Austin Trailer Tour
When Yvonne comes up at the end of the month we’re planning on going on a Austin Trailer Tour for some good eats. The rise of quality Austin trailer eateries has been a pretty great development. She hasn’t been to a lot of the newer trailers so this is my plan:
1. Franklin BBQ – Brisket & Ribs
2. Sushi a Go Go – Sunshine Roll, Trio Roll
3. Flip Happy Crepes – Shredded pork with carmelized onions
4. Odd Duck Farm to Trailer – Seasonal menu
5. Gourdough’s – Miss Shortcake
Kata Robata
For the past 2 years we’ve been going to Uchi for Yvonne’s Birthday. We broke custom this year since Yvonne is now in Galveston. Instead we headed to Kata Robata in Houston. Overall the food was really good. I wouldn’t say it’s as inventive or mind blowing as Uchi but everything was solid.
We started off with some Manila Clam Miso Soup. For the hot dishes we got some yakatori style whole squid and hamachi kama. My mom usually gets hamachi kama whenever we go to sushi places because she doesn’t particularly like raw fish. The one from Kata was excellent and perfectly cooked. We also go the braised pork belly which was absolutely delicious. Yvonne wanted the Foie Grae with daikon which I was a little hesitant about. It turned out the daikon cut the richness of the Foie perfectly. The omakase sashimi we got wasn’t exactly the most unique cuts of fish but still very fresh and satisfying.
Yvonne was saying that if we were to go back she could get the hamachi kama, the pork belly and a bowl of rice and be happy. I would have to agree.
Kappo
I don’t write much on my blog, but I feel I have to write about Kappo. Next to Uchi, this was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had yet. Kappo was opened by the owner and chef of Chiso because he was tired of making California Rolls and wanted to make more tradition Japanese foods in a more intimate setting. Yvonne and I were a bit surprised when we walked in to find only 8 people seated around a small kitchen.
In addition to delicious sushi, he served us some amazing dishes. One of Yvonne’s favorites was the Miso stewed natural pork shoulder and Gobo. One of my favorites was the Willapa bay shigoku oysters on the half shell, ponzu sauce. The chef and the hostess were available the whole time to answer questions and talk about the dishes. A lot of the ingredients he used were local and in season which made them so fresh and delicious.
If you ever have a chance to head up to Seattle, I’d definitely recommend coming here. You will not walk away disappointed.
Toronto Culinary Escapades
Yvonne and I had a pretty food filled 5 days in Toronto, Canada. Here’s a list of the places and food we ate for lunch and dinner during our trip.
5/18 Dinner – Best Friends Chinese Restaurant: lobster, emerald chicken, clams
5/19 Lunch – Asian Legends: Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodle Soup, Seafood Noodle Soup
5/19 Dinner – Korean BBQ: all you can eat Galbi, Bulgolgi, pork, calamari
5/20 Lunch – Maison Du Japon: all you can eat sushi
5/20 Snack – Go for Tea: Almond Milk Tea, Red Bean Bing
5/20 Dinner – Air Canada Centre: Poutine
5/21 Lunch – Dim Sum
5/21 Dinner – Emperor: Chinese Banquet
5/22 Breakfast – Dan Tat, Cocktail Bun, Pineapple Bun, Milk Tea
Aquarelle
Yvonne and I went for an early Valentines dinner to Aquarelle last night. Overall, the food was really good, although, nothing life changing. I had the Mussels, Chilean Sea Bass, and coffee Creme Brulee. Out of the three, I enjoyed the Mussels the most. I also had no shame whipping out my $25 gift certificate that I bought on restaurant.com for $2.
Uchi
The first time I went to Uchi was over a year ago for Yvonne’s birthday. We decided to start a little tradition and go there again this year. If you go to Uchi, omakase is the way to go. It was a 10 course meal where the chef picks whatever he wants to serve to you. All the dishes were complex and deliciously put together. Flavors, you wouldn’t think would go together, were mixed perfectly. The surprise of the night came when we were presented a steak dish that turned out to be some of the best steak I’ve ever had. And this was at a sushi restaurant! If you have a special occasion to celebrate, I’d definitely recommend Uchi.
Creamed Corn
Yvonne and I tried this recipe for cream corn yesterday for the Vox neighborhoods pot luck and it turned out really good. Only takes about 10 minutes to make!
INGREDIENTS
* 2 (20 ounce) packages frozen corn kernels, thawed
* 1 cup whipping cream
* 1 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* white or cayenne pepper
* 2 tablespoons flour
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. Place corn kernels, whipping cream, milk, salt, flavor enhancer, sugar, and white or cayenne pepper in a large stockpot. Bring to a slow, low boil beginning on medium heat, stirring frequently. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
2. Melt butter in the microwave, or in a small saucepan on low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Stir into the corn until well blended. Enjoy!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Gullivers-Cream-Corn/Detail.aspx
Chez Nous
Yvonne and I got to try out a French restaurant called Chez Nous that had been getting some great reviews on Yelp. I’d say the reviews were right on because everything that we had was excellent. We chose to get the 3 course meal for $25, which was well worth the price. If you’re ever in need of some good French food in Austin, make sure to check out Chez Nous.
Baked Chicken Wings
So I’m back home and my mom said my sister wanted this recipe so here it is, another installment of Mom’s Recipes:
Baked Chicken Wings
1/3 Cup of Honey
1/3 Cup of Soy Sauce
1/4 Cup of Cooking Wine
2 Tablespoons of Ketchup (or as my mom spells it “catchop”)
2 Tablespoons of canola oil
Garlic Powder to taste
1 Tablespoon of Vinegar
Mix all the ingredients together and marinate chicken wings over night. Heat oven at 350 degrees and bake for 45 minutes. Enjoy.
12345 Soy Sauce Pork
I got to cook tonight since my mommy had a fever. She told me what to do so it was pretty easy. I’m writing it on my blog for future reference and also if you guys wanna try it 
.