Monday, April 27, 2020

Mr. Donut

Stopped in the other morning for a donut shop breakfast.  The hours say they open at 5am, but I called ahead--they said they get open between 5:30 and 6, so come after 6 to be sure.  I came at 6:30 and they were just getting fresh donuts out--lucky me!  I got a sausage and egg croissant, a couple of small kolaches (they didn't have the large ones), a cake donut, and six frosted glazed.  And a cup of coffee.

It is nice to find frosted glazed, you can't get those everywhere.  The donuts were fine, and what we wanted.  The kolaches were a little disappointing--a lot of bread and tiny sausage, the large ones may be better.  The croissant breakfast sandwich was very tasty, the sausage has just a bit of heat.  It spent just a little too long in the microwave so was a little chewy.

The coffee was fine, basic filter stuff.  They pour it for you now, but the condiments are still self serve in bulk containers so if you want to use theirs be sure to bring a wipe in these pandemic times.  They are very nice people and I am happy to support them in this tough stretch.


My Yelp Review

Monday, April 20, 2020

Whataburger Near Timbercrest Village

Drive-throughs can keep fast food alive, and it looks to me like this location is thriving.  I stopped in for an avocado burger, fries, drink and chocolate shake the other day.  The drive-through was nuts, cars backed up as far as I have ever seen, but since there wasn't any in store traffic they got my food to me in about 15 minutes.  Would say that was pretty good.  The burger itself was OK.  More like an avocado patty melt.  I think other things, like the chicken sandwich, probably would travel better.  But really it was well executed and exactly what you would want.  Kudos to their hard work in this hard time.

They have an app, and it's a good idea to use it.  Would have saved me a lot of time, I think.


My Yelp Review

Monday, April 13, 2020

Akashi Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar

We ordered takeout the other night.  Overall it was OK but the food really needs the atmosphere.

We ordered spring rolls, crab wontons, egg drop soup, General Tso's chicken, teriyaki chicken, shrimp fried rice, the Chilean Sea Bass roll, and a raspberry cheesecake egg roll for dessert.  To top it off for fun, we had a Ramune soda.

I came in to pick up the order, standing far from others doing the same.  It will be a beautiful place to come back to, the decor is very fresh and modern Asian fusion.  I had to wait awhile for the order, but considering the times that is OK.

The spring rolls and dessert illustrate the perils of takeout.  I'm not sure we got a spring roll, it looked exactly like an egg roll.  So did the dessert, so it got some soy sauce on it before we tried it.  The non-soy sauced part was cheesecake all right, but it had warmed up by the time we got to it so I would say it did not travel well.  We also got a fried shrimp appetizer we didn't order, but it was nice and crisp.

The General Tso's and the teriyaki chicken were fine, nothing too special but competently made.  The shrimp fried rice was the highlight--everything blended well, with a very good shrimp flavor.  That is probably better as takeout than eating it there.  Delicious.

The sushi was a little sad.  It had warmed up also by the time I got it home, so the effect of the sauces was muted and it all kind of mushed together.  The Chilean sea bass was fried in small bits so it could have been anything.

The Ramune soda was fun.  Ramune is a "wasei-ego", an english word made in Japan.  It's pronounced La-mo-nay and is supposed to be like lemonade.  It comes in various flavors and is made by several companies--the one Akashi carries is by Jinya.  The distinctive part is the opening process, which involves pushing in a glass marble held in place by the soda pressure.  Fun!  Tasted a little like bubble gum.

Might get takeout again, will definitely try it when we can sit down.

Monday, April 6, 2020

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux

Obviously a sports bar sells atmosphere, but they really can't do that now so I stopped by to try their curbside service.  Ordered through GrubHub and it was ready when I arrived.  A smiling young woman in a cheerleader outfit came out to check my order when I pulled in, and another brought my order to the car.  It is good to know they are keeping some servers on.

I tried a full selection--boudin balls, duck & andouille gumbo, a Boom Boom shrimp po boy with fries, and beignets for dessert.

I'll start with dessert since if you order beignets that's what you should do.  Eat them in the car on the way home.  They are amazing when fresh.

The boudin balls were pleasingly different, the filling was inside a very light shell so they handled easily.  They came with a very tasty butter sauce with a bit of a kick and a bit of lemon.  The boudin balls themselves were nice and spicy.  Very good, I would eat those anytime.

The duck & andouille gumbo was the highlight of the meal.  The meaty flavors of the duck and sausage combine for a real umami bomb.  The roux was perfect, the whole thing blended beautifully.  You need to try this.

The po' boy was OK.  Hot sandwiches in an enclosed bag get kind of soft.  The Boom Boom sauce was great, complemented the shrimp well.  The shrimp themselves were a little soft and fishy, but supplies are tricky right now.  I would go with an entree next time.  Fries were fine, well cooked.

Walk On's is preparing family dinners now, as well as their entrees.  It's pricey for takeout, but very well executed so you won't be disappointed.


My Yelp Review