When it comes to food, only one opinion matters. That's the blunt
truth. You could be a well-traveled and cultured eater with a
sophisticated palate or someone who never ventures from a staple of processed
foods. In the end, the only opinion that matters is your own. It may
sound odd coming from a social psychologist that I'm focusing on the N = 1, but
the point is that you shouldn't take other people's opinions too literally.
The other point of the post is on style and execution.
Banh Mi Pate at Uchiko, Austin, TX.
It is a modernist twist.
So back to the point about only your opinion matters, there seems to be intolerance when it comes to
food opinions. Everyone thinks they are right. Certain types of food
are a religion like barbecue and chili (beans or no beans). What we should
do is be tolerant of other people's opinions. Not everyone is going to
love the hottest new restaurant. Not everyone is going to hate the most
disgusting chain restaurant. All of these are opinions, and why the heck
can't people accept that. I see that in music too. Unless someone is
forcing you against your will to listen to music you don't like, why do you care
if people like Lady Gaga. It really is a personal choice. It just
seems funny to me that many people fight for free speech, but try to oppress
other's personal choice in food and music.
Banh mi at
Tan Dinh in New Orleans, LA.
Everyone has a personal choice of the style of food they enjoy. Do you
like it spicy? Do you like it like grandma made it? Do you like it
with a modern twist? All these are are PERSONAL choices on style.
And often time I hear people say,
"That is bad."
But what they really means is,
"That is not my style."
Just because something isn't your style, that doesn't mean it is bad.
It simply means it isn't your style. It doesn't mean that the execution
was bad. It is not BAD, just not your style. Style and execution
should NOT be confused.
Banh Mi Burger at Swift's Attic
in Austin, TX. Photo courtesy of Zack Northcutt, Sous Chef at Swift's
Attic.
Style is manner of creating the dish. Is the chef aiming for
authentic flavors? Is the chef looking to do some fusion? Style here
is big and broad, and you can define your own style - and hope that other people
understand what that means. Some styles are so distinct that I can
identify where the chef was trained.
Execution is the carrying out or putting into effect of that style.
If the execution of any style fails, well, the dish just stinks. Examples
of poor execution are half-baked loaves of bread, broken cream sauces,
unintentionally crunchy pasta, or scorched soups. That is just bad.
I may love the style, but if the execution is bad, I can't eat it.
The pork lemongrass banh mi at
Pho Thaison on William
Canon, Austin, TX.
One example that has been debated amongst my friends is banh mi styles.
When I think of banh mi, I want authentic banh mi that I had growing up.
My family frequently purchased banh mi from
B10 in Houston for decades. This was way before they were called B10.
The bread is lightly crusted on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside.
The aioli used was made in house. It was translucent deep yellow with a
slightly sweet flavor. The grilled pork was perfectly seasoned and smoky.
It was heavenly.
Unfortunately, there is nothing like it in Austin, and that always starts a
debate of the best banh mi in Austin. I stand by my opinion that there is
nothing quite like authentic hole in the wall type that I get in Houston.
But there are many other types that are executed well, but I just isn't my
favorite style.
If you are curious, here is a list of places that myself or my food loving
friends recommend for banh mi. There are a few restaurants that will have
their own versions of banh mi from time to time. And if you are ever in
New Orleans, see if
Cochon Butcher
has a banh mi on the menu. It is amazing. It isn't my preferred
style, but the execution was so fantastic that I don't care.
-
Baguette House 10901 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
(512) 837-9100
- Some people love this place. It is so far from my style that I
just get angry with I eat the banh mi. I'm told that they are
executed well, but just not my style.
-
Pho Thaison several locations
- The South location (3601
W William Cannon Dr #250)
is the only place
where I've had their banh mis. It is one of my favorites in town.
It is the closest to the style I like. The bread is perfectly
crusted, and the pork is juicy. Oh so good!
-
Phonatic several
locations - 2525 W. Anderson Ln., Bldg 3, Suite 280, Austin, TX
78757, 9900 S IH 35, Ste 500, Austin, TX 78748, 1468 E Whitestone Blvd, Ste
200, Cedar Park, TX 78613
- The banh mi sliders
are pretty awesome. Not completely authentic, but those sliders are
awesome.
- Tam Deli 8222
N. Lamar Blvd. Suite D-33, Austin, Texas 78753
(512) 834-6458
- The banh mi here was pretty
tasty. It is a solid choice.
-
Swift's Attic
315 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 (512) 482-8842
- The chefs here like the ones from Uchiko are very familiar with
Asian flavors. Do not hesitate to get anything banh mi-like from
their menu. I remember at La Dolce Vita before they opened, they
served a foie gras banh mi. That is how they play.
-
Uchiko 4200 N
Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756 (512) 916-4808
- This is my second home, and they have an uncanny ability to bring
nostalgia to the modern dishes they create. Look for something
banh mi like on their specials menu.
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