Formerly a railway travelers' hotel located six blocks away, the Italianate Victorian structure was carefully moved in massive sections to its present site. The move took six days, using 36 dollies with pneumatic tires, and made the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest building (3,200,000 lbs.) ever moved on wheels. It was then meticulously restored as a Wyndham Historical Hotel and designated a State Archaeological Landmark by the Texas Antiquities Committee, displaying artifacts used in the Battle of the Alamo that were uncovered during excavations for the hotel's new foundation.

Making history today, though, is the fine dining offered at Polo's Restaurant, where fine cuisine is served in classically elegant rooms offering diners the ambiance of a fine old home. Graceful columns rising to high ceilings, subdued lighting and ivory walls hung with fine art and mirrors create the perfect atmosphere for the superb dishes prepared by Chef Marc Collins. For appetizers, the Maine Lobster & Thailand Shrimp (slightly poached in champagne and served "seviche" style with table water crackers) is highly recommended, though the escargot, Texas oysters, rabbit sausage and risotto also hold their allure.

The menu, featuring nouvelle cuisine with a Southwestern flair, changes seasonally, but noteworthy entrees include the tender Ahi Tuna (grilled over mesquite wood and topped with two grilled tiger shrimp, raspberry vinaigrette and seared foie gras) and succulent Iowa lamb chops (farm-raised, grilled over mesquite wood and finished with a blonde beer demi glace and crumbled Gorgonzola). All entrees are served with the house salad (topped with roasted red pepper dressing with a hint of citrus), Portuguese rolls and Polo's signature Trio of Butters (honey vanilla, fresh herb and red bell pepper). Order from the excellent wine list to accompany your mealor try some of the refreshing Tropical Passion iced tea. Sinfully delicious desserts include Cappuccino Torte Mousse Cake, Chocolate Decadence and Tiramisu.

Adjacent to the restaurant is the genteel Polo's Lounge, handsomely appointed in hunter green and dark wood tones, where jazz crooner Ken Slavin holds court on Friday and Saturday nights with his classic jazz duo. Slavin, whose voice has been compared to a "young Frank Sinatra," is known for his unique jazz and pop classics' interpretations and his easy rapport with audiences. His two albums, "Fascinatin' Rhythm" and "Tender is the Night," can be heard on area radio and garnered a national review by Jazz Online, and a third album, featuring legendary jazz violinist Sebastian Campesi, comes out this summer. So cap off your evening with one of the lounge's creative concoctions and some easy listening.

Polo's at the Fairmount is located at 401 S. Alamo. For reservations, call 210-224-8800.