Mug: Another souvenir mug from San Antonio. Chinese made, generic mug. No complaints, but no raves either. Basic, functional design with the preferred handle shape.
What makes this mug special (to me) is its source: The Menger Hotel. The Menger is on Alamo Square in San Antonio, and was opened in the 1850's. It has quite a colorful history.
- One of Texas' first commercial breweries operated there.
- General Robert E. Lee lived there when he commanded the U.S. Army garrison in San Antonio. He was there when Texas seceded from the Union, and a mob almost lynched him as they demanded the Union Army leave San Antonio. He left, later to join the Confederacy.
- Teddy Roosevelt lived there while he recruited his "Rough Riders" in the lobby bar, and trained them nearby at what later became Brackenridge Park.
- The Battle of the Alamo was fought on this site. The wall that Santa Ana's forces overwhelmed on their four-point assault was the picket wall that would have been next to the Menger's eventual location.
I love to stay there, usually in the old wing that dates back to the late 19th century, but also in the "modern motor court" wing that was built in the booming 1950's-60's. All true Texans love the Menger.
Coffee: I'm currently drinking the Nicaraguan coffee that I roasted. It's very nice stuff, and gets an "Approved for Future Purchase" rating.
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