Sushi Sake

Colleen picked me up and, on a whim, we decided to go to Sushi Sake for dinner (for the second time). For Colleen, chawan mushi as an appetizer is a must. For the information-hungry, Wikipedia defines it. It's this egg custard soup-y stuff that tastes like miso and has veggies, shrimp, and chicken in it. There's a story about the bad-tasting bean in it. We had really good caterpillar role (mmm avocado), a mediocre spider roll, and a really good spicy salmon roll. With a glass each of Robert Mondavi Riesling.

The wait was about 30 minutes (we got there are 7:30 pm on a Friday). Our waitress was demure and sweet. Dimly lit, casual enough for casual, nice enough for dates. At the table next to us were two awkard couples (very obviously on first and/or blind dates). One of the girls pulled the taboo "and so here's the awkward silence..." line. It was painfully comical for Colleen and me.

Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant

2804 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 469-5966

Rahul picked me up after an intense afternoon of basketball. We finally made our highly anticipated visit to Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant, which recently reopened. It's on I-35, just north of Dean Keeton, on the southbound side.

If you've never had Ethiopian food, here's Wikipedia's ever-useful wisdom. The first time I ever had Ethiopian food was in Washington, D.C. with a bunch of HBAers. dim lights, lots of food, lots of talking, great atmosphere.

At Aster's, the atmosphere is casual (fortunately, since Rahul was still in his gym shorts). Patio seating is optional, and there's good, bright lighting. The obvious choice (since I was with Rahul) was the vegetarian sampler platter. We sat there trying to decide what choices to get (the menu said that we get a choice of vegetarian dishes) but it turned out that we got a little of everything. The waiter was really nice and helpful about describing the various oddly-named dishes. He asked if we wanted silverware, but what fun is Ethiopian food if you don't allow yourself to get messy with it? (Be prepared to get injera stuck under your fingernails and whatnot). The potatoes and lentils were good, but some of the other dishes seemed bland. The injera was thinner than I remember at the other Ethiopian restaurant, and it was served room temperature. I thought they could be more generous with the injera, but maybe I'm just too much of a bread lover. Or maybe they just are generous with the food servings! :)












Though it can't beat the Ethiopian food of Washington, D.C., it's worth a try. Apparently, Houston has some great Ethiopian restaurants as well.

Some other food lovers' thoughts:

1. "food from the birthplace of humanity"
2. yelp reviews

Mi Colombia

Mi Colombia is a restaurant nestled on the non-downtown side of 7th street. We went there after a whole Saturday of sleeping in after Orange and White Ball.


Oh, mango. Lots of great jugos tropicales to choose from. The little umbrella entertained me, too.






The yuca was really good- just soft enough and piping hot. We both really liked the red salsa sauce stuff that it came with.





Nito had Pechuga de Pollo (and some Postobon!). The mashed potatoes and green beans were good American complements. He wrestled with finishing everything.





The Pollo Guisado (stewed chicken) was tender and tasteful, though pretty oily. Fresh salad and more yuca, who can complain?





We were so full that we couldn't even have tres leches for dessert. I made Nito take a walk with me. After three feet, he wanted to return to the car.

...if that doesn't say volumes about the food, I don't know what does.