JP Brownlow Travel, 1560 E. Southlake Boulevard Suite #100, Southlake, TX (2025)

01/17/2025

Restaurant Review:
Elizabeth Street Cafe in Austin TX

For several years I have been hearing about this cute French Vietnamese cafe in Austin. When Jackson and my Dad and I went down to see Auburn play Texas in basketball, it was the perfect time to stop in.

As we walked up, the bubble gum pink front door and turquoise shutters were indeed oh so cute! Inside, there was a beautiful Japanese blossom print wallpaper and stylish light fixtures.

I had the Marinated Pork Bahn Mi and it was excellent. House baked baguette with savory pork, cucumbers, daikon, carrots, cilantro and homemade mayo.
The cool and crispy vegetables paired so well with the warm pork, French bread and creamy mayo.

Jackson had the Beef Pho, which came with the traditional side of bean sprouts,
garden herbs, radish and slice of lime.
It was hearty and a great choice on a cold day. My Dad had the Fried Rice with Crispy Fried Texas Redfish and he brought half of it back to the hotel.

The prices are higher than your average strip mall Thai joint, but the ambience, presentation and strong menu more than make up for it.

If you are in the Austin area and looking for a stylish lunch or dinner spot, swing by the Elizabeth Street Cafe for tasty Thai French classics.

01/13/2025

Commodore Perry Estate in Austin TX

Among the funky indie hotels on South Congress and the standard luxury chains in town, there is a special place 10 minutes from downtown Austin where you might think you are in Europe.

In 1928, Commodore Edgar Perry wanted to build a European style estate for his wife Lutie. The 10 acre spread had gardens and a pool among the live oak trees. After the Perrys passed, it became St. Mary’s School for Girls and then a long slow decline almost doomed the place.

It was then that Auberge Resorts spent years renovating it back to its former glory and adding more rooms in the same vintage style. When it opened as a hotel in 2020, we were facing Covid and it largely has been under the radar.

Auberge has expertly harmonized the Italian & Spanish revival architecture with downhome Texas notes throughout the property.

Terracotta floors, oriental rugs, roaring fireplaces and exotic game mounts are featured in the public areas. The rooms have plush beds, antiques from Round Top and vintage wallpapers. There is even complimentary Topo Chico in each room.

The signature restaurant, Lutie’s, has a gorgeous garden ceiling with lush emerald green velvet chairs and an innovative menu with “Texan Fine Dining Classics.”

Out back there is a 50ft oval swimming pool with bright yellow loungers and umbrellas, very reminiscent of the South of France.

All in all, it’s a truly unique stay in the heart of Austin. While you can book yourself, booking with me gets you free breakfast for two, $100 resort credit and top of the list for upgrades.

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection

12/30/2024

Cheers to the Champagne Region of France!

If you have been on several winery tours in Napa or Italy and are looking for something different, consider the Champagne region of France, where I can set you up with my specialist guide for three days of touring this fascinating region.

Just 90 minutes from Paris, this region is only 132 square miles, but its namesake drink is synonymous with celebrations all over the world. The biggest names in the business are here: Tattinger, V***e Cliquot and Moet et Chandon, plus many boutique producers. Unique chateau lodging and Michelin restaurants round out this special part of France.

Only sparkling wines from France can be called Champagne (in Italy it is called Prosecco) and this area has the perfect climate and chalky, white soil.

Many Champagne houses offer great tours of the vineyards and even the cellars, where the bottles are aged for 15 months by French law. More prestigious brands like Dom Pérignon are aged for 8 years or more.

Speaking of that name we have all heard, Dom Perignon was a real person, a Benedictine monk who oversaw wine production at Hautvillers monastery in Reims. He did not create champagne, but rather improved its quality dramatically and there is even a statue of him in Epernay.

Let my Champagne specialist guide take you on a wonderful 2-3 day tour of the vineyards and cellars and tell you the stories and history of this renowned part of France.

12/23/2024

Texas BBQ Says Bonjour to Michelin

The storied Michelin Guide has finally come to Texas, and rather than focusing only on fine dining venues in our fair state, the Frenchmen have bestowed “Recommended” status to our own Panther City BBQ.

Over the weekend, the Brownlow Boys made their way to Panther City on the Near Southside of Fort Worth, our first visit since they received this global honor.

While the bright red Michelin badge was now outside the front door, not much else had changed at this temple of smoked meat.

The brisket still had excellent bark and smoke ring, the sausage still had a snap in every succulent bite and the sides once again almost steal the show.

One thing that sets Panther City apart from the competition is the Mexican influence on the menu. Case in point:
the Brisket Elote is out of this world.

Throughout Texas, vendors outside Mexican markets and grocery stores offer a popular takeaway of corn, queso fresco, cilantro and lime. Panther City ups the ante with a big dollop of chopped brisket on top.

On your next visit to Fort Worth, stop by Panther City and see what all the fuss is about. As you sit down to a tray of smoked goodness, you too can say
“Bon Appetit Ya’ll”.

Panther City BBQ

11/15/2024

She Believed in Me from the
Very Beginning

This week I celebrated four years in business as a luxury travel advisor. It all began during a global pandemic when many thought I was a little nuts to make this career change when no one was traveling.

But there was one person who believed in me from the very beginning. My sweet wife DeeAnn said “I believe in this so much I am willing to leave my school nurse job and go back to the hospital while you start your business and have no income. Just you wait and see, three years from now this is going to be wonderful.”

And four years later, it has been wonderful! While I am working more hours and spending my days dealing with canceled flights, train strikes and solving problems, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The smiles on my clients faces when they return home make it all worthwhile.

In addition to DeeAnn, I want to thank Keith Waldon and everyone at Departure Lounge for taking a chance on me. I also want to thank my suppliers around the world who make the magic happen everyday.

And finally I want to thank my clients who have entrusted me with their time and money to bring their travel dreams to life. Serving you gives me true joy!

11/04/2024

St. Andrews - The Home of Golf

The St. Andrews Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world, with a written history dating back to the year 1400.

While it is actually also a public course, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get on. My golf specialist is an official partner with the R&A (The Royal & Ancient Golf Club),
and can get guaranteed tee times, but it can be a year 1-2 wait time.

If you don’t need to play the course, you can have a great visit anytime. We walked the edge of the Old course and I even got my photo on the Swilcan Bridge.

We had lunch at The Jigger Inn, “the most famous 19th hole in the world”. The building dates back to 1852 and was originally the station master’s house for the railway station. I had fish & chips and a pint and felt right at home.

Then we explored the nearby fishing village of Ansthruther with quaint houses and boats in the harbor.

My trip has come to an end, but we can start planning your own bucketlist trip to Scotland in 2025!

11/02/2024

Scotland Road Trip - Royals, Hairy Coos and Nessie

Only 15 minutes from Braemar in the Scottish Highlands is Balmoral Castle, the summer home of the British Royal Family and the one place where Queen Elizabeth was truly at home. She was known to ride the estate horseback and drive her Range Rover all over.

After an overnight in Inverness, my guide Ian and I headed south through several picturesque villages before the seeing the most beloved animal in Scotland: the Hairy Coo. Also known as Highland Cows, these lovable long haired cattle have reddish coats and long horns.

Then we finished the day at Loch Ness, the largest body of water in the UK and home of the Loch Ness Monster. Hearing my guide talk about Nessie, a stranger asked “When does the monster usually appear?” He politely told him “after your fourth whisky”.

Seriously, though, the lake is beautiful and the Nessie stories just add to the aura of the place. Scotland’s landscapes are nothing short of awe-inspiring with rugged mountains, deep lochs and rolling green hills as far as the eye can see.

We’re coming to the end of this amazing trip, but there’s still a few surprises coming up!

10/31/2024

Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, Scotland

This is the classic Highland hunting lodge turned into a jewel box of a hotel, exactly what you think of when you dream about a country hotel in Scotland.

Built in the 1800’s in the quaint village of Braemar, this over the top Victorian lodge on the river will transport you to another time.

Every one of the 46 rooms are different and feature original antiques, plush carpets and tartan plaid everywhere.

The hotel restaurant, the Flying Stag, is the social center of town and features an innovative menu plus pub classics. They have the largest whisky collection in the Highlands, with 365 different varieties, one for each day of the year.

Because the Swiss owners are from the art world, there are even two original Picasso paintings in the lobby. It’s a feast for the eyes and every time you come in you see something different.

If you’ve been dreaming about Scotland, contact me today to start planing your own bucket list trip today.

The Fife Arms

10/29/2024

Gleneagles Scotland

At the edge of the Scottish Highlands lies Gleneagles, one of the 50 Best Hotels in the World and known as the “Glorious Playground”.

Gleneagles is a 100 year old country estate, a rural adventure for couples and families that is a luxury hotel, spa and golfing destination plus home to countless outdoor activities.

At over 850 acres, there is something for everyone: falconry, gun dogs, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding,
tennis, Land Rover driving school plus so much more.

I am at Gleneagles with a select group of travel advisors and then will be exploring this beautiful country all the way up to Inverness, down to Fort William and Oban and finally finishing up in Edinburgh.

Join me every other day this week as I show you the best of Scotland.

Gleneagles

10/08/2024

Departure Lounge Annual Conference

I am in Cancun, Mexico this week for my host agency’s annual meeting. Over 100 preferred partners (hotels, cruise lines, safari outfitters and destination specialists) are present for training and one on one meetings.

This is where the magic is born for our clients because the time we invest in relationship building elevates every trip we plan for our clients.

Let me know if there is a destination or experience you would like me to prioritize this week.

Departure Lounge
Waldorf Astoria Cancun

09/29/2024

Training at Viking Cruises Headquarters

I was one of only 32 travel advisors nationwide invited to training at the Viking corporate offices in Woodland Hills CA this weekend.

Michele Saegesser, VP of Sales for Viking, trained us on product knowledge, company values and marketing tactics. It was a wonderful weekend and I come home today with expanded knowledge in River, Ocean and Expedition cruises.

As a Virtuoso advisor, booking through me gets you shipboard credits of $100 per person for River and $200 for Ocean, all at the same prices you would pay booking direct.

09/25/2024

Happy National Daughter’s Day to my sweet Isabella! I love you so much!

09/14/2024

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai

The last stop on our visit of Four Seasons properties in Hawaii was to the Kona Coast on the Big Island.

At over 800 oceanfront acres, Hualalai looks very different than the others. Rather than a sleek block style building, it features only 2 story bungalow units nestled amongst the coconut trees.

The rooms feature plantation style design with dark woods, slate floors and textured rugs and sofas. An authentic Hawaiian heritage is presented throughout the resort in framed prints and design motifs.

That same theme is reinforced with classes and demonstrations of Hawaiian culture. I joined Auntie Kaulu and Auntie Kaleolani for a ti leaf lei making class that was fantastic. As we made these green leaf leis, they told stories of their ancestors that are keeping ancient traditions alive.

With 8 pools and 5 restaurants, you can try something new every day. But the secret sauce of the resort is the warm and attentive service that only Four Seasons can provide.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

09/13/2024

Four Seasons Resort Ko Olina at Oahu

09/12/2024

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

While the thought of staying on Oahu makes some cringe with thoughts of the craziness of urban Waikiki, there is actually a much better way to stay on this island.

Just 45 minutes away is the Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina, an oasis of peace that gives you the best of both worlds.

Enjoy Pearl Harbor, Ala Moana shopping and the energy of Waikiki for part of the day and when it all gets to be too much, escape to the quiet beach, great restaurants and refined service only Four Seasons can deliver.

We tried Mina’s Fish House at sunset and after a wonderful meal, lingered over drinks and great conversation. The next day we found our bliss at the sleek infinity pool that looked out over the Pacific.

As a luxury travel advisor, I can plan special access to Pearl Harbor, arrange an ATV tour of Jurassic Valley or get you on a sunset catamaran.

Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina

09/10/2024

Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

I was invited by Four Seasons to join select travel advisors and visit three of their properties in Hawaii: Maui, Ko Olina on Oahu and Hualalai on the Big Island.

Maui was our first stop and made a strong first impression. Located at the south end of the island, this spot gets much less rain than Kapalua in the north.

While this is a true luxury resort with the prices to match, there is no resort fee and there are free activities each day that emphasize Hawaiian culture and give added value.

The old clunky and dark furniture has been taken out in favor of soothing neutral tones with pops of Hawaiian color. The Four Seasons beds are legendary for their comfort and the bathrooms are big with lots of marble and double sinks.

With multiple pools, a nice spa and a true sandy beach, there is truly something for everyone. Dining is strong as well and features Italian, Steakhouse and even a Spago with killer views.

While you can book this special hotel yourself, booking with me gets you free breakfast for two, $100 resort credit and top of the list for upgrades.

Join me later in the week as I visit the other two Four seasons properties on Oahu and the Big Island.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

08/26/2024

Restaurant Review: Mr. Max Japanese

I had been hearing about this authentic Japanese restaurant in a sketchy strip center in old Irving and decided to bring along DeeAnn, Isabella and her friend.

It looked pretty grim as we pulled into the parking lot with questionable businesses.
Mr. Max had ultra dark windows where you couldn’t see what was going on inside. DeeAnn was convinced this was the Dallas home of the Japanese Yakuza (mafia) and that we should call it off.

I persisted and marched us all in the front door not knowing what was coming next. We couldn’t believe our eyes as we walked in. It was as if we had been transported to Tokyo to a local joint where people were laughing and having a good time.

Mr. Max is an “Izakaya”, which loosely translates to neighborhood pub or tavern.
These establishments serve small plates served family style and beer and sake. We were instructed to take off our shoes and sat at a low slung table.

The menu was on the walls in Japanese with English translations so the waitress helped us order. Almost as soon as we said
“Kanpai” (Cheers), we had an awesome array of tasty items: halibut sashimi, Kobe Beef skewers, Miso Ramen and hamachi yellowtail tuna.

After chowing down on that, we ordered Japanese style chicken wings, fried tempura shrimp and Takowasa, which was raw octopus with wasabi. Despite the rough exterior, Mr. Max delivered big time with great food, authentic decor and warm service.

08/19/2024

The Irish Wolfhounds of Ashford Castle

With over 350 acres of rolling hills and ancient woodlands, 800 year old Ashford Castle offers an amazing array of activities:
horseback riding, falconry, fishing, shooting sports, golf, cycling, spa and so much more.

Despite all these choices, what is it people want to do the most? See Mulligan & Molly
the famous Irish Wolfhounds!

This breed is the world’s tallest dog at 3ft tall on all fours and over 7ft tall on their hind legs. These gentle giants at Ashford weigh in at 165 pounds.

Irish Wolfhounds have always been associated with kings, chieftains and castles. There is even evidence of them being owned by Roman emperors, who used them for sport and security.

You can join Mulligan & Molly on a morning dog walk at 8:15am or if you oversleep, they make an appearance at Oak Hall from 10-11am.

My connections at Ashford Castle can get you free breakfast for two, hotel credits and top of the list for upgrades and early check in/late checkout.

JP Brownlow Travel

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