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(May 8, 2003)
We first reported on Mimosa on 1530 Barton Springs Road last fall. A
fine Tepanyaki and Sushi restaurant, we said, without the slicing and
dicing chefs.
A nice wine list, attentive service and overall a strong positive recommendation.
So, here we are months later. Has Mimosa stood the test of time? Have
all the growing pains so common to new restaurants been smoothly laid
to rest? Have we seen the emergence of a cuisine leader or just another
follower?
The answer, I'm pleased to report, is positive.
And first, let me be the first to congratulate the city of Austin on
the speedy completion (about 3 years) of the beautification of Barton
Springs Road. You can actually drive down the darn street now without
running into gigantic holes, blocked lanes, and unending traffic snarls.
That means you can actually get to Mimosa for a change, and get there,
you should.
Start with the Edamame. Broiled, tasty, you just
can't stop eating these soybeans. Also the Kushi Katsu, which is a fried
pork cutlet that just melts in your mouth. And the lovely Gyoza dumplings
are just a pleasure. I also highly recommend the Udon Noodle Soup. A
rich beef stock and the wonderfully al dente Japanese noodles make for
a delightful taste. Happy slurping. You should also try the Ebi and
Kani Sunomono. This is cucumber salad at the top of the food chain.
On to more substantive fare, I love the Hibachi
Scallops. They are iron-pan fried in an ethereal ginger-teriyaki and
butter sauce. Served with fried rice, this dish just calls to me, like
the Sirens summoned the ancient Greek sailors. And like them, I cannot
resist. Another dish that has stood up well is the Seafood Kabob. Combining
shrimp, scallops, and calamari, the seared flavor of this entrée
is notable. You must also try the Vegetable Tempura With a lovely batter
and perfect execution, the texture/taste quotient just works so well!
And how could we forget the Unagi Don, or char broiled eel and pickled
radish over rice with eel sauce? Yeah, I know, eel. And all that it
evokes. Well put your biases in your pocket and try this dish!
The Sushi Rolls and sushi pieces, the sashimi, all
remain pristine, fresh, and full of flavor. The service could probably
still be ratcheted up a couple of notches. English lessons might help.
But all things considered, Mimosa is a restaurant worthy of your consideration.
In fact, just the place to take Mom this weekend for Mother's Day. (Just
don't tell her it's eel that she's eating.)
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