New York Times Discovers Austin’s Stellar Japanese Restaurant Scene

— Journalist Brett Anderson explored Austin’s quite-great Japanese food scene for the New York Times. The city’s sushi roots began with Musashino Sushi Dokoro owner and chef Mr. Fuse, where Uchi’s Tyson Cole, Ramen Tatsu-ya’s Tatsu Aikawa, Kome’s Takehiro Asazu, and Fukumoto’s Kazu Fukumoto all studied and worked. There are also shout-outs to Kyoten Sushiko and Otto Phan and Stacy Chen and Yoshi Ramen.

— Austin is getting a new tequila brand with Playa Real Premium Tequila, which includes two fruit-infused versions with mandarin oranges and pineapple. While the headquarters is in Austin, the tequila is produced in Mexico.

— Model Camila Alves highlighted her favorite Austin food truck on her website: Brazilian spot Boteca, which she says is the “real deal.” She likes the food so much, the truck catered her past two birthday parties. She learned how the staff makes its Brazilian fish stew, complete with a recipe.

— South Congress Hotel’s ice cream truck Stephen F. Frostin’ is popping up this week. It’ll serve up ice cream at the hotel’s First Thursday party on May 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. The rest of the festivities include drink specials and music. Japanese spot Otoko is also hosting a staff shokuji with a la carte bar snacks and drinks (as opposed to its usual omakase menu) for walk-ins and limited reservations.

— The Official Drink of Austin, the event that sets to determine what is the city’s signature cocktail for the year, is taking place later this month on Thursday, May 10 at the Fairmont Hotel. Competitors include Garage, Nickel City, Kemuri Tatsu-ya, and Odd Duck. Bites from restaurants like Central Standard (stuffed snap peas), Vino Vino (Spanish tortillas), and Counter 3.Five.VII (loaded baked potatoes) will be served. It runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Advanced tickets are $70 ($85 at the door), and it benefits the Austin Food & Wine Alliance.