We've crossed BBQ, ramen, and burgers off the list so far in Austin. Another key cuisine in a new city for me has to be sushi.

And, Uchi is one of the best. According to Eater, Conde Nast Traveler picked out 207 of the world's very best restaurants. The lone Austin representative is Uchi, which writer Peter Jon Lindberg called "one of the great Japanese restaurants in the country."

Combining local seasonal ingredients with an infinite spectrum of seafood from around the globe is the basis for Uchi's culinary philosophy. We invite our diners to explore their gastronomic boundaries by pairing traditional Japanese offerings with new and refreshing flavors and textures. 

At Uchi, we serve the freshest product we can procure every day. We maintain close relationships with local farmers and we fly in seafood every day from both Fukuoka and Tsukiji markets in Japan. The essence of Japanese cuisine is the ingredients; at Uchi we prepare our dishes using innovative food combinations for the most unique dining experience in Austin. 

Uchi maintains the following policy about the fish that we procure: That we will use seafood products that are sustainable and responsibly fished when possible. That we will work with our suppliers on sourcing fish products that are traceable and to obtain that information whenever possible. Our goal at Uchi is to maintain the quality, creativity and freshness of the food we serve while striving to maintain a responsible policy towards sustainability, not just with our fish, but with the entire menu.

We happened to be there during a happy hour, so I tried a little bit of a few things.

The "machi cure" is smoked yellowtail, marcona almond, yucca crisp. Quite the presentation - but also quite tasty.

For sushi, I got some salmon sashimi and tuna maki. Both were delicious - fresh, paired with interesting ingredients. Just good.

What's unique about this place is that they put a little bit of a spin on some of the traditional rolls. That makes for a different experience. I enjoy seeing the chef's creativity merged with the traditional cuisine.

Everything here was fresh and light, which I wasn't sure what to expect in Texas. Of course, it's a big city and they have access to great fish - it's just not directly on the ocean. Not that that's necessarily a problem these days, but it was nice to see such a nice representation of this cuisine here.

Definitely try to hit this place up during happy hour because we got so many of the dishes for far cheaper than regular dinner prices.

Do you have any favorites here?



Grade: A

It's always cool to discover new little groceries in West Virginia.

Mother Earth Foods is a grocery in the Mid-Ohio Valley that prioritizes healthy living.

The shop has a little bit of everything - olive bars to supplements to clothing items and herbs.

Mother Earth Foods is an independent, natural health food store located in Parkersburg, West Virginia.  Offering a wide variety of vitamins, supplements, foods, beauty items, pet supplies, cleaning products, and more, Mother Earth Foods has been a favorite place to shop for the people of the Mid-Ohio Valley for 40 years. We are dedicated to the total well-being of our customers, employees, and our community through education and informed choices, providing them with excellent service and quality healthful products (ABOUT US).

Mother Earth Foods is dedicated to the total well-being of our customers, employees, and our community through education and informed choices, providing them with excellent service and quality healthful products. 

Owner David Hawkins, aka “the Herb Doc” or “Healthy Dave”, is a Master Herbalist and Certified Nutritional Counselor who believes in providing the surrounding area with more than just a unique place to shop.  Under his direction, the store offers many educational resources to the community including a weekly talk radio show and monthly Healthy Living events.

They have essential oils, herbs, natural foods, products, vitamins and more. Oh, and beer.

Have you been? What's the best thing to get here?

Amy's Ice Creams is a quirky little ice cream shop that had folks standing outside waiting in line for it, so I knew it had to be good.

Established in 1984, Amy's handcrafts artisan super premium ice creams, dairy-free fruit ices and frozen yogurt! Home of the world famous Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream. With over 350 flavors in rotation your every visit will be a new flavor adventure! We've grown up in Austin, Texas and now have shops in Houston and San Antonio! Explore your favorite flavors and the fun of Amy's Ice Creams.

The menu has all sorts of flavors, including their famous Mexican Vanilla. But, in addition to that, they have "creations," too.

So, it was a pretty easy decision for me when I saw their seasonal menu had the "all time fave" as the Turtle - Mexican Vanilla topped wit hot fudge and pecan praline sauce. SOLD.

Wow, this was good. The photo doesn't do it justice. But imagine a nice, creamy vanilla base swirling in ribbons of chocolate and caramel. Yes, you're welcome.

Grade: A

The Station has a heavy focus on local, fresh and craft food. And, here, that's not just a buzzword - they proudly list the farmers they work with on their menus.

We are three friends whose common desire coincided with undeniable timing to allow us to realize our dream in The Station. We set out to build a restaurant and communal gathering spot that serves and educates our customers about local, seasonal food and beverages. 

We believe that people have a growing interest in knowing where their food comes from and how it is produced. We also believe in eating food that is produced in a way that is kind to what is being produced, where it is being produced, and to whom is producing it. Therefore we strive to create unique and delicious meals using thoughtfully sourced local ingredients that are respectfully and skillfully prepared. We delight in nourishing our customers while supporting our local economy because we believe it is the right thing to do and because it makes us happy (OUR STORY).

The space inside is lovely - we had a beautiful, reclaimed tree top on our table, there are some more unconventional seating spaces which were cool and sleek art.

Their menu features a varied display - yellowfin tartare, arancini, pickled yada, bangers & mash, shepherd's pie, steaks, local trout and more. It's a unique assortment of dishes that highlights seasonal items, while also featuring a wide range of items to appease any visitor.

Lisa ordered the pasta special of the day, which was gnocchi in a tomato sauce with a sausage and beautifully shaved cheese sprinkled overtop. She was a fan; I think it was good - just a touch softer than my personal preference. I like my pasta with a bit of a chew.

For my entree, I ordered the shrimp & grits. It's hard for me to NOT order shrimp & grits when I see it on a menu: Shrimp & Sweet Corn Grits ($20) - sauteed gulf shirmp, local sweet corn grits, chili garlic butter, sugar snap peas, green onions.

It was pretty phenomenal. The shrimp were cooked well, with a bit of a spicy seasoning. The grits were just a bit sweet, which created this perfect balance. And, oddly enough, the peas were a perfect addition because they added some crunch and freshness. Genius.

My only regret? Not ordering 15 more dishes. Can't wait to eat my way through the menu here.

Grade: A

We were inspired by the classic diners of the ’50s. A place for people to come meet, eat, drink and have fun. Only this is Austin — so we left out the standard cookie-cutter diner stuff. No fluorescent lights, chrome or a cheesy refurbished jukebox in the corner. We blended a mid-century modern design with a big helping of Austin eclectic. Just like our food, it’s a unique blend of ingredients that’s delightfully unexpected. 

Our crew is uniquely inspired as well. Chef and Texas native Andrew Curren was valedictorian of his class at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and worked alongside top chefs such as Danny Meyer and Jonathan Waxman. In fact, all our partners are Texans with discerning palates. We offer local, farm-to-table and organic produce whenever possible and quality food prepared immaculately. 

Come hungry any time of the day — or night. Our chef-inspired comfort food will make you happy whether you’re craving chicken and waffles, veggie hash, meatloaf with sweet onion gravy or a tasty bacon Gorgonzola burger (try it with a fried egg on top). You’ll get extra grins if you order one of our decadently rich milkshakes — or a pint of craft beer or glass of boutique wine — to top it off. 

Good atmosphere. Good people. Good food. Good drink. All in one convenient location at the corner of 6th and Lamar. The fact we’re neighbors with Austin icon Waterloo Records, well, that just makes it even cooler.

24 Diner is a very cool, very orange diner known for its chicken and waffles. It has been awarded time and time again for its classic - yet inspired - food, so I needed to make a trip here pronto.

When you hear the word diner, you probably think greasy spoon. 24 Diner is anything but. Essentially, we took all the elements of the concept we liked — classic American cuisine, good service, fun atmosphere — and turned it up about 10 notches. We offer chef-inspired comfort food, local & organic fare, a full bar and a killer beer & wine list. A finer diner, if you will. And you can stop in anytime. We’re open 24 hours a day and located downtown in the heart of Central Austin at 6th and Lamar.

The breakfast menu is always served, and there's where you'll find the dish: CHICKEN & WAFFLE Marinated, boneless, skinless fried chicken breast & thigh, brown sugar butter. Oh, and that Belgian Waffle? Made from yeast-risen dough with butter, Madagascar vanilla & raw sugar. Grade A light amber Michigan maple syrup.

This is just the small serving - and thankfully I did that - because it was more than enough. The chicken is perfectly crispy and moist and just delicious. That waffle is light and fluffy and once you top everything with maple syrup, and it's just a dream come true. Best chicken & waffles I've had. The perfect chicken - free of mess or chewy or fatty bits - just makes it. You won't regret it.

Grade: A