Austinfoodsnob's Profile
What does Austin do well?
After you've tried BBQ at Louie Millers in Taylor, Smitty's Market in Lockhart and Uchi in Austin, try migas (local breakfast delicacy) at the Star Seed Cafe for a change of pace
New Japanese-Mexican Fusion Restaurant in Cedar Park
I understand, Rene. But honestly, I was impressed by the service. Since I went alone, ambiance was not a priority but quick service was. I like the unpretentious layout of the place, actually.
I forgot to mention that the unagi was very tender and good.
New Japanese-Mexican Fusion Restaurant in Cedar Park
I just got back from Sushi Caliente, a new restaurant that opened in a strip mall in Cedar Park near the Wal-Mart. I'm a sushi traditionalist who normally eschews crazy maki rolls but I was really impressed by the menu creativity. Going against my tradition, I tried the:
Mariachi Roll - surimi, avocado, onions, manchego cheese, serrano pepper, caliente sauce
and
Dallas Roll - flamingo sauce, serrano pepper, cream cheese, avocado, and crab
Very, very different. I dig it.
I also tried some sashimi tuna and salmon which was sliced very thin and was quite good (although served a bit icy).
If your in Cedar Park, check it out:
Sushi Caliente
http://www.sushi-caliente.com/
I think they deliver too
Food options in NW Austin/Cedar Park
There is a new sushi place in Cedar Park called Sushi Caliente. Its a fusion of Sushi and Mexican food. I haven't been there yet but its in a strip mall between 1431 and 183. I will go there this week and give a review. Sounds interetesting.
Avoid Iron Cactus Brunch!!
I was there for a date a few Sunday's back (North location). Wow. I had no idea that brunch could be that bad. Admittedly, I stayed away from the carving table but the staple breakfast dishes, waffles, fr. toast, eggs, etc. were stale and tasteless. The 'featured fish' salmon fillet was airline (coach) grade. The wait staff was rude but the guys making the omelette's were friendly, if a bit hungover. The brunch is expensive ($18) and should be shut down. Another example of horrible food in Austin that somehow gets good WOM. Ugh. Next time I'll try Luby's.
Breakfast Tacos and Migas in Austin
You all missed the best migas in town: Star Seed Cafe. They come standard with black beans and home fries. Order them with whole wheat tortillas. Alas, the place has been sanitized since a rich guy from Dallas bought the joint for his frat-sons a few years ago. Yes, most of the colorful staff has left. Thankfully, the twins didn't mess with the menu. Now, there are Izod shirts in there but we'll always have the punk rock memories...
[AUS] Lilly Sandwich and First Chinese BBQ in new Asian Market
Lilly's sandwich #1 is sublime and spicy (if you get lucky without too much gristle in the pate). The rest are meh, especially compared to sandwiches at pho Van (I think has the best in Austin). Beware of some the to-go luncheon items such as the vermicelli dishes which have soggy noodles.
1st Chinese BBQ's duck appears to be its specialty. I agree with other posters that the non-bbq dishes are uninspired. For authentic Taiwanese dishes, order from the Chinese menu at Mandarin House down the street. Do not feed from the buffet but order the 3-flavor squid and the REAL hot and sour soup. You will not be disappointed.
