Song La Bursts Onto the Austin Asian Scene With Taiwanese Street Food
If you’ve never had the opportunity to enjoy Taiwanese street food, you are in luck! Song La has opened on 23rd street near the UT campus, and my first bite of the braised pork belly told me all I needed to know. The slow cooking process imparts an amazing texture to this dish. And the […]
The Irresistible, Indispensable, Inordinately Intriguing Chinese Dumpling
The Chinese dumpling is loved and appreciated throughout the world. The origin of this classic snack dates back hundreds of years and possibly thousands if one believes the numerous legends. (Look up Zhang Zhongjing.) Known as Jiaozi in China and dumplings (or potstickers) in North America, these crescent-shaped delicacies begin with finely diced pork, chicken, […]
One on One: A New Series of Interviews With Austin Restaurant Owners
We’re beginning a new series of interviews with prominent restaurant owners who are integrally involved with the growth of the Austin food scene. First up is Ronald Cheng, founder and owner of the Chinatown restaurants. Cheng opened the first Chinatown in Westlake in 1983. Chinatown was an immediate hit and changed the face of Chinese […]
Chinese Food for Christmas Dinner. Why the Heck Not? Chinatown Is Open!
As Christmas approaches, even in this time of COVID-19, people are still thinking of a nice, safe place to dine. So go see my friend Ronald Cheng at Chinatown. No turkey and stuffing perhaps, but the best Chinese food in the city and they are open Christmas day! Start with some crab Rangoon, pork potstickers […]
Chinatown Celebrates 37th Anniversary
Austin has seen its share of long lived restaurants over the years. Most have been family restaurants handed down over generations. But this is the story of one owner, Ronald Cheng, who 37 years ago launched Chinatown restaurant on Bee Caves Road and has since continued to expand the veritable taste explosions he initiated. Austin had seen […]
The Cornonavirus Scare is Impacting Some Chinese Restaurants Around the Country. That’s Just Flat Out Wrong!
It’s hard to believe that the coronavirus scare is actually keeping some people around the country away from Chinese restaurants. In times like this, people can become panicked and irrational, but because the virus originated in China does not in any way mean that avoiding Chinese restaurants or the people who work there will somehow […]
Chinese New Year at Chinatown North is an Amazing Celebration of Food and Fun
Ronald Cheng, the owner of Chinatown, knows how to throw a party. The recent Chinese New Year party there was a riotous event, replete with firecrackers, dancing dragons and amazing food. The menu included Beijing Duck , crab soup, Cantonese style lobster, and many more favorites from the Chinatown menu. This celebration was characteristic of […]
Finally, a New Korean Restaurant, Oseyo, Opens on the East Side
I can’t tell you how long I’ve been craving a new Korean restaurant in town. That’s why I’m so pleased that Oseyo has opened on the East Side. The menu is packed with all my favorites: Bibimbap, Mandu (dumplings), Bulgogi, Pa Jeon, Kalbi, Kimchi and other original Korean mega dishes. Nothing against the other Korean […]
Chinatown Westlake Keeps Raising the Bar
Ronald Cheng showing his lighter side at Chinese New Year bash There was a time in Austin not that long ago when most Chinese restaurants were fairly predictable and boring. You know: #10 was hot and sour soup, #9 was beef and broccoli, and so it went. Most dishes were on the Cantonese side and […]
Chinatown Westlake Just Keeps Getting Better
The history of Chinatown restaurant is nothing short of remarkable. Ronald Cheng opened this spot on Bee caves Road in 1983 with an assortment of chef-driven cuisine from various regions of China. He was a brash young talent at the time and he had reason to be. His skill in the kitchen was such that […]
Sakura Takes Definitive Position for Sushi/Sashimi in Lakeway
Sakura Sushi & Bar is a Japanese sushi restaurant off Medical Drive in Lakeway. The preparation is meticulous and the dishes, all under the watchful eye of Chef Po, are delicious. Various gyoza style dumplings are also available. This is a spot that’s worthy of your attention. Omakase dinners are served on Tuesdays. Sakura […]
Chinatown Mopac and Westlake Rolling Out Chinese New Year’s
If you haven’t been to one of Ronald Cheng’s Chinese New Year’s blowouts at Chinatown, you’re missing a fun and tasty evening. Aside from terrific food, there’s faux dragons, fireworks, and a generally rousing time. So make sure to put Tuesday, February 5th at Chinatown Mopac and Wednesday, February 6th at Chinatown Westlake on your […]
Spoon + Fork Thai Kitchen Opens in Belterra Village
A new Thai restaurant has opened in Belterra Village off Hwy 290 West. Spoon + Fork Thai Kitchen is owned by a husband and wife team and features traditional stir fried Thai dishes along with curries and soups. My daughter Lauren (pictured) and I recently stopped by for a quick bite. I should preface my […]
Thai Pepper Basil Shrimp Continues to Amaze at Chinatown Westlake
This dish was one of the original creations from the fertile imagination of Ronald Cheng, founder of Chinatown, and it helped to vault Chinatown into the pantheon of Austin restaurants back in the 1980’s. Chinatown revolutionized Austin’s understanding of Chinese cuisine and it continues to do so. Despite his success, Ronald never stops evolving and […]
Obama’s Favorite Pho at EurAsia Bears No Resemblance to Trump’s Faves
Obama’s Favorite Indonesian Pho (Bakso Sapi) has become a staple at EurAsia Sushi Bar & Seafood in Oak Hill. I have to agree with President Obama on this one. This is a beautiful Pho, and at EurAsia (located at the Y in Oak Hill) the meatballs are homemade. I my wildest dreams I can’t even […]
