for a musical celebration and auction, hosted by Susan Antone at Antone's. More on both of those later.

DON'T FORGET Tonight, Thursday, April 17, is aGLIFF's Bloom event. Tickets at www.agliff.org. Also, tonight is the preview party for the Circa Antiques Show benefiting the Heritage Society, and the show runs through Sunday. All ticket info at www.heritagesocietyaustin.org. Saturday, April 19, is Zach's Red, Hot & Soul fundraiser; tickets at www.zachscott.com. And then there's Octopus Club's ArtErotica fundraiser; tickets at www.octopusclub.org.