Love Life, Hate Kittens

I’ve never been quite sentimental. Places, people are places and people. The new place and people will replace the old place and people and so on. You know when people say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone? Yea, I do that with LIFE. /emo Before you figure out that sentence made zero sense, let’s move on to the point. I didn’t expect taking a trip to Austin would send me into a whirlwind of panic. Over FOOD.

The next person that tells me Austin has great BBQ. I will cut them. I meant, real food. Where would I go for pho? for uni pasta? for normalcy? Will I gain a million pounds from eating fried mayo balls and ribs? Kill me now.

Luckily, I’m dating someone who also hates bbq and willing to take on the challenge of giving me a slice of LA in Austin. Here’s a couple asian places I tried on my recent trip. You can trust me cuz I’m chinese. Yes, I just pulled the “I’m authentic” card. What bitches. 

Pho Saigon / Pho Van - Tried two pho places in Austin. Both were pretty good. The broth was hearty, the egg rolls were hella big, and they didn’t skimp on meat. In fact, I dare to say? Westminster approved! Says the girl who eats at Pho Show on the Westside you say. Touche. (Pho Van, 8557 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758 / Pho Saigon, 10901 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 7875)

Din Ho BBQ- Cantonese. Surprisingly good. From roasted duck to sizzling platter of black pepper beef, everything had tons of flavor and they have an extensive menu. It’s like a cleaner and better Sam Woo. The country style noodles was lacking in beef but the flavors tasted decent. They don’t load everything up with tons of sauce to feed into the ‘american’ taste. (Din Ho, 8557 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758)

Coco’s Cafe - same as any Tapioca Express out in LA. Boba, milk tea, taiwanese menu. This seems like a good lunch option for folks in the area. Niu ro mien, fried tofu, fried squid, eel rice.. all less than 7 bucks. Yes, asian girls work there. (Coco’s Cafe (next to Din Ho), 8557 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758) 

We went into a couple asian supermarkets but I felt that they were a bit lacking. It’s big but it still feels like a pricier, dirtier 99 Ranch. I’m hoping to find something similar to Mitsuwa or at least a Nijiya for my japanese needs.  

All in all, I guess Austin isn’t too bad. It is home to Tom Ford, Benjamin McKenzie and my favorite TV show of all time (Friday Night Lights.) So god, if you’re listening, build me a Uwajimaya and I’m completely sold.

xoxo.