What I Ate: April 15, 2010 (Ryu of Japan)

We celebrated the completion of our tax return by going out to dinner at Ryu of Japan (11101 Burnet Road, Austin, TX‎ - (512) 973-9498‎). I had eaten there once before with the Fearless Critic Austin Council, but Tina missed out on that occasion because she was taking care of Hairy. I ordered some items I had before and some new ones. We started with a seaweed salad.

Followed by miso soup.

Nama Kaki (Raw oysters) - these were HUGE oysters which were sweet with a creamy meatiness.


Salmon Kama (collar) - fatty, flavorful, and delicious (some parts may have needed a tad of salt)

Our first plate of nigiri sushi had (from right to left) fluke (which was mildly sweet with a slightly grainy soft texture), sea bass (which was very firm and savory), and mackerel.

The other nigiri we had was (from right to left) Spanish mackerel and giant clam (which also had a firm texture - almost crunchy like jellyfish).

We finished off the meal by sharing chirashi sushi (a bowl of sushi rice topped with assorted sashimi). I ordered this because the sushi rice at Ryu is excellent (distinct grains of perfectly seasoned rice) and how better to enjoy it than a whole bowl of it topped with a world of variety.

We pretty much loved all the food we had. Tina said she felt like some comfort food, and, for us, well prepared Japanese sushi is comfort food. Although Ryu (near MoPac and Braker) is at least thirty minutes north of where we live in Far South Austin, I think it's going to be our go to place for sushi because of the quality of the food, fair prices, friendly service (pleasantly steering us away from the dishes that aren't as good today and towards the freshest menu items), and casual atmosphere (no need to yell to be heard across the table or bring a flashlight to see your food).

Lunch: We cooked Nong Shim Seafood Ramyun for lunch.