Archive for May, 2009
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If you could only choose one restaurant to dine at while in Austin, Texas – then you would have to choose:
Uchi
801 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
For most people, a visit to Uchi will redefine your definition of quality sushi to the point that nothing will live up to the Uchi standard and subsequent sushi dining will be all but disappointing. It’s that good — and don’t be surprised if you are still talking about it the next day. Some have even called Uchi the “Best sushi this side of Japan”.
What sets Uchi apart? The first thing you will notice is what fresh sushi really tastes like. Second, Uchi’s chef knows how to combine the best rice, fish and other ingredients to the point that the flavors explode before gently melting in your mouth. Soy and wasabe at Uchi? Yes, it’s on the table, but it’s like using steak sauce at a fine steak restaurant — you just don’t need it.
If you are new to sushi, then either let your server make some recommendations or try a couple that are on my list of favorites:
- mustang - freshwater eel, avocado, yellowtail, and golden flying fish roe
- pitchfork- wagyu beef and fresh avocado with tonburi land caviar and leek crisps
But, to be fair, this dining experience comes with a price: small pricey portions and due to the small dining room and the close proximity of the tables to one another, the noise level can take some getting use to.
Roger’s Tip: Call ahead or make a reservation as the wait time can easily exceed 1 hour — even mid-week. But, if you do have to wait, enjoy a cheap drink (save your money for the sushi) and enjoy the perky atmosphere!
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If Gumbo’s Louisiana Style Cafe in Round Rock, Texas were in New Orleans and you were in Round Rock – this restaurant would be worth the drive. However, if you are in Texas, you should make it a point to visit this top rated Texas restaurant.
Gumbo’s
901 Round Rock Ave.
Round Rock, TX 78681
If Gumbo’s home isn’t the oldest in Round Rock, it’s one of the oldest. Either way, the restaurant is located in an old stone building with an interior that has lots of character with rock and wood accents and an inviting fire place on those cooler evenings in December or January.
Entree’s include beef Tenderloin Robert which is blackened with Cajun herbs & spices, topped with lightly grilled jumbo shrimp and served over red wine pepper sauce and mushroom bacon garlic sauce. For the seafood lover there are several fish dishes including Sweet potato Catfish – sweet potatoes on top of grilled catfish on top of creamed spinach on top of a cream tarragon sauce with lump crab garnishing it all. I wanted to hide my plate and try to convince my server that I had not received my entree — it was that good.
Note that they do have an outdoor porch and play live music on weekends.
Roger’s Tip: Don’t leave here without trying one of their deserts. If you can’t decide, get the chocolate custard.