Food Media & News Digest: Texas 2006-2007

[Kent Wang]

May 31, 2007

Austin Chronicle

Place of Honor. Twelve rounds between Hiroko Shimbo and Tyson Cole. By Mick Vann.

12 course meal at Uchi with acclaimed Japanese food writer.

"When all was said and done, Hiroko was very impressed with what we had been prepared and served by Tyson and his team. "I appreciate his culinary talent and his respect for the ingredients. A lot of our dinner wasn't Japanese in the classic sense, but it was based on Japanese training, used the freshest seasonal ingredients like the Japanese do, and had clean flavors in the Japanese way. His meticulous and careful attention to create beautiful presentation is astonishing. I am really glad that I got to experience Tyson's food."

Austin American-Statesman

Cole's Uchi remains as creative as ever. By Dale Rice.

"It's that sense of surprise and adventure — from first bite to last at Uchi — that makes this restaurant such an intriguing place. It remains one of the very best dining experiences in Central Texas."

[Kent Wang]

June 21, 2007

Austin Chronicle

Eating Fresh in Texas. By Barbara Chisholm.

Guide to Texas produce now in season.

Austin Chronicle

Chado Tea Market. By Virginia B. Wood.

"Today, Tony's chic little shop is filled with the results of his explorations – more than 70 varieties of gourmet loose teas sold by the ounce, plus a tasteful selection of tea accoutrements, including Japanese and Chinese teapots."

Austin American-Statesman

Cafe 909 continues to surprise and please with its Top 10 fare. By Dale Rice.

"With his cuisine, Schmidt has made Marble Falls a mandatory excursion for the serious foodies of Central Texas. He continues to demonstrate that the Top 10 restaurants of this region aren't all within 30 minutes of downtown Austin."

[Kent Wang]

September 7, 2007

Austin Chronicle

Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant. By Mick Vann.

"...there is a wealth of vegetable sides, so vegetarians naturally flock toward Ethiopian venues. The flavor profile resembles Pakistani or Afghani cuisine, crossed with North African: complex layers of spice and piquancy."

[Kent Wang]

November 29, 2007

Austin Chronicle

Big Top Candy Shop. By Rosalind Faires.

"...a crimson-and-gold-striped candy store with a real soda counter with real hand-jerked sodas."

Austin Chronicle

Habanero Mexican Cafe. By Mick Vann.

"Great small places this good scream for the eat-but-don't-tell rule, but Habanero is too good to keep a secret."

[Kent Wang]

December 28, 2007

Austin Chronicle

Taste-testing Texas liquors against the world. By Wes Marshall.

Tito's Vodka, Paula's Texas Orange, Treaty Oak Rum and others are double-blind tested against major brands.