You want awesome? Go to Uchiko's Sake Socials

Over the years I've gone from never having sushi to being a sushi
fanatic. Happy hours have always been a great time for me to get my
"fix" but no place has wowed me like the Sake Social at Uchiko.

From 5-6:30pm each day you can try a variety of Uchiko's signature
flavors for under $6. Two of the hand rolls tried were HUGE and came
with a sauce pairing that was simply amazing. The "crunchy spicy tuna
hand roll" was full of flavor and texture, not to mention a little
heat, and had an amazing chili sauce. The "p-38" was just as
delicious. Not going to describe the flavor as you have to try it to
understand it.

Some of the smaller snack items were equally delicious. Take the
"kakiage" which is a tempura fried sweet potato fritter served with
chili sauce. Worth getting your fingers a bit greasy grabbing a taste
of these. So much for only $3.

The item that took me my surprise was the "gyutan nigiri", lightly
grilled beef tongue with yuzu kosho on white rice, with so much flavor
and so tender! For two big pieces it was $3. So good I had it twice!

The staff here is amazing gracious and attentive. Try the Tamara
nigori sake also for $3 for what they call a "samurai" pour. Big and
in a box.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. See you at the bar!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Posted via email from Sweet John's posterous

Bcycle Bike Sharing Could Be What Austin Needs

See the full gallery on Posterous

Austin has a strong cycling community. We are also one of the fastest
growing cities in the United States. Traffic is becoming a greater
issue each year. This is why a bike sharing program makes sense.
Mellow Johnny's and GSD&M have joined forces to bring Bcycle(rentable
bicycle), a bike sharing program in cities like San Antonio and
Denver, to Austin. In a presentation at the Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
Thursday night Bcycle made it's debut to Austinites.

Bcycle is simple in it's premise. Similar to Car-To-Go, you rent a
bike, use, return, and then it's ready for the next rider. The
demonstration and Q&A provided an expectation of what is to come.

Let's explain how it works. The Bcycles are set up in kiosks where you
can rent them at a rate set by that city. Fairly easy to use (video
demo here), the kiosks can support up to 23 Bcycles and can be
designed to fit existing area with no build-out using a modular fit
system. They can also be self-sustaining with solar power. Once you
receive your bike you just ride and go. Return to a kiosk when not in
use. Kiosks are generally less than 6 blocks apart in downtown areas.

The Bcycles, built by Trek, have 3 speeds, GPS tracking, fenders, and
a basket. They are also designed to be used by someone as short as
4'10" to over 6' tall with an adjustable seat system. Throw in a
built-in, always-on lighting system and a lock that coils up to hold
your morning coffee and you have one serious, durable, commuting
machine. At around 47 pounds it is not designed for speed, however
after test riding one, it does provide a comfortable and surprisingly
easy ride.

The GPS feature allows users to track where they went using mobile
apps or their website. They can even tell you how many approximate
calories were burned on the trip. The data collected from the GPS also
can let users know which kiosk have bikes available or slots to return
the bike. City planners will be able to see how the Bcycles are being
used to add or move kiosks where they are needed.

The system works best when bikes are available and as an incentive
there isn't a fee for use under 30 minutes. Prices are tiered for
longer use.

San Antonio started using the Bcycle program in March of this year.
Adrian Lipscombe, a planner for the Office of Environmental Policy for
SanAntonio, believes the program a great success so far. Since then
they have had over 11,000 trips made through June. Future plans there
include having more units installed at visitor centers throughout the
city.

At a cost of around $2 million dollars for the initial installation
the program is not inexpensive. Funding from the private
sector($500,000) is still needed to bring the program to Austin, with
the balance coming from public transportation grants. The value of the
program does exceed the cost in providing a real solution to traffic
and parking in the downtown Austin area. One example is taking your
car to a CapMetro Rail station, and after taking the train to work or
your destination, then use the Bcycle to travel the final distance to
your destination. Some cities are now reporting after their first year
of using Bcycle that they have become self-supporting from AD space, memberships, 
and rental revenues.

Let's make this happen Austin.

 

Posted via email from Sweet John's posterous

To Spotify or to REALLY Spotify. That is the question.

It isn't a question of not using this fantastic new music service. It is a question of using it free or buying into one of the plans (offline and mobile features). Now, if you have never heard of Spotify, here is a video explaining it. 

Posted via email from Sweet John's posterous

Movie Poster Found After 22 Years

In a box of old belongings that haven't been touched in over twenty
years was this gem of a movie poster. Purchased from an auction held
by the Milwaukee PBS affiliate back in 1989 it sat in a box still with
the original manilla folder. Wonder if it has any value but I also
want to frame it. What to do....

See the full gallery on Posterous

Posted via email from Sweet John's posterous

The iPad Accessory Of The Year

As an iPad aficionado this must be in my life soon. My apartment isn't big enough for a full size one. 

Posted via email from Sweet John's posterous

Calimocho - My Summer Drink Of 2011

A couple month's ago while waiting on Mellow Johnny's to assemble my
new bike I had the pleasure of a delicious lunch at Frank's. They had
introduced a new summer cocktail menu. The calimocho caught my eye. It
is a simple concoction of two ingredients, Coca-Cola and red wine that
is served over ice. Even with a lot of doubt at how it would taste one
was ordered. The doubt was replaced with surprise and contentment. It
was simply delicious. Have one at Frank's or make one for yourself.
You won't be disappointed.

Find a Pinot Noir. You don't need to be fancy. If you are having a
group get the box variety. In the versions personally tested it did
not make a difference on the specific Pinot Noir. You will also need
an equal volume of Coca-Cola. Mexican Cokes if you can find are the
best way but a good ol' standard 2 liter will work also. It HAS to be
Coca-Cola though. (Funny that the mixer is more important than the
alcohol ingredient)

For every ounce of wine it is an ounce of Coca-Cola. Serve in your
favorite glass over ice. Garnish with an orange slice if you want to
be fancy. This drink will bring a smile to anyone's face. Like mine
right now. Enjoy!

Posted via email from Sweet John's posterous