If you like my blog, check out my friend Brian's burrito blog. He is quite the traveler and he loves burritos! Some good stuff, plus some local places for those wanting try new places close to home.
http://briansburritoblog.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Java Kai Coffee and Mermaids Cafe, Kapaa, HI
Even though I went to these to places on different days, they are right next door to each other so I'm doing them as one post, I'm lazy like that sometimes. The first time I went to Kauai, my crew and I walked down to Kapaa looking for some good food, and Mermaids didn't disappoint. Basically just a window to the kitchen and some tables on the sidewalk, what mermaids lacks in fanciness, it more the makes up for in the taste of it's food.
I ordered the Tropical Tacos, which was Ahi cooked in their "special sauce" on two corn tortillas, served with black beans, salsa fresca, and organic lettuce. Fresh local ingredients and food that is cooked as ordered, not sitting around under a heat lamp, made this little cafe a gem. The food was cooked perfect and the taste was out of this world, definitely in the top five for fish tacos I've had. If your near here, go, you won't be disappointed.
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: B
Mermaids Cafe
4-1384 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI
808-821-2026
http://mermaidskauai.com/Mermaids_Cafe/Mermaids_Cafe_Kauai.html
Java Kai Coffee is located right next door to Mermaids and after taking a long walk the day after going to Mermaids, I found myself at their door. The place was packed, and for a touristy area to have a coffee place packed in the off season means something. The only thing I had was a coffee, so that's all I'll review, but the pastries in the case looked delicious. Plus, they had several gluten free options for the growing number of my friends that have gone gluten free. I'm not a coffee affectionado, but I do like a good cup of Joe and Java Kai's Surfer Blend is a great medium roast cup of Joe. Java Kai gets extra bonus points for a great decor and an amazingly friendly staff. When you start talking about surfing with the barista and he tells you next time your there to stop by and borrow a board, you know you in a great place!
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: A
Java Kai Old Kapaa Town
4-1384 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI
808-823-6887
http://www.facebook.com/JavaKai
I ordered the Tropical Tacos, which was Ahi cooked in their "special sauce" on two corn tortillas, served with black beans, salsa fresca, and organic lettuce. Fresh local ingredients and food that is cooked as ordered, not sitting around under a heat lamp, made this little cafe a gem. The food was cooked perfect and the taste was out of this world, definitely in the top five for fish tacos I've had. If your near here, go, you won't be disappointed.
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: B
Mermaids Cafe
4-1384 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI
808-821-2026
http://mermaidskauai.com/Mermaids_Cafe/Mermaids_Cafe_Kauai.html
Java Kai Coffee is located right next door to Mermaids and after taking a long walk the day after going to Mermaids, I found myself at their door. The place was packed, and for a touristy area to have a coffee place packed in the off season means something. The only thing I had was a coffee, so that's all I'll review, but the pastries in the case looked delicious. Plus, they had several gluten free options for the growing number of my friends that have gone gluten free. I'm not a coffee affectionado, but I do like a good cup of Joe and Java Kai's Surfer Blend is a great medium roast cup of Joe. Java Kai gets extra bonus points for a great decor and an amazingly friendly staff. When you start talking about surfing with the barista and he tells you next time your there to stop by and borrow a board, you know you in a great place!
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: A
Java Kai Old Kapaa Town
4-1384 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI
808-823-6887
http://www.facebook.com/JavaKai
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Matt's Big Breakfast, Phoenix AZ
When I found out I was staying next to a restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, I knew I had to go and I'm glad I did. I've been to several places Guy Fieri has recommended and Matt's Big Breakfast didn't disappoint. While the inside and outside of the building may look quite plain, the food is just the opposite.
By the time I got to Matt's, it was late morning and I had a long day ahead of me, so I ordered something a little more on the hearty side, The Chop and Chick. They certainly live up to their name here, because this was a king sized meal! The name sake of this breakfast was a thick cut chop, seasoned to perfection with a hint of basil, and cooked to perfection. It came with your choice of home fries or hash browns, I went for hash browns, and two eggs cooked any way you like them (over medium, please). It also came with toast and jam, and I'm not sure if their sourdough is homemade, but it is delicious and the fresh made berry preserve, made with fresh local berries was amazing.
http://www.mattsbigbreakfast.com/
By the time I got to Matt's, it was late morning and I had a long day ahead of me, so I ordered something a little more on the hearty side, The Chop and Chick. They certainly live up to their name here, because this was a king sized meal! The name sake of this breakfast was a thick cut chop, seasoned to perfection with a hint of basil, and cooked to perfection. It came with your choice of home fries or hash browns, I went for hash browns, and two eggs cooked any way you like them (over medium, please). It also came with toast and jam, and I'm not sure if their sourdough is homemade, but it is delicious and the fresh made berry preserve, made with fresh local berries was amazing.
(sorry for the terrible picture)
After eating at Matt's, it's no wonder they were on Diners Drive-ins, and Dives, their food is amazing. The staff is fantastic and the prices are low for the amount of food you get. My meal was only $8.95 not including my coffee or the tip. My only complaint was not the restaurant or the food but the ten blocks I had to walk in 90 degree heat after eating such a big meal!
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: A
Matt's Big Breakfast
Corner of Garfield and First Street
Phoenix, AZhttp://www.mattsbigbreakfast.com/
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria, Anchorage, AK
The best way to find the best food in a new city is to ask the locals, so when I ran into my friend and coworker, Sari, in the airport in Anchorage and she offered to show me around I jumped at the chance. While deciding where to go she mentioned the Moose's Tooth and since I heard they had good pizza and they were a brewery I knew this was the place to go. When we arrived there and the place was packed on a Sunday night, I had no doubt this was the place for me.
We made our way to the bar and I started with a Pipeline Stout. A full bodied beer, with a hint of chocolate and mildly hoppy, this beer rocked. Very easy to drink and not to filling. Even though we were quoted 35 minutes for a table, we were seated within 10 minutes and Sari quickly ordered an "appetizer"
The Mozzarella Bread Sticks were amazing, although appetizer is not what I would call these meal sized morsels. Homemade pizza dough with mozzarella and provolone cheese is delicious enough, but when you add their homemade marinara, that is rich in garlic, it is a match made in heaven. This amazing starter was quickly followed with a pizza. We ordered a Santa's Little Helper, an amazing combination of pepperoni, blackened chicken, steak, bacon, red peppers, and cilantro, and I'm sorry Texas, everything maybe bigger in Texas, but pizza at Moose's Tooth in Anchorage IS the size of Texas. Holy mother of god was this pizza HUGE! The pizza easily covered the table we were sitting at.
We made our way to the bar and I started with a Pipeline Stout. A full bodied beer, with a hint of chocolate and mildly hoppy, this beer rocked. Very easy to drink and not to filling. Even though we were quoted 35 minutes for a table, we were seated within 10 minutes and Sari quickly ordered an "appetizer"
The Mozzarella Bread Sticks were amazing, although appetizer is not what I would call these meal sized morsels. Homemade pizza dough with mozzarella and provolone cheese is delicious enough, but when you add their homemade marinara, that is rich in garlic, it is a match made in heaven. This amazing starter was quickly followed with a pizza. We ordered a Santa's Little Helper, an amazing combination of pepperoni, blackened chicken, steak, bacon, red peppers, and cilantro, and I'm sorry Texas, everything maybe bigger in Texas, but pizza at Moose's Tooth in Anchorage IS the size of Texas. Holy mother of god was this pizza HUGE! The pizza easily covered the table we were sitting at.
Everything about this pizza was amazing. The crust had a nice crisp on the bottom, but still soft in the middle like good fresh baked bread. The homemade sauce is on of the best pizza sauces I've ever had and with a ton of toppings and just the right amount of cheese, the Moose's Tooth delivered on of the top pizza performances I've ever enjoyed. Our waiter, who was great, twisted my arm and reluctantly had to try another beer. I decided on a Prince William Porter. It rivaled the stout in color, but was actually quite light and very easy to drink, the way a true porter should be. Overall I was very impressed and glad I got to try some great food and beer with an awesome travel guide, Sari.
Would I go back: Hopefully every time I'm in Anchorage.
Overall score: A
Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward Highway
Anchorage, AK
907-258-2537
Friday, October 19, 2012
Two Fat Guys, Anchorage AK
Two Fat Guys is street food at its best! Located at the Anchorage farmers market on 3rd, Lee and Big Roy cook up some amazing food with local ingredients like salmon and halibut and then adding things like mango salsa for a totally unique experience. Not only is there food fantastic, but they are extremely nice people which is one of the reason they do so much business. I have been here twice now and I can't wait until next summer when I can go back and try some more of there great food.
The first time I went to Two Fat Guys, we were hooked up with an order of sweet potato fries and chipotle ranch dipping sauce. I'm not normally a sweet potato fry guy, but these were amazing and the sauce made them even better. They didn't last long. I then ordered a Blackened Salmon Wrap. Tons of well seasoned blackened salmon, Napa slaw, fresh mango salsa, and chipotle ranch made for an amazing meal. The mix of flavors and textures worked perfectly in this dish and for just $8 this was enough food for two people.
The second time I went to Two Fat Guys was late in the day on the last day of the farmers market so my choices were limited. I went with a Blackened Salmon Taco. Very similar to the wrap, it is served open on a corn tortilla, with blackened salmon, Napa slaw, and mango salsa. For $5 you might be thinking that is a little high in price for a taco, but this is definitely more than one taco in terms of the filling and they don't skimp on the salmon.
Would I go back: Hell yeah!
Overall score: A
Two Fat Guys Catering
Anchorage, AK
http://twofatguyscatering.com/
The first time I went to Two Fat Guys, we were hooked up with an order of sweet potato fries and chipotle ranch dipping sauce. I'm not normally a sweet potato fry guy, but these were amazing and the sauce made them even better. They didn't last long. I then ordered a Blackened Salmon Wrap. Tons of well seasoned blackened salmon, Napa slaw, fresh mango salsa, and chipotle ranch made for an amazing meal. The mix of flavors and textures worked perfectly in this dish and for just $8 this was enough food for two people.
The second time I went to Two Fat Guys was late in the day on the last day of the farmers market so my choices were limited. I went with a Blackened Salmon Taco. Very similar to the wrap, it is served open on a corn tortilla, with blackened salmon, Napa slaw, and mango salsa. For $5 you might be thinking that is a little high in price for a taco, but this is definitely more than one taco in terms of the filling and they don't skimp on the salmon.
Would I go back: Hell yeah!
Overall score: A
Two Fat Guys Catering
Anchorage, AK
http://twofatguyscatering.com/
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Ginger Man, Austin, TX
Austin ROCKS, and this bar in Austin's downtown didn't disappoint. With over 90 beers on tap there were plenty of choices here. I started with local brewery, 512, and their Pecan Porter. I love dark beers and this was right up my alley. Very malty, not very hoppy, and just a slight hint of pecans made this beer worthy of three pints for the night. I ended the night with another local beer, thirsty Goat Amber Ale. I had to try this just because of the name and it was also a very good amber ale comparable to the best amber ales of the Pacific Northwest.
I also sampled some of the food here as well. I had a Jalapeno and Pretzel Dog and the Beer Companion. The "dog" was actually quite good (or it could be the alcohol talking) and very filling. It was your typical cheese and jalapeno stuffed hot dog covered in a pretzel dough and baked al a pigs in a blanket. It was a good quality dog with good flavor and the pretzel crust was cooked to perfection. The Beer Companion was a platter of cheese, salami, hummus, pita chips, fruit, and bread, and WOW I can't think of of a better combination to have a few beers with. What started as a night of bar hopping ended in with me staying at this one bar and it didn't disappoint, I can't wait to go back.
Would I go back: Definitely
Overall score: A- (even though they played Seattle music, they didn't have Mother Love Bone)
http://aus.gingermanpub.com/
The Ginger Man Pub
I also sampled some of the food here as well. I had a Jalapeno and Pretzel Dog and the Beer Companion. The "dog" was actually quite good (or it could be the alcohol talking) and very filling. It was your typical cheese and jalapeno stuffed hot dog covered in a pretzel dough and baked al a pigs in a blanket. It was a good quality dog with good flavor and the pretzel crust was cooked to perfection. The Beer Companion was a platter of cheese, salami, hummus, pita chips, fruit, and bread, and WOW I can't think of of a better combination to have a few beers with. What started as a night of bar hopping ended in with me staying at this one bar and it didn't disappoint, I can't wait to go back.
Would I go back: Definitely
Overall score: A- (even though they played Seattle music, they didn't have Mother Love Bone)
http://aus.gingermanpub.com/
The Ginger Man Pub
| 301 Lavaca Street Austin, TX 78701 |
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tubby's Alaska BBQ Grill & Sport's Bar, Fairbanks, AK
I'd heard from a fellow flight attendant that Tubby's had great BBQ so I had to try it. Located in the Regency Fairbanks Hotel, Tubby's is a pretty neat little sports bar. TVs are located all around the bar and the whole place is decorated with hockey memorabilia, from local Jr. league, college, and the NHL.
I ordered one of the three standards to judge a BBQ joint on, the pulled pork sandwich. The pork itself had a sweet, peppery flavor, was a bit dry, and lacked a good smokey flavor. The sauce on its own wasn't all that great but when added to the pork, along with the grilled bun, it all seemed to work. Definitely not the best pulled pork sandwich I've had (I have very high standards for BBQ) but not the worst either. The meal came with choice of side, I chose fries, and a pickle spear. I also ordered a sweet tea which was very good.
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: C+
Tubby's Alaska BBQ Grill and Sport's Bar
95 10th Ave
Fairbanks, AK 99701
I ordered one of the three standards to judge a BBQ joint on, the pulled pork sandwich. The pork itself had a sweet, peppery flavor, was a bit dry, and lacked a good smokey flavor. The sauce on its own wasn't all that great but when added to the pork, along with the grilled bun, it all seemed to work. Definitely not the best pulled pork sandwich I've had (I have very high standards for BBQ) but not the worst either. The meal came with choice of side, I chose fries, and a pickle spear. I also ordered a sweet tea which was very good.
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: C+
Tubby's Alaska BBQ Grill and Sport's Bar
95 10th Ave
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 452-5222
Aloha Hawaiian Grill, Fairbanks, AK
What can I say about the Aloha BBQ Grill in Fairbanks other than "am I really in Fairbanks?" The food here is surprisingly low priced, and actually very good. All meals come with seaweed soup and a type of coconut jello for dessert. The staff is extremely friendly and in typical Alaska style the locals in there were also extremely nice.
I ordered the BBQ chicken lunch special, which came with BBQ, sticky rice, kimchee, macaroni salad, and fried won tons. The food reminded me of true Hawaiian food and the portions were big for the price, less than $10 with a generous tip. The chicken was very well seasoned and not dry and the kimchee was actually the best I've ever had. The seaweed soup was a very good starter to help knock off some of the chill from a cold Fairbanks day.
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: B-
Aloha BBQ Grill
Phone: (907) 479-7770
I ordered the BBQ chicken lunch special, which came with BBQ, sticky rice, kimchee, macaroni salad, and fried won tons. The food reminded me of true Hawaiian food and the portions were big for the price, less than $10 with a generous tip. The chicken was very well seasoned and not dry and the kimchee was actually the best I've ever had. The seaweed soup was a very good starter to help knock off some of the chill from a cold Fairbanks day.
Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: B-
Aloha BBQ Grill
Address: 402 5th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701
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