The Top 5 Eats in the coolest perfecture in Tokyo-------> SHIBUYA

SHIBUYA

Tokyo might just be the coolest city on the planet.  I would take months to truly enjoy the splendor of this awesome mega-city.  Determining where to eat in a city that has more restaurants per square kilometer than any other city in the world is a struggle.  Today we will be starting in what I consider the coolest prefecture (suburb) of Tokyo.  Shibuya is where cool lives in Japan.  I present the top 5 places to eat in SHIBUYA.  

#5     TORIKIZOKU

This place is super famous for its yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers.  Yakitori can also have other meats like eel or lamb.  Torikizoku is popular with students because yakitori is very inexpensive.  At this eatery, the meat skewers are only 280 Yen each.  That's $2.50 in my neck of the woods.  What else is 280 Yen? The beer!  It is very easy to meet new friends here.  Great for groups of people.  I must warn you......no double dipping in the communal dipping sauce.  For real.  No jokes.  

#4     Ikinari Steaks

If you are looking for an affordable Japanese style steak in a chill setting, then Ikinari Steaks is the place for you.  Every steak is marinated in Ikinbari Steaks' house marinade and butter sauce.  This is a standing steakhouse, so wear some comfortable shoes.  A great steak here costs about 1600 Yen.  That's $14.50.  Affordable quality steak served by a great staff.  What more can you ask for?

#3     Torikatsu Chicken

Katsu is a panko breaded chicken fillet.  Looks similar to the chicken you get when you order lemon chicken.  At Torikatsu Chicken, katsu gets taken up a notch.  Located near the popular Shibuya 109 department store, Torikatsu Chicken is your tastebuds' dream.  Chicken is not the only entree that gets the panko treatment here.  You can choose from pork, squid (my favorite), crab, mackarel, oyster, eggplant, & egg/onion.  You choose between 2 pieces for 650 yen ($6), 3 piece for 800 yen ($7.25), and 4 piece for 1000 yen ($9).  The owners are an elderly couple who speak excellent English, yet the menu is hand written in Japanese.  Feel free to ask for translation.  And remember.... there is no tipping in Japan.

#2      Genki Sushi

This conveyor belt sushi eatery is tons of fun.  It is very inexpensive, and ordering from the computer kiosk is so easy.  The menu is huge, and freshness is king here.  You order and a dish on the efficient conveyor belt brings your desired confection to you.  The rolls here are delicious.  A good dining experience here will cost you about $20.  That $20 will give you a memorable meal.  It's $1.50 to $6 per item, so enjoy.  Their Maki Roll is amazing.  

#1     HAYASHI

Hands down the best ramen place in Tokyo.  It only has 10 counter seats, but if you have to wait to get in.....it is worth it.  It's three menus contain superior ramen for the price range of $6.50 to $9.00 depending on what you want.  You place your order at the kiosk at the door.  You present your ticket to the cook, and minutes later you have a bowl of ramen heaven.  Food critics from around the world hail Hayashi as a ramen institution.  It absolutely is.  A must try when in Tokyo.  Try it with pork, and it is ok to slurp your noodles in Japan.  In fact it is urged.

That is the best of Shibuya.  In part 2 of this series, we will look at the top 5 eateries in the busy prefecture of SHINJUKU.

If it were not for the influence of Anthony Bourdain.....This blog wouldn't exist.

ANTHONY BOURDAIN

1956-2018

In 2013, my world started to fall apart.  I lost the girl I thought was the one.  My beloved dog Nico passed away.  I was in a rut that I thought I could never get out of.  Friends were not helping my mood.  I became anti-social.  I became angry.  I was at my lowest.  I just stayed home, watched TV, occasionally lifted weights, and stayed miserable.  While watching TV, I stumbled upon the Travel Channel.  They didn't really have anything interesting to watch, but it kept me distracted.  As the day progressed, one show caught my attention.  It was hosted by the rebel executive chef who wrote the groundbreaking book  KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL.  He was a tall guy with a devil may care attitude, and he got to travel the world and discover cultures and society through food.  The show was NO RESERVATIONS.  The host was ANTHONY BOURDAIN.  

Bourdain took his wanderlust and invited the world to come with him to far off places, and see how food brings people together.  He mastered the art of narration, so he was able to grab the interest of everyone viewing from home.  He was funny because he was honest.  His fearlessness opened doors the TV viewer never thought existed.  He was cool because he was always being himself.  He never changed who he was for the cameras.  The Anthony Bourdain on TV was the Anthony Bourdain you would meet in person.  He was the guy who wanted the world to join him for a feast in a far off land.  He had a meal with Barack Obama in Vietnam.  Had lunch with Iggy Pop in Florida.  Was influenced by a viewer to visit Saudi Arabia, and changed many people's views of that country by discovering how modern it really was.  He was the world's greatest tour guide.

His show won many Emmys.   Then he left the Travel Channel.  He took his talents to CNN to start the multi-award winning PARTS UNKNOWN.  Two years later, he has left us.  Our tour guide is gone. It has left a huge void.  Bourdain brought me out of my rut and gave me a better appreciation for the world we live in.  I wanted to explore the world more than ever before.  I read Anthony's book, and it became my bible.  The foodie in me finally came out.  It is because of Anthony Bourdain that this blog is in existence.  I live by the credo he always stressed.  FOOD BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER.  It deeply saddens me that he is not among us anymore.  He brought alot of joy to people all over the world.  Especially this food blogger here.  He will be remembered as one of the greatest story tellers of all time.  He blended the cooking world with travel to bring us societies of all creeds to our living rooms.  

Every time you go on vacation and have to try a certain restaurant, think about Anthony.  When you feel the need to post a video of you trying a dish for the first time, thank Anthony.  And when ever that narration starts in your head leaving the airport, that is Anthony.  He made travelling the world cool again.  And for that.......I am forever grateful.  Rest in power Mr. Bourdain.  Thank you for taking us along for the ride. 

PALOMINO'S #2 in San Diego, California has the ultimate burrito!

Home of the ULTIMATE BURRITO

As you can tell, the secret destination I flew off to was San Diego.  It is home of the Padres, perfect weather, and Comic-Con International.  I was here to see my cousin Martin retire from the Navy.  A grand occasion.  I was also here to search for the Ultimate Burrito.  If you know food, California has some of the best.  My cousin Laura knew where to find it.  Where do we find this mythical burrito?  Palomino's #2 on Clairemont Mesa BLVD is the place.

Palomino's has a huge menu with all sorts of Mexican fare.  Everything from delicious tacos to enchiladas to chimichangas and caldo.  Yes.......I said chimichangas.  Nestled in the burrito part of the menu is the king of burritos.  Sounds simplistic in name, but a wonderland of flavors.  CARNE ASADA BURRITO just jumped at me.  According to the internet, there were many more that this has happened to.  The burrito menu had alot of unique flavors, but was I glad I chose carne asada.  This burrito weighs 2 1/2 pounds.  The tortilla is toasted perfectly since the contents of the burrito are heavy.  I took one bite, and thought to myself that this burrito is f'n amazing.  The meat is marinated so well it actually tastes like barbacoa.  The pico de gallo blends well with the guacamole, and has a hint of cheese.  A perfect mix ingredients.  At $10.50, I should have taken one to go.  This was clearly one of the best dishes I have ever had.

Palomino's also has great seafood.  Their ceviche is very popular with locals.  My cousin Laura ordered the caldo de res.  You know, like your grandma used to make.  Only this one has bigger chunks of meat.  Laura's husband Kurt had a very unique dish exclusive to Palomino's.  CARNE ASADA FRIES.  This cauldron of yum contained carne asada, guacamole, melted cheese, and sour cream.  It looked great.  The menu at Palomino's has something for everyone.  So.....if you are ever in San Diego,  make sure you come by PALOMINO'S #2 at 9353 Clairemont Mesa BLVD zipcode 92123.  It is so good, it may make you move to California.  My only regret was not getting the phone number of the beautiful lady who took my order.  She was gorgeous.  Palomino's #2 gets a thumbs up from the burrito gods.  It's home to the ULTIMATE BURRITO.

                                                                CALDO DE RES

CARNE ASADA FRIES

THE NEWS IN FOOD AND DRINK

It is June 5th, 2018 and this is the news in food and drink.

IHOP BECOMING IHOb

In a surprise announcement on Monday, the International House Of Pancakes announced they are changing their name to IHOb.  What the b in the new name stands for is unclear (breakfast).  The name change will take place June 11th at the franchise's 1650 locations across the country.  This is the first name change for the restaurant chain in their 60 year history.  Hopefully they do not change the name of the Big Steak Omelet.  

JAPAN TO GET ALCOHOLIC COCA-COLA BEVERAGE

Japan has many unique items that no other country has.  Very soon, the land of the rising sun will be the first country to have Coca-Cola's first alcoholic beverage.  Lemon-DO Coke is a sparkling water beverage with Japanese wheat spirits which is called chu-hi.  Lemon-DO will come in 3 flavors: Lemon, salt lemon, and honey lemon.  Was hoping for a mandarin flavor, but I don't call the shots.  Each can contains 3%-8% alcohol.  It is available now.  

NEW HANGOVER CURE:  Brisket

As we know, there are many different food items that help lessen the effects of a hangover.  Some people choose greasy pizza, and some choose the Mexican tripe stew Menudo.  A few new studies have shown that there is a new food item that can cure a hangover.  If you like Texas BBQ, this will be music to your ears because it is brisket.  But why brisket?  Brisket in rich in B vitamins which boost your immune system.  Both the fatty and lean variety of brisket help those after a night of drinking get back on their feet.  In many cases, it works faster than most foods.  

California Roll is now a thing in Tokyo

For many years, If you ordered California Roll at a sushi bar in Tokyo, there was a good chance you would get told no or laughed at.  That is not the case anymore.  The legendary NOBU restaurant in Tokyo now has California Roll on their menu.  The NOBU has locations all over the world, including several in the USA.  It is known for its traditional Japanese menu, and the fact IRON CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO got his start at NOBU.  The big positive of this particular item being on NOBU's menu in Japan is that the restaurant will attract more North American tourists.  I am partial to Maki Roll myself.  

DID YOU SAY A BURGER BOY FOOD TRUCK?

For a number of years, Burger Boy has had one location on St. Marys and West Josephine Street.  In February, they opened a second location very close to my house on Potranco road.  There is a third location in the works.  I had lunch at the Potranco Burger Boy when I overheard an employee talk about the burger chain  will be having their own food truck going all over the city very soon.  I think it is a very good idea.  Another legendary burger establishment called Chris Madrid's recently turned to a food truck after the long time building they called home burned down a few years back.  It has done very well for them while they look to rebuild their original building. It's an excellent idea.  Can't wait to see how it goes.

Stay tuned next week for a a ton of new posts.  I will be out of town for food research which will include video.  Good night and good eats. 

Reader Mail.......Should be interesting.

     You guys have questions, and I try to answer them without blushing or scratching my head.  Here we go.

Question #1

Since you plan on taking your blog to YouTube, who would be your ideal celebrity guest?

     Easy.....Mia Khalifa.  Sure she is a social media darling, and she is gorgeous, but she knows where to go eat.  She has very good taste in restaurants, and would be as great conversation.  Another person I would consider is the best wrestling tag team in the world THE YOUNG BUCKS.  These guys really know where to go eat.  It would be a blast to have lunch with them at Cracker Barrel or TGIFriday's.  Mia would be #1 on my list.

Question #2

     What is the one food that San Antonio does better than any other city?

     There alot of foods I could say, but after careful consideration, one choice shines above the rest.  BARBACOA.  Here in San Antonio, barbacoa is both a cultural delight and a phenomenon.  Everyone in the Alamo City loves barbacoa.  My city has the most molinos (Mexican Deli) of all the Latin populated cities in the country.  It's a weekend morning tradition that has captured the imaginations of tourists as well.  Need proof?  Look up the video of Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown trying barbacoa for the first time.  She loved it.

Question #3

     What is your go to food when you can not make up your mind determining what to have for dinner?

     If anyone knows me, my go to food are hamburgers.  I love a great burger.  One day it will be the Kobe beef burger at Fuddrucker's.  The next day it's the Working Man Special from Burger Boy.  I also love the Patty Melt from WHATABURGER.  It is the one food I never get tired of.  And it always tastes great.

Question #4

     You recently did the top 5 snacks to take on a road trip.  Is there a sixth snack you can suggest?

     Absolutely.  Almonds.  They do not secrete oil, they come in tons of flavors, and are not as pricey as other nuts.  They are super healthy for you, and don't dehydrate you like salty nuts do.  I usually buy a big bag of them to share with my friends on the road.  They stay fresh longer too.

Last Question

     What is the most underappreciated food nationality that people would love if they try?

Easy.  Puerto Rican food.  Tons of great flavors make Puerto Rican food amazing.  It is packed with rich and sweet flavors that satisfy your appetite.  Their rice and pork are mindblowingly delicious.  If you need some convincing, my friend Argentina's husband has a Puerto Rican food truck called Ay Papi's.  I will be doing a story on this great food truck.  Ay Papi's can be found on FACEBOOK.

Quest For The Ultimate Burrito video coming soon

The first video I plan to post on YouTube and this blog will be my quest for the ultimate burrito.  The only thing is I can not divulge where I am going to try the ultimate burrito that has been chosen.  I want to keep it a surprise.  Once I reveal the location, then it will all make sense.  The city I will be going to is beautiful and is known for its Mexican food.  I will only be there for a weekend, but I plan to get a ton of video to show you guys.  The people there are friendly, and the food is awesome.  And the weather is to die for.  No joke.

What does make an ultimate burrito?  It's all about a perfect synchronicity of ingredients.  I will use Freebirds Burritos as an example.  I get the second largest burrito they have on a wheat tortilla.  I add refried beans, Spanish rice, steak, pico de gallo, guacamole, BBQ sauce, shredded cheese, and red onions.  To me, that is a pretty well balanced burrito.  Unfortunately, most other burritos in San Antonio are filled with cheese and carne guisada.  Taco trucks have great burritos, but most customers get tacos or nachos from a taco truck.  Taco Bell burritos are good, but look more like bean filled wraps than anything else.  But there is a particular state in our country that has the best burritos.  And that is where I am headed.  

Above is a picture of the burrito I have chosen as the ultimate burrito.  I am excited to try it, and show you what other culinary delights the mystery city has to offer.  Food brings people together, and this video I plan to bring you will demonstrate that.  I won't have you all waiting long for this video.  In late June, I will bring you JOHN EATS WORLD GOES TO____________.    The space will be filled to much delight.  That burrito looks delicious doesn't it?

John Eats World is heading to Chicago for STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2019

I go to a ton of comic-cons and pop culture conventions.  I enjoy them immensely.  I have been to San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic-con, tons of anime conventions, and several sci-fi conventions.  Left on my convention bucket list is Star Wars Celebration.  I am planning to attend next year's Celebration in Chicago.  This makes me very happy since Chicago is a food hot spot.  I will be going with a crew of 8 peeps who are Star Wars super fans.  John Eats World is coming to the Windy City.  Where shall I go eat?

I was told I have to go to Portillo's once I land in Chicago.  And this is from over a dozen people who love Chicago.  From the looks of it, I have to go there.  Reviews I have read say Portillo's have the best hot dogs and beef sandwiches in town.  Sounds like my type of place.

Very close to McCormick Place, where Star Wars Celebration will be taking place.  This popular eatery has a great reputation for excellent old school style pizza and pasta.  When cooking, Italian is my specialty.  I am very excited to be going to Connie's Pizza.  Chicago is a pizza haven, so I will be throwing a munch at Connie's.  

A trip to the Chicago Oyster House will be a delight.  For years I have been hearing about this establishment.  I have been told the Chicago Oyster House has the best Oysters Rockefeller, which happen to be my favorite variation of oyster.  We shall see what all the hype is about.  I hope the Chicago Oyster House delivers.

As far as breakfast in Chicago, The Spoke & Bird seems to be the place to go.  I am a sucker for a great omelet, and this eatery has one of the best.  Seems to be hip and cozy, so it has my attention.  I'm not much of a breakfast guy, but The Spoke & Bird will be well worth a visit.  Wonder if they sell shirts there.

Where there is beer, there are great eats.  Word has it that this place is alot like the Blue Star Brewery here in San Antonio.  I may have to break my no alcohol rule to explore this place.  It is very popular, and has a great food menu.  I look forward to get video of this place once John Eats World comes to YouTube.  

These are just a few of the places I will be visiting for this blog.  I am pretty sure I will have a month's worth of articles in the one week I will be in Chicago.  I am super excited for this trip, and you will see the fruits of my labor.  

Peng's Chinatown Restaurant is good to my wallet

Like many of you, I like to get the most bang for my buck.  When it comes to dining, there are not many choices these days.  One of my go to restaurants is Peng's Chinatown Restaurant.  It's over by Ingram Park Mall, and it's great.  My wallet is a big fan of this eatery.

Peng's is the poor man's Golden Wok.  But Golden Wok does not offer the amount of food Peng's does for a fraction of the price.  I usually order the lemon chicken lunch special that could honestly feed two people.  Comes with a larger than usual egg roll, great combo fried rice, and a choice of one of their great soups.  I am bias to their delicious egg drop soup.  $7.49 for a gargantuan plate of lemon chicken will always get the thumbs up from me.  Surprisingly the food is great quality.  Their twice cooked pork is amazing.  My friend Dianna described it as food heaven.  They have a great mild sweet and sour sauce they make in house.  It is not thick like the others, and goes with pork and chicken beautifully.  They have such a great menu.

lemon chicken (that's alot of food)

Another aspect of Peng's I like is they are fast.  Every time I go, I get my plate 5 minutes after ordering.  Keep in mind the amount of food you are getting.  There are not alot of restaurants thgat can pull that off.  The dining area is nice, and dimly lit.  Great artwork on the walls, very relaxing vibe at Peng's.  They may get the most to go orders by any Chinese restaurant I have ever seen by a mile.  The last time I was there, I counted 27 different to go orders being taken to the checkout counter.  That in itself is a very good sign.  Always keep that in mind when dining out.  If a restaurant has alot of to go orders going out, the food is awesome.  

Peng's is the type of place that a group of friends can agree on when they can not agree on any other option.  It offers great value, quality, and relaxing vibes.  Give Peng's Chinatown Restaurant a go.  You will not regret it.  And don't feel bad if you can't finish your plate.  After all, the portions they serve are big.  Peng's gets a huge thumbs up from me.  

Got some eatery FIESTA MEDALS

I'm back after two and a half weeks, and I have a few Fiesta medals to show for it.  Didn't go to Fiesta here in San Antonio.  Didn't want to get involved with the $30 parking, drunken madness, or droves of crowds.  But, there were some Fiesta  medals I had to have from my favorite food establishments, and I am happy to show them to you.

BURGER BOY

I'm pretty sure this is their first Fiesta medal, so it was a no-brainer for me to get the Burger Boy medal.  It was available at both locations for $10, and it features its iconic light up sign from its St. Mary's location.  I guess it is a token of my fandom towards what I think is the best burger joint in town. Has the Orange Freeze logo on the back.  This one is not coming out of the plastic.

SAZON Mexican Cafe

Sazon Mexican Cafe is my favorite breakfast destination.  They opened 10 years ago, and I was one of their first customers.  Great menu, and now they are in the Fiesta medal game with this very vibrant entry.  Cost me only eight dollars, and is easily the nicest medal I got this year.  Sazon is a great place to eat at.  I'm there about three times a week.  Give it a try.  You will love it.  Order the tortilla soup.  

GOLDEN STAR CAFE

On an early entry of this blog, I told the story of the Golden Star Cafe's legendary menu item FISH AND GRAVY.  The Golden Star's latest Fiesta medal celebrates this awesomely delicious plate.  I had to get this one especially since Fish and Gravy is the only thing I order from the Golden Star.  This particular medal was their best seller this year, and a bargain at seven dollars.  You haven't lived till you have tried Fish and Gravy.  Pick up this cool medal as well. 

EL PARAISO ICE CREAM

When I want some bad ass ice cream, you will find me buying fresh fruit popsicles at El Paraiso Ice Cream.  I have been buying paletas from them since I was knee high to a grasshopper. This moving Fiesta medal features their Fredericksburg Rd. location along with a sliding iconic El Paraiso ice cream cart.  Cost $10, and they also go $30 from me for the popsicles.  I stock up on watermelon, banana, and strawberry.  Cool medal, and great place for those who appreciate great ice cream.

H-E-B

I felt obligated to get this medal for two reasons.  First, the $10 you pay for it goes to charity.  The Brighton Center provides programs and services for disabled children and their families in the San Antonio area.  Second, HEB has been my employer for the last 27 years.  They are part of the inspiration of why I do this blog.  My managers and co-workers have been my biggest supporters in this venture.  And.....it's a really nice medal.  Has the iconic red hand basket.  This medal is just another example of how HEB gives back to the community.  So pick one up.  It will look good on you.  

Those are the Fiesta medals I got this year.  If you have any cool Fiesta medals, post them in the comments.  Tell me why you got the one you did.  Next week you will be seeing more posts.  Till then, keep rockin.'

I finally got to the inside of the new Burger Boy

Since opening in late February of this year, the new Burger Boy on Potranco Rd. has been packed like crazy by burger faithful.  I had only been able to go through the drive thru only a couple times, and I had never eaten inside the original location since that dining area is tiny.  I decided to walk to the new Burger Boy since it is only five minutes from my house.  My friend Joe decided to tag along, and he had not had Burger Boy in over ten years.  Hamburgers for breakfast?  You bet your ass.

Being the first ones there, the first thing I noticed was how clean the place was.  The dining area was big, considering only ten people can dine in at the original location.  It has the same exact menu as the St. Mary's location, and of course I ordered my usual.  My usual being the Working Man Special with cheese and bacon, and a large Orange Freeze.  Joe got the Bates Special which is a single patty burger as opposed to my double patty burger.  When I went through the drive thru here in the last 2 months, the burgers had not tasted the same.  Getting there at opening, the burger was amazing.  It was the first time that the burger at the new location was identical in taste to the burger at the original location.  I also noticed that I got more fries at the new location as well.  I was in heaven.

The new Burger Boy is fantastic.  I got to relax and have a great burger.  The staff is friendly, and look like they are having fun.  It is best to go early or after 8:30 pm.  Trust me, its gets hyper busy.  Burger Boy has a bigger revised menu with more shakes and other treats.  I am just thankful that my friends and I don't have to drive so far just to get a Working Man Special.  Make your way to Burger Boy Potranco for an amazing burger experience. The hot dogs are great.  The chicken burger is killer.  The Orange Freeze will keep you coming back for more. If you are collecting Fiesta medals, Burger Boy is selling a very cool medal that is a must have for $10.   I hope to see you guys there.  Burger Appetit!  

Big things coming for JOHN EATS WORLD Food Blog

That's me at ,of course, KRUEZ MARKET in Lockhart.

I started this blog in January of this year because my manager at work forgot to schedule me for work while I was on a two week vacation.  I'm a foodie, and an authority on where to go eat in San Antonio.  As the weeks passed,  more and more of you took an interest in my food exploits and opinions.  For that I am very grateful.  I think it is only fitting I let you in on my plans for this blog.  I have some really cool things to look forward to.

When coming up with the idea of pinning Whataburger and Burger Boy against each other, I thought this battle would be better on video.  A video taste test.  With that in mind, I am hoping to bring JOHN EATS WORLD to YouTube this summer.  It would be like my blog entries come to life.  I'd doreviews on location, trying great food at festivals, and interviewing chefs at the most popular Alamo City restaurants.  Stay tuned for further details on my YouTube debut

I like to attend alot of Pop Culture conventions.  When I attend these gatherings, I research where to eat in the city holding these conventions.  When the YouTube debut happens, I will feature Comic-Con Eats.  I will let you know where to go eat around certain conventions.  One that is planned will be the 2019 STAR WARS CELEBRATION.  ALAMO CITY COMIC-CON and NEW YORK COMIC-CON are on the list as well.  This feature will help you find great eats while you celebrate geek fandom of all kinds.  

Now for the big one.  I am currently planning a huge excursion to a country that is known for its food culture.  It's a cool country that is on about everyone's bucket list.  I want to let the world know the wonders of food in JAPAN.  I'm hoping to film a month's worth of material ranging from why Osaka is a foodie's paradise, street eats in Tokyo, and proper ramen in KYOTO.  The trip will take alot of planning, but I want to show the wonders of food in the land of the rising sun.  Besides, my friends want to go to Tokyo Hooters.  I am looking forward to that as well, but I rfeally want to show you guys the legendary Tokyo restaurant NOBU.  I think this undertaking will be a popular one.

Once again thank you for taking the time for reading my blog.  If you have any suggestions for stories or reviews, drop me a message on my blog.  Have a great day, and keep rockin.'

My Friends And I Come Here: AUGIE'S BARBED WIRE SMOKEHOUSE

As you know, I like to go to Lockhart for barbecue.  I go as much as possible.  It is a trip I look forward to making.  But, there are times when someone in my inner-circle tells me let's do local BBQ.  That could be out of curiosity or just someone not wanting to make the one hour drive to BBQ heaven.  In instances such as that, I am more than likely to head over to AUGIE'S BARBED WIRE SMOKEHOUSE.  They have great pulled pork.

Sure it's not KRUEZ or BLACK'S, AUGIE"S is a great place to just hang out with your circle of friends.  Great selection of eats, beer, and outdoor dining.  I took a couple of my buddies with me last week to AUGIE'S so I can get their opinion.  First was my best friend PAUL AKA SPICY JONES.  He tried the footlong AUGIE DOG with chili, cheese, and jalapenos. Emphasis on Jalapenos.  He loved it.  He also liked the fact that he can relax at AUGIE'S.  Also loved the fact they had BIG RED.

Next is Blue Dragon himself, JC.  The man-child ordered the 1/2 pound chili cheddar burger which he gave a thumbs up to.  He loved the fact that the employees were friendly.  He kept flirting with the girl at the register.  Nothing came of it.  But his eating experience was a good one.  So what did I have at AUGIE'S for dinner.  I went big!  I ordered the three meat combo.  My meats of choice were brisket, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and pulled pork.  It was excellent.  The brisket is good, yet cut a little too small.  The sausage is great.  The star of the show is the pulled pork.  It is juicy and delicious.  You get a good portion, and goes great with potato salad and borracho beans.  Well worth the $15.99 price tag.  

AUGIE'S BARBED WIRE SMOKEHOUSE is located in the hip St. Mary's strip near Brackenridge Park.  You can't miss it, there is a huge pig hovering over the place.  It's a great place to hang out, and just people watch.  Stop in for a hardy meal from a pretty diverse menu you normally don't see at a BBQ joint.  They have been doing this since 2000, so they are doing something right. If I am not in Lockhart, I'm probably at AUGIE'S BARBED WIRE SMOKHOUSE.  

5 Reasons You Should Be At JAMBA JUICE

There was a time where I was eating a whole lot of junk food.  I alone probably contributed millions to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Company.  Then I turned 40 years old.  I knew I had to eat alot healthier.  Luckily there was a Jamba Juice that opened one mile from my house.  Smoothies became a part of my everyday diet.  I refer Jamba juice to everyone I know.  It's health benefits are vast and  puts a smile on everyone's face.  At some point in our lives we have to eat healthier, and Jamba Juice gives you a great way to start on a healthier you.  So, without further ado......

The 5 Reasons You Should Be At Jamba Juice

1- There is a flavor for everyone there.

For real, there is.  You want a fruity smoothie with Kale?   They got it.  Want a mango smoothie with whey protein?  Got that too.  Wheat-grass shot?  Not my thing, but who am I to judge.  Got that too.  The menu at Jamba Juice has all sorts of drinks for every kind of palate.  For chocolate lovers, there is the Chocolate Moo'd.  Need a quick pick up? Try the Acai Super Antioxidant Smoothie.  You can try my favorite, the ORANGE BUSTER.  All sorts of different combinations of great flavors can be had at Jamba Juice.

2- AMAZING OATMEAL

The oatmeal at Jamba Juice is to die for.And it is low calorie.  Only 200 calories of yum.  You get organic steel cut oats in soy milk with your choice of two toppings.  Very high in fiber, Iron, and protein.  I can not stress how good this oatmeal is.  Great way to start your day.  And it will not weigh you down.

3- They are fast

I like the fact I can pop in, order, and get my smoothie in about 5 minutes.  The staff at Jamba Juice is really good at what they do.  They have the best blenders known to man, and the ingredients are about as fresh as you can get.  In little time, they get you your smoothie fix.  I see patrons who just left work come in just because it takes little to to prepare a smoothie of their choice.  Beats waiting a while at a fast food place that only has 3 to 5 flavors  to choose from.  Time is precious, and Jamba Juice saves alot of it for you.

4- You can chill out there

The dining area at Jamba Juice is clean, quiet, and non-stressful.  The music they play is upbeat, and you can relax.  Eateries can get really loud, but Jamba Juice is usually very serene. No dark colors on the wall here.  The ambiance at Jamba Juice is that of peace and tranquility.  You can study there.  Maybe read a book.  Have an intelligent conversation.  Great place to unwind and reset your energy meter.  

5- IT'S HEALTHY

About 5 times a week, smoothies replace a large meal I would normally have.  I am replacing 800 calories with 400 calories and all sorts of nutrients.  Jamba juice is great for a post workout treat, or if you want to start out on a health kick.  You can add healthy boosts to your smoothie to boost your immune system or get your energy up.  Even the baked desserts offered there are good for you.  I see personal trainers there all the time.  You have a drink from Jamba Juice, and you won't feel bloated.  It is healthy done right.  Much healthier than Boba tea.

I urge all of you to give Jamba Juice a try.  Their smoothies are delicious, and their other offerings will have you coming back for more.  So what are you waiting for......go order an Orange Buster and have a great day.