We’re not hoity toity, foie gras, oysters & crap...

If you want to know what restaurants, clubs, hotels and retailers will look past the fact that you're "twenty something" and actually provide you the quality food/service/experience they tout...you've come to the right place! This blog is all about two twenty somethings in Dallas, now DC, who love to eat, shop, and enjoy everything this great city has to offer. We've been there, done that with an innumerable number of restaurants and places of interest, and some are truly "all that and a bag of chips", while others fall flat when it comes to living up to big hype.

Bookmark us, as we begin to add in our favorite places to eat and play...and for those that felt our experience was a little less important than our youthful appearance, we know who you are, and soon everyone else will too!

Become a follower and help out our self-esteem :)

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Free Sushi at Steel

Okay, I realize it looks like I've been on a bit of a sushi kick lately, but what's wrong with that?! It's supposed to be good for you, right? Anyway, I heard about the free sushi at Steel a few years ago and thought it must be too good to be true. Well it's not!

B and I went there a few weeks ago on a Wednesday (only night they do it!) for their happy hour. It runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in both the dining room and bar. When we got there, the bar was completely over flowing with people and we were nervous we wouldn't find a seat. The hostess told us we could sit in the main area and enjoy the happy hour there. That was the first of our pleasant surprises of the night. I couldn't believe they'd let us take up a table and have a waiter spend time on us cheap happy hour folks, but apparently they don't mind!

The happy hour includes all of their martinis at 5 bucks, beer and sake, and I believe it is top shelf as well. B and I ordered the Cosmo Bianco, a very light and refreshing martini with fruit. Then the sushi started being delivered. The plate included california rolls, some kind of tempura roll, a spicy tuna and some other roll we couldn't ever identify. They were all delicious! We gobbled that plate up and then sadly watched the bus boy take it away. We thought, surely that's all we get? Right? I mean for delicious adult beverages at 5 dollars and free sushi surely they don't bring more? Right? Wrong! The waiter ended up bringing us two more plates of sushi! I have a feeling the types of rolls change weekly, but I bet its all as good as the stuff we had that night.

They are pretty strict about the 7 pm deadline, so watch the clock to get your last plate of sushi order in on time!

I ended up ordering a Berry Mojito (which was not happy hour price but still a great deal) and it was AMAZING! I tried to copy the recipe for a party I had later in the week and didn't quite get it, but it was still delicious.

I've eaten there for lunch before and got the Bento Box and I recall thinking it was good. It's been over two years since then so I won't try to review it!

All in all, this is a must-try restaurant just for the prices alone! The decor is swanky and a fun place to gather with friends. Try out Steel soon!

Steel Restaurant and Lounge
3102 Oak Lawn Ave # 100
Dallas, TX 75219
214.219.9908
(Stairstep building in uptown)

Highlights:
-Wednesday night free sushi and happy hour!
-Drink list (especially Berry Mojito)
-Bento Boxes

Friday, June 5, 2009

Oishii Sushi

J and I absolutely love this strip mall sushi place off of Wycliff and the Tollway! We were introduced to Oishii by our neighbors, the foodies, and have absolutely craved it ever since. Don't be fooled by the run down outside, it's new bar is super cute and fun lounging spot. We even drove through what felt like a hurricane one Saturday night for take out because it's that good!

Seriously guys, this place is that good. I've never liked sushi until recently, but this place makes up for any fears you may have. We've taken a few non sushi loving friends there lately, and made converts out of them! It's a bit of a dive on the outside, but make no mistake about the quality of the food or the inside of this place. It's got a very hip/urban bar, separated from the restaurant (something you may see alot of while waiting if you go on Wednesdays), and a modest dining room. Regardless of their layout, this place is to be given a close look!

The average price of their sushi rolls is about 5 bucks, but they do have some fancier rolls at about the ten dollar mark. Their rainbow roll with tuna, salmon and white fish wrapped around a california roll is about $11. We love their shrimp tempura, tuna and california rolls. We can usually walk out of Oishii for about $35 for the sushi! We consider their sushi the best in Dallas and for the price, it's even better!

It is VERY EASY to over order here. While we "can" get out for $35 like A says above, we often have much bigger eyes than stomachs and over order. I encourage you to ask the waitress how many rolls it will take to fill you and your date, group or whatever. They are good judges and will likely save you a roll or two from your order. That being, for those that like to binge on sushi, and who of us doesn't, you may be content to over order...it's good enough, you won't let it go to waste, I promise!

We've ordered their spring rolls before and weren't super impressed but we definitely enjoyed the egg rolls, edamame and chicken satay.

For dessert we love the 'Vietnamese coffee'. It's basically a three part cup of coffee. First you get a cup of ice, then about a quarter cup of condensed milk is poured over the ice then comes the coffee. The condensed milk is super sweet and combined with the smooth coffee, it makes a great combo!

Ok so let's discuss this coffee...it's not just "coffee" people, this stuff is like nectar-y goodness. Sure I like my coffee a little sweeter than a true "coffee person", but this stuff is amazing. The condensed milk is like nothing you've ever had in the States, I promise. Even if you're "too full" or "not interested" when the meals over, just DO IT. Try it once and I promise you won't regret it.

Wednesday nights at Oishii are always busy because its half-price wine and hot sake night. They also just recently introduced a $1 sushi night on Tuesdays as well, so I imagine Tuesdays are going to get pretty busy too!

We rate Oishii a 5.0 out of 5 for Sushi and a 4.5 out of 5 for twenty somethings. This is a restaurant that is totally oblivious of age. If you want to go to the bar and be 25, have one too many beers and be a little loud...you can do it. On the same accord, if you sit down at the table with no knowledge of Japanese beer or Sushi, they are happy to oblige your questions. It's a great place for dinner, has a great little bar with amazing wine specials on Wednesdays, and is worth your visit...over and over and over again!

Highlights: - SUSHI! - Wednesday Half Price Wine by the Bottle - Vietnamese Coffee - Great Staff - Nice Bar Area http://www.dallasoishii.com/