All in Best

Best of Austin, TX

This post was partly inspired by Aziz Ansari's story on a Chipotle bag, reminiscing of ATX, and  a realization I may have list problem.

On the back of some Chipotle bags (and in his book), Aziz describes the analysis paralysis we experience when we strive for "the best". In his book, he describes a brunch researched copiously  that didn't happen. In his research, he consults Yelp, Foursquare, and other sources and finally decides on a place. It turns out that his friends are unable to make it and the brunch never happens. He ends up going to that brunch place later, and apparently it's awesome.

Anyways, the lists I create are for these type of individuals. People who get excited by food and want to have "the best". I'll be that crazy person that does the Yelping/Foursquaring and updates these lists. More importantly, I eat the bad food, so you don't have to.

Here's to these old lists and many more to come. Cheers.

The Search for Iceland's Best Coffee

The summer in Iceland makes you feel invincible. Because of the constant daylight, a foreigner (me) feels that 2 AM lattes are very appropriate.

A majority of the coffee shops tasted very similar. It was milder than the roasty kick I'm used to. It was solid (3.5/5). Often times, when I asked baristas about the roast or brightness, they would not know. Latte art wasn't much of a thing.

Coffee Snob Rule #1: Your barista should be able to talk coffee to you. 

Coffee Snob Rule #2: If your coffee tastes not as good as my Nespresso Pixie, I'm walking away.

Best Coffee in Los Angeles

Let's be clear. Things like coffee and wine are subjective. I'm someone who likes a bold, chocolate-y coffee. I don't like an acidic or citrus-y flavor.

That being said, there are some requirements for espresso...

  • Clean equipment
  • Fresh beans
  • A knowledgeable barista 

Austin Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants

Austin is a  hippy-dippy, vegan-friendly city, so naturally, I had a period where I was on a quest to find vegan food done right. This is food that makes you forget you're not eating meat and/or dairy. 

Often times, I would find places with hiked up prices and mediocre food. Vegan/vegetarian food should be less expensive than meat. I would also find meat substitutes that had sodium levels well above a normal person's daily intake.

Bay Area Boba: Purple Kow

San Francisco's Purple Kow has been recommended to me time and time again. Purple Kow's gimmick is having weird souplike boba cups and outrageous portion sizes.

I was skeptical because I prefer quality over excessive quantity when it comes to boba. I was pleasantly surprised.

The Best Tibetan Restaurant in Berkeley: A New Definition of Soul Food

Usually when someone mentions soul food, it generally refers to grits, chicken & waffles, and heavy carb foods with gravies. My definition of soul food is something hearty, filling, and flavorful. Imagine noodles stir fried in a unique sauce that you can neither classify as Indian or Chinese.

Off Solano Ave, Berkeley's "Nomad Tibetan Restaurant" is my definition of soul food. The first time I went here, I was concerned because there were very few reviews on Yelp (this was back when I trusted Yelp). I ate all the things.