Oh the typography

I’m a sucker for a interesting font, well-used. So traveling with my sister-in-law Marcy — who is undoubtedly our family’s resident typography expert, as she holds an art degree from one of the top design schools in the country — is an exercise in font-watching.

Austin may be the Live Music Capitol of the World, but I would say it’s also the Fun Typography Capitol of the World. Case in point: The Hotel San Jose and South Congress Avenue, where the Hudson ladies and I stayed on Saturday for a cousin’s wedding. The hotel and the businesses on the street are covered with great, picture-worthy signage. (Unfortunately I’m not so good at actually using my camera.)

As for the hotel itself, beautiful landscaping and a cool pool and patio surround rooms with concrete floors, modern furniture and beds that are hard as rocks. But it’s a great concept — renovate an old run-down, seedy motor hotel for not too much money, then charge out the nose for turistas like us to stay there! “This is genius!” Little Mom observed as we checked into our room.

On Sunday, we had the best breakfast buffet we will never be able to eat again at Fonda San Miguel, a noted authentic Mexican food place. The courses were amazing: cold stuff (which I skipped), breakfast foods (eggs, chilequiles, an out-of-this-world corn dish), and a variety of mole with rice. All topped off with some fabulous desserts like tres leches cake and bread pudding.

It was incredible, and I was stuffed for the rest of the day. And I’m glad we didn’t ask first how much it was before we started eating, because we probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. $38 per person. We never would have guessed by looking at the crowd. “I’ve never seen so many wealthy people look so poor,” said Little Mom.

But hey, that’s Austin: eclectic people, great food. And oh, the typography!