Everywhere I ate in Kyoto Japan

Even the bummers, the beers, the hidden gem cocktail spots and the sweet snacks. Kyoto has a sterling reputation for food as it is the birthplace of Kaiseki:  a traditional multi-course Japanese dining experience that emphasizes seasonality, balance, presentation, and meticulous technique. In today's terms you might consider that a banging tasting menu and I guess it is. But I didn't try one. Even though Japan is a deal compared to the US, Kaiseki is still pricey, requires reservations and keep in mind it's a special occasion place as far as the Japanese are concerned. There's plenty of good eating to do on the daily. Well, at least if you skip a place like this . . .

The Vitals: the spot: Kobe Beef Factory 〒600-8001 Kyoto,Shimogyo Ward,Shijo Street,Kawaramachi,68 Higashi-iru Shin-cho the eats: Kobe beef set the bucks: $$$ basically not worth it the full nelson: a bummer of a meal

The plan was to hit a top notch conveyor belt sushi joint. But plans changed. The wait was steep, we had no reservation(PS consider that whenever you go out or call ahead) so we pivoted. A food court nearby led us to a somewhat desperate decision. My son was a trooper and enjoyed the spot. At least one of us did. Overpriced and far from the elite beef we had in Korea, this Kobe beef was more a knock off jersey than the player who dropped 80 points in a single game. Overpriced, underwhelming and easily the most disappointing meal I have ever had in Japan. Everyone has a bad game. You just gotta shrug it off and move on. The Vitals: the spot:Nishiki Market Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan the eats: food stall heaven the bucks: $ the full nelson: why I fly across the world to eat After that bummer meal I made plans to head to Nishiki Market come hell or high water. I've never used that phrase before but I googled it and it makes sense. Surprisingly I came across a Reddit thread that called it toursity and "not good". I'll agree with the first part but I freaking loved it and love being a tourist in Japan. On to the grub. Bring cash and be picky because there are loads of stalls. You don't want to miss out on the fatty grilled crab legs, giant oysters and the Kobe beef skewers that were so much better than what I had the night before. My advice is eat the first thing you see that looks good and walk all the way to the end. On your way back you will be able to see which spots were the busiest and pace yourself accordingly. At one end is a restaurant where you can actually sit down and have a drink and eat giant oysters(among other goodies). Since I went solo I came back and brought the Mrs . . . good times friends. The Vitals: the spot: Kikyo Sushi 〒604-0071 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Daimonjicho, 油小路通丸太町下る43-2 大文字町43 the eats: Sushi the bucks: $$ the full nelson: Bang for your Buck Sushi We have our sushi move down in Japan. It comes down to finding a place with a reasonable price which for us is like like $30 to $50 per person. I recommend using a site like Tablog but google maps aint bad either. Seems like a low lift but that's because you just don't have to try too hard when it comes to sushi. Even the cheap places have good fish. What sets a place like Kikyo and more expensive places apart starts with the rice. Great sushi means great rice folks. Kikyo was fine, not other worldly but also not too pricey either. We also had a great sake flight here as well. Dude made it a show with these giant bottles too. The Vitals: the spots:Craftman 643-1 Nijo Hanjikicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8412 Kyoto Prefecture and Takanoya 255 Makieyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0857, Japan the eats: Craft Beer the bucks: $$ the full nelson: the best craft beer I have ever had I had no expectations of finding great beer or cocktails in Kyoto or Japan for that matter but the craft beer and the bars I found in Kyoto were second to none. I like craft beer but I ain't no beer nerd. Still, Kyoto made me look at beer a little differently. Most striking was the time taken to pour the beer. Very methodical. And the near silence when you walk into the bars I found in Kyoto was a welcomed change. It's a magnificently different experience, with a laser focus on quality. My favorite bar ever was this tucked away dark yet pristine spot in the alleys of Kyoto. I dream of finding it again. But sadly I can't seem to ping the location on the internet. The Vitals: the spots: Shintogetsu udon shop 0-40 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan and Kumunocha cafe 220-13 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan the eats: Udon shop and killer dessert shop next door the bucks: $$ the full nelson: killer lunch combo after seeing going to Monkey Park Arasiyama Monkey Park is a fun trek when you are visiting Tokyo. It involves a short hike up a little mountain to an area where monkeys freely roam. Naturally one might work up an appetite. We landed on this Udon shop called Shintogetsu. My son is a noodle head so he is always down and honestly I could have eaten half the menu. This visit was also the first time I tried dipping udon. Next door or a few doors down we snagged a matcha ice cream. Matcha is a big deal in Kyoto and the trendy tea seems to make anything better but ice cream will make you scream matcha all day all night. The Vitals: the spots: Honmaguro to Sosaku Washoku Ginjo Kuraudo Marutacho Ten 〒604-0002 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kagamiyachō, 50-2 そいる, Japan the eats: Izakaya with a focus on tuna and sake the bucks: $$ the full nelson: The Izakaya streak continues Izakaya continued to be my fav restaurant type in Japan. Something for everyone, reasonably priced and just a lot of fun. This spot specialized in Bluefin tuna and Sake. The tuna sashimi ranged from loin to various grades of fatty belly. Basically heaven for a sushi head and pennies on the dollar compared to eating this in the US. I do have zero regrets ordering a dish called "Gout Prince" that featured a hardboiled egg topped with salmon eggs(Ikura), sea urchin(uni) and caviar. Or the scoop of potato salad topped with uni. I kept ordering but kinda didn't need to. The bluefin tuna was about as satisfying as it gets and the platter was like $21. Did I mention this place isn't that expensive? God I love Japan . . . . .

Kyoto wrap up

The city is highly touted for the elegant fine dining tasting menu experience known as Kaiseki. But I never stepped foot in one. You don't have to. Good, even excellent doesn't necessarily mean expensive in Japan. That certainly was the case in Kyoto. Keep it in mind and all these spots but I'm sure I barely scratched the surface.    

What the Heck happened to Subway?

Fresh off the heels of my latest YouTube video I wanted to continue the conversation about the fall of Subway. At its peak in the early 2010s, Subway had over 40,000 restaurants worldwide—more than McDonald’s. But fast forward a decade, and the story is very different. Store closures, declining sales, and fading cultural relevance have pushed Subway from dominance into damage control.

So what the heck happened?

1. Overexpansion Without Oversight

At the heart of Subway’s downfall is its aggressive expansion strategy. Franchisees found it easy to open stores due to low startup costs, but Subway didn’t place tight limits on proximity between franchises. The result? Market saturation. Locations began to cannibalize each other’s sales, leading to diminishing profits for many franchise owners.

By focusing on quantity rather than sustainable growth, Subway grew too fast, too soon, with little regard for long-term stability.

2. Changing Consumer Tastes

In the early 2000s, Subway's "Eat Fresh" branding resonated with a health-conscious public in contrast to McDonald's. Jared Fogle (before his scandal) became the face of its weight-loss marketing. But over time, new fast-casual competitors with an eye on quality like Chipotle and Jersey Mike's opened the door to a new era of higher quality chain fast food that offered a new option: better fast food(albeit more expensive).

Subway, by contrast, stuck with pre-sliced deli meats and bread that didn't live up to the to this new upscale trend. As consumer expectations evolved, Subway stayed largely the same.

3. Brand and Menu Stagnation

While competitors innovated with menus and digital experiences, Subway’s core offering barely changed for years. Even their attempts at innovation—like flatbreads, wraps, or the controversial “$5 Footlong”—felt like half-measures. The chain’s “Fresh Forward” redesign, introduced in 2017, was too little, too late for many franchisees who couldn’t afford the remodel costs.

Meanwhile, mobile ordering, app experiences, and third-party delivery options lagged behind industry leaders.

4. Reputation Damage

The brand’s image has been rocked by scandal and criticism. The Jared Fogle scandal in 2015 was a major public relations disaster. Then came the infamous legal battles over whether their bread was legally bread in Ireland (due to sugar content), and questions about the authenticity of its tuna.

These stories, even when resolved, chipped away at public trust and made Subway the butt of late-night jokes rather than the face of healthy fast food.

5. Franchisee Discontent

Subway franchisees have long voiced frustration over corporate policies. From being forced to participate in costly promotions (like the $5 Footlong) to high royalty fees and increasing supply costs, many franchise owners felt squeezed. This tension led to lawsuits, closures, and a growing number of operators abandoning the brand altogether.

When the people running your stores no longer believe in the company, decline is inevitable.

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Final Thoughts: Can Subway Come Back?

In recent years, Subway has made attempts to rebrand. They’ve introduced new menu items, launched a loyalty app, and unveiled ambitious international expansion plans. There’s also been a push to sell the company, signaling that new leadership might bring fresh strategy.

But regaining cultural relevance—and consumer trust—won’t be easy. Subway needs more than a new sandwich lineup or a revamped logo. It needs a bold, authentic reinvention. The question is: after so many missteps, is it already too late?

Where I ate in Fukuoka Japan

Looking at these pics makes want to hop on a 17 hour flight and do it all over again. Fukuoka was our first stop in Japan after an epic eye opening visit to Seoul Korea. But the biggest highlight of my Fukuoka Japan food tour here just might surprise you too.

Ramen Stadium

The Vitals: the spot: Ramen Stadium 1 Chome-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan the eats: Hakata Ramen, Gyoza, Pork Belly rice the bucks: $  the full nelson: Ramen Stall eatin' Situated on the fifth floor of the Canal City Hakata Cinema Building, this “stadium” is really a stylish food court hosting eight celebrated ramen stalls from across Japan. Expect everything from Hakata and Kurume tonkotsu to Tokyo-style shoyu and even tomato-based broths. We were limited to which stall we could visit because of my son's peanut and tree nut allergy. So our experience was unfortunately limited to one ramen stall. The pork belly bowl was the highlight but the ramen on this day was a little lackluster.

What I ate at a baseball game in Japan

The Vitals: the spot: Softbank Hawks Mizuho PayPay Dome  2-2-2, Jigyohama, Fukuoka Shi Chuo Ku, Fukuoka Ken, 810-0065, Japan the eats: Yakitori, chicken wings, beer the bucks: $  the full nelson: Baseball stadium grub in Japan We had our hearts set on seeing a baseball game when were in Seoul Korea but sadly the game was sold out. So we moved heaven and earth to make sure we caught a game in Japan. Apparently the Softbank Hawks are one of the best teams in Japan and they laid down a whooping the day we showed up. Eating at a baseball game in Japan is a trip. They had a KFC in there but I was gonna stick to more one of a kind types of foods. The yakitori was surprisingly cold and felt like I was at a Konbini(convenience store aka 7-Eleven) but it was still unique and tasty. The chicken wings were about the same: good but nothing special. But hey . . you are at a baseball game and the Hawks won!!

Late night Sushi craving

The Vitals: the spot: Sushi Kappo Nishimura Japan, 〒812-0018 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Sumiyoshi, 1 Chome−5−3 プラスワン 1F the eats: Sushi set the bucks: $$  the full nelson: Solid low key family sushi spot

Being my second visit to Japan, my rose colored glasses are a little less tinted. Generally speaking, the fish is always going to be very good at any sushi place compared to the US and you always get good bang for your buck. But elite sushi experiences still take a skill level that is met at a higher price point.

Whereas a $10 ramen has the potential of blowing you away . . . mind blowing sushi usually comes with a higher cost. Sushi Kappo Nishimura isn't mind blowing but its darn solid and was open late(we went after the baseball game). It's listed as mom n pop in Trip Advisor reviews and after getting a selfie with the grandma who owns the joint, I'd say that tracks. I have fond memories here. We sat on the ground as is tradition, we were inundated with a heavy cigarette smoke odor(that surprisingly wasn’t a deal breaker)and the sushi hit the spot. Getting the selfie with the old lady was frankly the cherry on the sundae. Some people might say "fine but I would never go back". I might agree because there is probably better sushi out there but the place has its charm.

Best food we had in Fukuoka Japan Food Tour was . . .

The Vitals: the spot: Grand Hyatt Fukuoka  1 Chome-2-82 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan the eats: Grand Club lounge the bucks: $$  the full nelson: Sbest hotel food I have ever had and some of the best food of the trip It almost feels like a cop out to crown the food at the club lounge at the Grand Hyatt the best food we had in Fukuoka but it was. Our trip was built on points which is not only how we got our room at the Grand Hyatt but how we got access to the club. Each morning for breakfast I would get a bowl of sashimi over rice(Kaisen don) and it was excellent. The fish was superb and so was the rice. And it was a freaking buffet. The egg dishes, bacon, sausage, cured meats, smoked salmon: all of it was excellent. We only hit the cocktail and hors d'oveurs once but Ill leave you with this: they had bottles of Japanese single malt scotch out for you to pour at will. I also want to highlight they featured local delicacies as well like mentaiko which is a sauce/dip made from fish roe and very similar to the Greek Taramosalata. They also served this velvety green sauce that is a special of the hotel. Both were incredible. Fukuoka has a reputation for food because it is where tonkotsu ramen originated. But beyond ramen, which one can find everywhere these days, were the lesser known delicacies like the Mentaiko sauce. And there was more: Motsunabe and Mizutaki - hot pots that hotel serves towards the final third of their cocktail and hors d'oveurs service. I know there is far more to dig into when it comes to the food scene of Fukuoka but I would go back to the Grand Hyatt and hit the Grand Club lounge in a heartbeat. It was some of the dining I think I will ever have in a hotel.

The Best Food in Austin Texas: June 2025

Old School Hotel Continental Cuisine

The Vitals: the spot: The Carillon AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave, Austin, TX 78705 the eats: Three course Dinner the bucks: $55 per person the full nelson: Throwback to American Continental Cuisine dining era Over Easter Sunday, I was pleasantly surprised to feast at the Carillon by the campus of the University of Texas Austin. The sumptuous brunch  took me back to the days of my youth where American Continental cuisine classics like Hollandaise draped seafood and filet mignon seared to perfect medium rare screamed "the good life". Dinner at the Carillon bodes well for more throwbacks from that era of dining. I'm eyeing the Wagyu Carpaccio, The NY Strip with bordelaise(a totally classic continental cuisine sauce) and the black forest cake. The latter happens to be vegan, so can't say it screams 1980s(0r 1930s) for me but chocolate is always the answer. And so goes The Carillon for my pick for some the best food in Austin.

An Austin Burger Original

The Vitals: the spot: JewBoy Burgers  5111 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751 the eats: The Cubano Burger special  the bucks: $ the full nelson: The city's most lowkey beloved burger joint What makes JewBoy Burgers an easy pick for the best food in Austin? It's a low key locally beloved burger joint. The food trailer turned brick and mortar also has spun off a sub shop concept, a West Texas Mexican concept(sadly closed) and a burger slider concept. The main location is always packed and more often than not you will see the JewBoy himself, Mo Pittle working the room. It's worth noting that Mo is Jewish. The name "JewBoy", which I initially found a touch disarming, is in fact a term of endearment. One that was bestowed upon him by the Mexican American community in El Paso where Mo grew up. Think of it has a play on "homeboy". As far the burgers go, Mo has a gift of making hearty topped burgers work well. His "Goyim" which features a generous amount of pastrami on a sizeable beef patty is less an episode of "Man vs Food" and more like "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". This month he is doing a take on a Cuban sandwich, a staple of Miami, that serves up layers of roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickle, yellow mustard in a pressed panini sandwich. And in true Mo Pittle style, a burger patty is slipped in. This one might just be the Man vs Food moment for JewBoy Burgers, but there is only one way to find out.

The best brunch in Austin just got bigger.

The Vitals: the spot: Paperboy  South 1401 S. Lamar blvd Austin TX 78704 the eats: Texas hash, Paperboy Pancake, Ricotta Toast the bucks: $$ the full nelson: The best everyday brunch in Austin expands Paperboy makes my list of Best Food in Austin because they serve brunch every day of the week. Now they doubled that service by adding a second location. Those who live south of downtown can get their Roasted Pork Sweet Potato hash or their decadent pancake, or a bevy of bodacious brunch fare without having to drive to their original location and waiting in line. I'm hopeful this means the wait might ease up. And even if it doesn't, I won't mind. Their food is worth it. The Vitals: the spot: Distant Relatives 3901 Promontory Drive Austin TX 78744 the eats: ribs, chicken, pulled pork sandwich, all the sides the bucks: $$ the full nelson: the perfect place to eat in honor of Juneteenth

Where you should eat on Juneteenth

I confess that it was with the the last few years that I learned what Juneteenth was. If you were like I was in 2017 I will explain. Juneteenth is a U.S. holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Fitting then, that on this day you choose to eat at Distant Relatives. Chef Damien Brockway left the world of fine dining and took to barbecue. The African American chef chose the name as he was researching his own past where he traced his ancestors from Africa and sourced ingredients and spices to craft his own barbecue. I adore the bbq chicken and pulled pork which are relatively affordable when it comes to barbecue. The Vitals: the spot: Loudmouth 1209 Rosewood Ave Austin TX 78702 the eats: pizza, meatballs, Caesar salad, Italian sandwich  the bucks: $$ the full nelson: a pizza and Italian American comfort spot from the Paperboy team

Pizza Pizza Pizza

Housed in a gorgeous Victorian-era building on Rosewood Ave, Loudmouth is a pizzeria and Italian American comfort food spot from the team that gave us Paperboy. The menu appeals to what seems to be what everyone loves these days: wood fired pizzas, cocktails and elevated comfort food like chicken wings, Caesar salad, and hefty Italian Sub. Personally I was blown away by two things: the building which has a charm like one finds in a New Orleans restaurant and the focaccia that comes with the meatballs. The bread seemed to be made with an extra helping of olive oil and arrives toasted to a lovely yellow gold color. The red sauce was spot on as well, just tangy enough without every wearing out its welcome. The pizza game is getting crowded in Austin but what makes Loudmouth standout is that bread and the environment.  

A first-ever win for an Austin restaurant professional

And a special shout out to Arjav Ezekiel, co-owner and beverage director of Birdie’s in Austin, who wine the James Beard Award for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.  The wine aficionado was honored for the restaurant's extensive wine list. Birdie's has logn been on my list for Best Food in Austin because of the cooking of Arjav's wife: Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel.

When did Fast Food stop being cheap?

Not long ago, fast food was the go-to option for anyone looking for a quick, affordable meal. Whether it was a burger, fries, or a slice of pizza, you could count on fast food to fill you up without emptying your wallet. But lately, it feels like the dollar menu has gone extinct, and grabbing a meal at a drive-thru costs nearly as much as sitting down at a casual dining restaurant. So what’s going on?

The Price of "Cheap" Food Is Rising

If you’ve noticed that your usual fast food order now costs significantly more than it did a year or two ago, you’re not imagining things. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of fast food has risen steadily over the past few years — and in some cases, even faster than inflation.

For example, the cost of a basic combo meal at many major chains has jumped from around $5–$7 to $10–$12. That’s a significant increase, especially for people who used to rely on fast food for budget-friendly eating.

What’s Driving the Costs Up?

Several factors are contributing to the rise in fast food prices:

1. Labor Costs
   Many states and cities have raised minimum wages in recent years, and fast food chains are passing those increases on to consumers. Higher wages for workers are a positive step toward fair compensation, but they do add to operating costs.

2. Ingredient Inflation
   The prices of ingredients like beef, chicken, dairy, and grains have risen due to supply chain disruptions, climate-related issues, and global economic instability. That’s made it more expensive to produce the same menu items.

3. Supply Chain Issues
   The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the global supply chain, and fast food companies have been hit hard by shortages and delays. Transportation costs and logistical challenges continue to affect pricing.

4. Shrinkflation and Upcharges
   In some cases, items may not appear more expensive because their portion sizes have quietly shrunk — a trend known as "shrinkflation." In others, the price goes up with little warning, and customizations or upgrades (extra cheese, larger drinks, etc.) are increasingly being priced as extras.

Are We Paying More for Better Food?

Some chains argue that they’re improving quality — using fresher ingredients, offering healthier options, and paying workers better wages — which justifies the higher prices. In some cases, this may be true. But the question remains: Is fast food still "fast" and "affordable"?

What's up with McDonald's?

As of mid-2025, McDonald's prices remain elevated due to a combination of economic pressures, strategic pricing decisions, and shifting consumer behaviors. The thing is McDonald's was always the place you went to because they had that signature taste, they were consistent and everywhere.  In 2025 it is still fast and convenient but it ain't cheap. And when you compare the price of a double quarter pounder to a food truck serving a smashed burger . .  you might think twice.

Final Thoughts

Fast food isn't the budget-friendly option it used to be, and for many people, that’s causing a reevaluation of eating habits. While the cost increases are rooted in complex and often necessary changes (like fair wages and rising food costs), they’re still frustrating — especially for families and individuals who relied on fast food as an affordable fallback.

In the case of McDonald's it was always about being cheap. And in 2025, McDonald's aint cheap eats. Suddenly Shake Shack is looking a little more reasonable these days.

Watch this video for more on Fast Food pricing in 2025

Where I ate in Seoul Korea

I might have entered my golden age of traveling. I'm 48 years old and in good health. I can handle a 17 hour flight, my wife plays the credit card points game HARD and my son is 13 and a good traveler. Sure, any family vacation can have its moments of stress but we are pretty fortunate. We don't have all the money in the world. But you don't need a lot of money to eat well in Seoul either. But how good is the food in Seoul? Take in this quote from a Pastry Chef from France who now works in Seoul:

"The French food in Seoul is better than Paris"

Bold talk right? Even from a professional chef, take one man's opinion with a grain of salt, like mine for example. With that disclaimer out of the way let share where I ate on my Seoul Korea food tour and why I absolutely think Seoul is an elite global foodie city.

Michelin Guide noodle and dumpling joint

The Vitals: the spot: Myeong Dong Kyoja 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04537, South Korea the eats: Mandu(dumplings) Kalguksu(noodle soup) the bucks: $  the full nelson: Michelin Bib Gourmand noodle and dumpling spot + Cheap Eats certified 

As an American dining in Korean restaurants in the States, I was skeptical about menus with pictures. As an American tourist on a Seoul Korea Food tour, I am eternally grateful. Based off pics I ordered the The Kalguksu(noodle dish) and Mandu(steamed dumplings) which as I noticed later, popped up on most of the tables at this Michelin Guide recognized restaurant. The herb laced meat filling of the Mandu would be the dish I would go back for again and again. But do try the Kalguksu. Soups are essential to Korean food culture as the country spent many years dealing with drastic food shortages which enterprising cooks turned into delicious opportunities. Like creating dishes that leverage minimal amounts of proteins into savory noodle soups.

Global Korean Fried chicken and beer chain

The Vitals: the spot: BBQ Chicken Myeong Dong Seoul Korea 2 Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea, Seoul South Korea the eats: Olive Fried Chicken + Beer the bucks: $-$$  the full nelson: The Global Korean Fried Chicken chain hits hard in Korea I suppose there is an unwritten rule when traveling abroad that when you dine out, you dine locally. Yes, BBQ Chicken is a global Korean Fried Chicken chain with a location that apparently my wife and son visited back home but it didn't make our experience any less enjoyable. Except for the fact that when we ordered a side of sauce, we failed to ask about allergy information. My son has a severe peanut and tree nut allergies so we always bring a card with translation in the local language. While we asked about the chicken, when we ordered the sauce from a different server, we failed to follow up. Luckily he only experienced some nausea(ok a lot) but we didn't need the epi pen, thank God. His reaction came well after our meal so I can say we enjoyed it. Chimaek is the word for fried chicken and beer in Korean and it is a winning combo. I loved it but it was also for the vibe. A man came up to us, brought a plate of french fries and struck up a conversation, all in the name of being welcoming. It was the definition of why global traveling is nourishing to the soul. You connect with people in such a meaningful way because when you fight through a language barrier, you cut through so much BS and look into the soul of a person.

Ultimate Beef lover food tour experience

The Vitals: the spot: Hanwoo Beef Market experience from Airbnb  the eats: Korean BBQ featuring Hanwoo Beef aka the "Kobe beef of Korea the bucks: $$  the full nelson: The ultimate beef lover experience featuring Korean BBQ First off I will have a video about this excellent Airbnb experience soon. For now I'll say this: it is the ultimate beef lover experience when it comes to Korean BBQ. And it's worth every penny of the of the $90 it costs. Our guide, Hyeung was a real gem: a true food lover, knowledgeable and friendly. My tour had people from France, Israel, Germany and the US. We even had a pastry chef from France who happens to be now working in Seoul. He sang the praises of the food in Seoul, even going so far as to say the French food there was better than Paris. Better than Paris. Ok, on to the beef. Imagine Toro, the fatty belly of bluefin tuna but beef. A little goes a long way. It's expensive but a fraction of what premium beef costs elsewhere. Our guide gave us a tour of this massive industrial food market and handpicked his favorite butcher stall. I've never experienced a meat market of that size and quality level. The beef melts in your mouth. The seasoning is bare bones. All you really need is some finishing salt, which Hyeung provided including Maldon, Korea sea salt and a Texas Smoked Pecan salt. I landed on a little Korean salt, wasabi and sesame oil. It was pure beef bliss. One of the highlights of the trip and all of my food adventures. Period.

Korean Craft Beer(and Korean fried Chicken too)

The Vitals: the spot: Art Monster  the eats: Korean Fried Chicken + craft beer the bucks: $$  the full nelson: The craft beer scene has come to Korea. And they serve fried chicken too. The craft beer revolution has gone global and Korea is a part of the revolution too. My wife picked this place out which was right in our neighborhood of Myeung Dong. The craft beer here is the main draw but they have fried chicken because in Korea, beer and chicken go hand in hand. I recommend taking a beer flight. This landmark pioneering craft brewery in Korea does more than just hoppy IPA's. The dark German beer was quite nice.

What to look for in a quality Korean BBQ place

The Vitals: the spot: Wangbijip Six locations in Seoul, tested at Myeongdong location the eats: Korean BBQ the bucks: $$  the full nelson: Premium Korean BBQ spot Wangbijip might be a Korean BBQ chain(albeit a small one) but it's a premium one. What gives them high marks beyond decor, service and excellent banchan was the fact that they cook over live coals. Unlike some Korean BBQ joints where live coals means a case of black lung from the fumes, the exhaust system which at Wangbijip is a beautiful copper colored piping resolves the coal miner's affliction. You can get Hanwoo beef here aka the Kobe beef of Japan but we opted to spend less and eat the reasonably lucious pork. It ain't Hanwoo beef but it didn't miss it either. We also got this Korean kimchi stew that was pretty damn good too.

Recap

I'm typing this in a hotel in Kyoto, kind of burnt out on eating but also missing Seoul. I can't wait to go back. It's right up there with Tokyo as an elite Asian dining city that frankly makes me question my US residency. They do it damn right here and we could learn a lot from their quality standards and service. While American restaurants seem to find new ways of charging more, in Korea they work harder, cook better and do it all for less.

What is Hot Luck Fest?

Hot Luck Fest is a food festival that takes place in Austin TX curated by renowned BBQ chef Aaron Franklin. The James Beard award winning chef seems to have his finger on the pulse of some of the most talented chefs in the country. Over the course of four days I ate from restaurants in the San Francisco bay area, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Portland, Miami and Austin.

And then there was the booze

No shortage of cold drinks at Hot Luck Fest. I have a soft spot for strong old fashioneds so I hit up Tin Cup Whiskey more than once. Also a fan of the guys at Red Thumb wine. Give them a follow for all your natural wine needs. PS it was hot out so cold rosé helps.  

Hot Luck Fest Day 1

My fav bites right here. Of course one had to try some Franklin BBQ because that's who put the event together. Personally I love steak tartare and this version from Burdell in Oakland was fantastic.

Chip n dip . . . but better

Whenever I see Amanda Shulman from Philadelphia's Her Place Supper Club or My Loup, I'm gonna try what she cooks up. And she has a way with chicharron. Oh and the crab topped pimento cheese wasn't too shabby either.

Phoenix taco game STRONG

Thanks to Hot Luck Fest 2025 I've got a new spot to check out in Arizona. El Chilte in Phoenix can throw down when it comes to tacos. And Chef LT Smith is as cool as he looks.

Hot Luck Fest Day 2

There was serious seafood game on day 2 of Hot Luck Fest 2025. I saw a whole bluefin tuna get carved up, had some killer hand rolls but one dish absolutely took my breath away. James Beard winning Chef Valerie Chang of Maty's in Miami flexed hard with this Nikkei style tostada. Oh and the restaurant helmed by her brother is amazing too.

Hot Luck Fest Day 3: Al Fuego

Well this lived up to the name. Something happened this year at Hot Luck Fest 2025. The chefs just crushed hard this day. More than a few people came upon the conclusion I did: the food was outstanding this year compared to years past.

Best Paella ever

For me at least uses pork jowl and octopus. This was so damn rich and meaty. Like eating moist brisket for the first time. And the aioli only added fuel to the fatty fire.

If Al Pastor could be a salad

So this dish was an uber seasoned pork belly, with a dry roast finish served over baby Belgian Endive and topped with pineapple. And it was from Yeti: the cooler company. Apparently if you sell $400 coolers, you can hire a dope chef to cook at food festivals like Hot Luck Fest.

Jeeves, more steak tartare

So Hot Luck Fest takes place on Memorial Day weekend and that means its sweltering. So steak tartare is always the answer. Especially when it is made by chef Michael Fojtasek of Olamaie who also won a Michelin Star. Yeah, I had like three of these.

Hot Luck Fest Day 4: B R U N C H

And then there was brunch. Look, after day three I was ready to call it quits but I wanted to drag my wife out for a Bloody Mary on a Sunday. It was kinda sticky hot that day so we didn't last long. The food still hit. I had an espresso martini that was amazing and a delish cannoli that ate so fast I never took a pic. But the best bite of the day? This fried oyster benny from Poole's in Raleigh NC and the english muffin was made from Chef Sarah McIntosh of Epicerie. I had three of these.

Hot Luck Fest 2025 recap

Full disclosure: I was given passes and promoted the fest. That being said I have been going since 2022 and will be back in 2026. Here is the breakdown:

• If you only go one day, go on Saturday for Al Fuego
• Get there early and take an uber b/c parking is always challenge + its unlimited drinks
• big lines dont mean the best food. Take an aggressive eater and see which spots are truly the must haves
• Take full advantage of the chefs who visit from out of state. They represent a true culinary elite
• Ill say it before and Ill say it again: Hot Luck Fest is very well curated. Fire up Instagram and bookmark these restaurants

   

Troubadour Barbecue Festival 2025

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Troubador Barbecue Festival in College Station TX. Elite Texas BBQ restaurants and chefs met up on the campus of Texas A&M for a day of barbecue, music and fun. Now, I was a guest, so yes I was gifted tickets and in fact worked with the team to promote the event. But . . . I was truly impressed with what I experienced. There was no way I could experience all 30 BBQ offerings but I did hit up more than my fair share. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Vitals: the spot: Vaqueros Bar-B-Q 965 Garden Park Dr, Allen, TX 75013 the eats: Chicken Mole

  Vaqueros Bar-B-Q wasn't the only mole offering at Troubador Barbecue Festival but they did get the memo. Because Troubador is a food festival, there more than a few tacos being served. But tacos are very much a part of Texas Barbecue, especially these days. Aside from needing a few napkins to wipe off that gorgeous chocolate brown sauce, this taco came with zero regrets. The Vitals: the spot: Opie's Barbecue 9504 State Hwy 71, Spicewood, TX 78669 the eats: Brisket

Opie's is one of the few old school Texas barbecue joints that does Brisket like the new school ones. Granted they don't go back nearly as many years as the Lockhart restaurants, the vibe in my mind is similar. The brisket eats like a Texas Monthly top 50 spot. As tender as one seems to expect these days.

The Vitals: the spot: 2M Smokehouse 2731 S WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78222 the eats: Smoked and seared Teres major steak Troubador Festival worked with 44 Farms who supplied the pitmasters with their exceptional local Texas beef. This included seldom used cuts like Teres Major. Cut from the shoulder, the steak is a relatively new cut and prized by chefs who called it the "bistro steak". 2M smokehouse, located in San Antonio TX, did a fine job on the smoker with this steak. Superbly beefy and remarkably tender. Of course it helps when the cut is from a great rancher like 44 farms. Worth looking for at a reputable butcher. The Vitals: the spot: CM Smokehouse mutiple locations in Austin TX the eats: Barbacoa tacos I've song the praised of CM Smokehouse before on this blog and for Austin Monthly Magazine. The mind of Chef Cade Mercer is the mind of a chef who also has a mind for barbecue. His slow cooked beef cheek barbacoa was what the doctor ordered, even on the hot day that was Troubador Festival. The Vitals: the spot: Teddy's Barbecue 2807 N Texas Blvd, Weslaco, TX 78599 the eats: Barbacoa tostada & Pichana Teddy's Barbecue just might be the final push that gets me to head down to the Rio Grande Valley. Sure, I could go for the James Beard award winning taco spot but why not kill two birds with one stone. The mole on the barbacoa tostada was right up there with the best I have ever had(spoiler alert it is here in Austin). And the Pichana was some of the best steak I have ever had.

Troubador BBQ festival recap

It's not cheap but it all you can eat and drink. And I certainly covered the eating. Sadly I had to drive back home that day so no whiskey for daddy. That being, when I go back next year, I'll be spending the nigth  

Where to eat for AAPI Month 2025

American Asian Pacific Islander month aka AAPI is a celebration of heritage from Americans whose story began in the Asian continent and the great Pacific. What it means to me is an opportunity to celebrate the immense diversity of foods that come from the largest population by continent. Grab a fork, chopsticks or your bare hands because we are diving into my fav Asian restaurants from across the country. The Vitals: the spot:Rowdy Rooster 49 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003 the eats: Fried Chicken Sandwich the bucks: $15 the full nelson: the most exciting contemporary Indian food I've ever had

Rowdy Rooster NYC

I first experienced Rowdy Rooster back in 2023. To this day it was the most intense fried chicken experience I have ever had. The heat was to the point of being on Man vs Food, at least to me, and I can handle some spice. But unlike some wing joint that dumps spice concentrate on the food, this had tremendous complex flavor. Worth the sweat and PS - I only got the four, the Rooster goes up to 5. You might be playing with fire but I'd say AAPI month 2025 is the right time to find out. The Vitals: the spot: Kalaya 4 W Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125 the eats: anything and everything the bucks: $$$ the full nelson: Real Deal Thai flavors with elevated ingredients

Kalaya Philadelphia

I haven't been to Thailand . . . yet but for now, the best Thai food I've ever had is at Kalaya in Philadelphia. Chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon won a James Beard for Best Chef in the Mid Atlantic region for her family recipes that utilize premium ingredients. This a practice long overlooked with many Thai restaurants that sought entry into the dining market by serving up affordable prices and varied menus. You will most likely find yourself shelling out a lot more money for Thai food. But when you do, you will not only experience the full depth of Thai cuisine but even honor Thai Americans who have been in the know and so fitting that it happen on AAPI Month 2025. The Vitals: the spot: Lao'd Bar 9909 FM 969 building 4, Austin, TX 78724 the eats: Pork Rinds, Escolar Ceviche, Chicken Wings, Lahb the bucks: $$ the full nelson: Laotian bar food that will question you ever thinking about going to Pluckers again

Lao'd Bar Austin TX

Lao'd bar is one of the most exciting additions to the Austin food scene and perfect opportunity to discover a lesser known Asian food culture: Laotian. Imagine the pungency of lime and fish sauce in the Thai dish Larb and you will zero in Laotian food. In fact some of my fav Thai dishes are in fact Laotian. Chef Bob Somith, a James Beard semifinalist for best new restaurant, also has one foot planted in America. So don't overlook his Pork Smashburgers or the wings, which are my fav in the city. AAPI month 2025 just might peak at this Laotian spot.   The Vitals: the spot: Sea Harbour 3939 Rosemead Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770 the eats: Siu Mai, Har Gow, all the classics the bucks: $$ the full nelson: Legendary Dim Sum restaurant in Los Angeles 

Sea Harbour Los Angeles CA

An institution for Cantonese Dim Sum for over two decades, it seems like Sea Harbour has been around for longer. Expect a massive dining room, like 8000 square feet of it but don't expect carts. Do expect a chef, Tony He, to be constantly adding items to the menu like black truffle topped Siu Mai. Kill two birds with one stone for AAPI month 2025: your dumpling fix and your black truffle fix. The Vitals: the spot: Burma Superstar multiple locations in the Bay Area the eats: Biriyani, Mango Beef, Whole Catfish the bucks: $$ the full nelson: Celebrated Burmese restaurant with multiple outposts in the SF Bay Area

Burma Superstar San Francisco CA

It's been ages since I've been to Burma Superstar but I remember it being a bright culinary star amongst many the San Francisco Bay Area. Burmese food sits like it does on the map: at an intersection between India, China and Southeast Asia. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. FYI- you won't be alone dining here on AAPI Month 2025. SF'ers love them some Burma Superstar. And for good reason. And that's my round of up places to eat for AAPI month 2025. Love to know where you will go!

Best Texas Burger List

The Vitals: the spot: Kincaid's Hamburgers multiple locations in Fort Worth, tested at the Camp Bowie location the eats: Cheeseburger the bucks: $7 the full nelson: The most quintessential Texas Burger I have ever tried

#5 Kincaid's Hamburgers

Simple. Perfect. Quality burger.

Originally a grocery store with a full service butcher shop, Charles Kincaid began cooking up burgers made from steak trim. The burgers became a hit and by 1991, Kincaid's transformed into a full time burger restaurant. By 2008, Kincaid's Hamburgers made the pages of Hamburger America, Burger Scholar George Motz's book about the best burgers in the country. The burger was tremendously beefy. And only $7. Kincaid's is a must top for any true burger aficionado and easy choice for this Best Burger Texas list. The Vitals: the spot: Reese Bros Barbecue 906 Hoefgen Ave, San Antonio, TX 78210 the eats: The Verde Burger the bucks: $13 the full nelson: A craft barbecue take on a San Antonio burger tradition 

#4 Reese Bros BBQ

Reese Bros BBQ serves up a "San Antonio bean burger" which starts with a patty(a beef patty mind you NOT one made of beans) that is topped with Fritos(or some corn chip), queso, refried beans and onions. It's their take a on a local burger phenomenon. The patty itself is a substantial half pound of ground brisket trim, seasoned with their 2:1 black pepper to salt brisket rub. Smoked and then seared, the patty is nestled on a brioche bun, and topped with a slice of white American cheese. Being my first time trying a San Antonio Bean Burger, I might have peaked. Which makes Reese Bros easily entry for the fourth spot on the Best Burger Texas list. The Vitals: the spot:Mum Food's Smokehouse and Delicatessen 5811 Manor Road, Austin, Texas 78723 the eats: Smoked Burger the bucks: $15 the full nelson: The new best smoked burger in town

#3 Mum Foods Smokehouse and Delicatessen

The Oak Smoked Burger at Mum Foods Smokehouse and Delicatessen features an 8oz oak smoked patty, with oak smoked poblano peppers, oak smoked poblano aioli and swiss cheese. It is served at a flawless Medium Rare and is my current favorite smoked burger in Austin and certainly a contender for Best Burger Texas. The Vitals: the spot: Jabs Burgers and Fries 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704 the eats: Excellent Smash Burgers the bucks: $ the full nelson: Some of the best Bang for your Burger Buck Smash Burgers in town

#2 Jabs Smashed Burgers

You can't do a Best Burger Texas list and not include smashed burgers: one of the hottest food trends in the country. Jabs elevates the standard smashed burger with Creekstone Farms beef and the prices are very reasonable, between $9 and $13. Don't forget to ask for extra sauce, it has a Raising Cane's like craving. The Vitals: the spot: Cullum's Attaboy 111 Kings Ct, San Antonio, TX 78212 the eats: Attaboy Burger with Glacé the bucks: $16 + $5 for the glacé poured tableside  the full nelson: the most decadent burger I've had in 20 years

#1 Cullum's Attaboy

Located off the St. Mary's strip, Cullum's Attaboy is the finest sidewalk cafe you're gonna find in San Antonio, maybe in all of Texas. And that burger? The most decadent one I've had in 20 years. A six ounce Wagyu patty from Peeler Farms in Floresville TX is draped with slice of gruyere cheese on house made double egg wash bun. A classic homemade aioli, a slice of raw white onion and an optional but essential house made Glacé sauce seal the deal for this burger that earns the top spot for Best Burger Texas.