I left work at lunch on Friday and we drove up to Denver for our afternoon flight. Transportation went smoothly, and by nine at night on the east coast we arrived by taxi at our hotel. We checked in and the front desk informed us that they had run out of rooms with two beds. There was a pause followed by "so at no extra charge we've upgraded you to the bridal suite". Things would have been awkward had their been roses and chocolates in the room, but instead there was a roll away bed in what was essentially an apartment. Having two rooms to sleep in, a kitchen table, and two televisions actually made the stay very nice.
We woke the following morning, game day, and had breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. The hotel is located in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, so everything about the area is old and established. The restaurant had crown molding that was probably 15 inches wide, for example. Mount Vernon's defining feature is the first Washington Monument, designed by the same man that did the one in Washington D.C. The purpose of the monument was to honor our first president.
We walked from our hotel about 1.5 miles to the stadium. Camden Yards and the Raven's stadium are located next to each other. We hung out for a little bit before the gates opened and purchased souvenirs before the game started. It was hot and humid, about 93 to 95 degrees. Liverpool fans outnumbered Spurs fans probably nine to one. The game was actually quite boring, ending in a 0-0 draw. Aaron Lennon hit the post, but other then that, neither team really had a threatening shot on target.
It was good to see our new manager and new signings in person. I also was able to see Liverpool's Steven Gerrard play, a legend in the English game. I was on ESPN probably five clear times. We sat behind one of the goals, so the overhead camera would frequently pass by our section. While we were watching the game Dave's wife called him on his phone to let us know that we had been on TV. As soon as I can pull the video from the DVR and edit it, I'll upload it to this blog.
The highlight of the trip was, oddly enough, dinner after the game. We went back to our hotel to clean up and then headed over The Brewer's Art a few blocks away. Their homemade beers and food were great. It's been a long time since I ate at a place this nice and delicious. Between the two of us our bill came to a few dollars over a hundred, which for a unique experience was probably worth it. The Brewer's Art was voted the best bar in America by readers of Esquire Magazine in 2008, and since this in an ongoing list, it currently sits at number two. Questionable rankings aside, you have to at least accept that the place has great food and drink if it's even part of the discussion. We sat in the restaurant section so it really didn't feel like a bar. I think the bar area is down below, but it doesn't really matter since you eat the same food and drink the same beer no matter where you sit. I had a green salad with red wine sauce, frites flavored with rosemary and garlic, and a 10 ounce steak with white dipping sauce. I chose one of the house Belgian style beers, pale/golden in color with a crisp, dry finish. I only needed one since it was 7.5%.
It was a good trip. I'm glad that I was able to see Spurs again, stay in a nice hotel room, and eat at a nice restaurant...all things not easily managed at home or with the kids. Since I've now seen Spurs play twice in the U.S., I think I'm ready for a trip to London to see them play in a real game at their home stadium. Maybe in another two years.
