While You're in Austin...

I hope there are some regular Rookie readers down here in Austin this week, and while you're here, I've found a couple of places that I'll highly recommend.

Moonshine Grill is where I had dinner tonight; it's a fantastic place literally around the corner from the convention center (in fact, you can see the convention center parking structure from there) and there's a waiter named Kyle who's a hoot and also knows the menu inside and out, and can guide the new visitor through it. Our group sampled the calamari, artichoke and spinach fondue, jalapeno hanger steak, chicken almondine, crusted snapper, and barbecued chicken. Moonshine is at 303 Red River St., Austin TX 78701

Amy's Ice Cream isn't far away either, at 1012 W. 6th St., Austin TX 78703. They're famous for handmande ice cream, mix-ins (like Cold Stone, but with a lot more enthusiasm and charm) and the antics of the staff as they make the ice cream. The best trick we saw was the guy behind the counter putting the ice cream cup on the brim of his hat, then flipping a second scoop up into the air and catching it in the cup.

Give them both a try!