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East
meets West at Bistro 88
Hey there,
restaurant fans. I'm updating my TOP 15 list soon, and today’s restaurant
is edging dangerously close to making the list. It's called Bistro 88
2712 Bee Caves Road near Mopac and it's one of the best restaurants in
the city. Bistro 88 is one of those fusion restaurants so popular these
days where Asian meets European with a dash of American thrown in. The
result of this culinary hybrid is magical. First, you have to try the
Jalapeno carrot soup.
The first jolt of flavor from this produced a discernible
aaahhhh in me. The flavor is riveting. The potstickers were also sensational.
They arrived welded together, if you will, covered by a delicate membrane
of dough. Literally cooking in their own juices, we had to order another
round of these. One was not enough! And then, almost obligatory when
I dine at Bistro 88 are the Hundred Corners Shrimp and Crab cakes. The
taste leans more toward the shrrmp with the crab more as an accent.
But they are delectable and delicious. I highly recommend.
Still craving appetizers, we polished off the lovely
smoked salmon with grilled asparagus. These are topped with capers,
wasabi oil and a beautiful Dijon aioli that complements the taste perfectly.
The entrees are equally smashing. I have many favorites: The Sesame
Shrimp and Scallops is astonishing. The shrimp and scallops are flash
fried and then sautéed in the walk with a great sesame sauce.
Served with lo mein noodles and eggplant, the dish never fails to deliver.
And when they have it available, how about the Kobe
Beef? If you have not discovered the phenomenon that is Kobe beef, you
must try it now. Kobe cows were raised exclusively in Japan but now
they've made their way to Texas. These cows are massaged, pampered,
and virtually airlifted through their daily ruminations so their little
feet don't have to hit the ground. Needless to say, the normal stresses
than can darken beef are unheard of in Kobe cows. The meat is amazing,
the flavors almost hard to describe. And Bistro 88 serves them up beautifully.
And how about their terrific pork chops? A lovely
tenderloin, grilled with exquisite care and served in a wonderful jus,
the flavor and texture of these is equaled only by Kenichi's Colorado
Chops, and exceeded by no one. For $17.95, this is one of the best values
around. I could go on....and I think I will. You must also try the Miso
Sea Bass, grilled in a ginger-miso sauce. The texture of the fish is
perfect. Flaky and moist, and packed with flavor. A wise choice for
the seafood lovers.
So go and and pay a visit to Bistro 88 this
weekend or take advantage of their wonderful lunches every day. Entrees
range from $12.95 to $24.95. Modest, compared to some of the downtown
boys. So to me, that also spells value. The service at Bistro 88 has
also been consistently good. Good enough to really notice, and that
says something as well. Well I've said enough, so wishing you as always,
Bon Appetit, I am your roving gourmet, Rob Balon.
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