Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of unforgettable dining escapades at various Astons venues that would make a food critic weep tears of joy! From nearly wrestling with a formidable steak at ASTONS Steak & Salad to indulging in something outrageously rich at BIZEN Okayama Wagyu Steakhouse (I think I met my match there), each dish tells a tale. Join me on this whimsical journey through my culinary misadventures where I’ll dish out laughs just as generously as the portions!
ASTONS Steak & Salad
The moment I set foot in ASTONS Steak & Salad, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of grilled meats wafting through the air had my mouth watering long before I placed my order. I can confidently say that this place has become my go-to for satisfying my cravings. With a laid-back atmosphere and hearty portions, it feels like a culinary hug. And the best part? The steak is grilled to perfection, leaving me pondering how they cast a spell on their chefs!
Juicy steak delight
Now, let me tell you about the juicy steak delight that is the star of my dining experience here. When I first cut into that succulent piece of meat, it was as if I had discovered the Holy Grail of steaks. The seasoning was spot on, and the tenderness? Oh my, it practically melted in my mouth! I could almost hear it whispering sweet nothings to me, establishing itself as the centrepiece of my meal. It left me wondering if I could fit a portion in my pocket to take home for later.
Salad with a twist
The salad at ASTONS is not just your average bowl of greens. When I first laid eyes on it, I was greeted with an unexpected delight: vibrant colours, textures, and toppings that had me questioning if I had signed up for a salad or a work of art. I never knew salad could be so exciting!
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It turns out, they put a twist on the traditional idea of a salad by incorporating a mix of unique ingredients that dance on your palate. Think crunchy nuts, a drizzle of tantalising dressing, and fresh fruits that take your taste buds on a joyful ride. I genuinely felt like a kid in a candy shop, but instead of sweets, I was relishing this colourful explosion of flavours. Who knew being healthy could taste this fabulous? Honestly, if every salad were served with such flair and flavour, I’d gladly take up a full-time salad-eating career!
ANDES by ASTONS
Now, if you’re looking for a delightful culinary adventure, ANDES by ASTONS is a must-visit. The moment I stepped in, the earthy colours and warm ambience made me feel as though I’d been transported to a charming lodge in the Andes, completely escaping the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying some of the tastiest dishes around.
Mountain of flavours
Flavours explode at ANDES, where each dish transports you to the high peaks of South America. I once had a taste of their signature grilled meats, which were not only seasoned to perfection but practically sang with robust spices, making my taste buds whirl like I was at a local tango festival.
Spicy salsa dance
Spicy, oh so spicy! One of my favourite moments at ANDES was witnessing the infectious energy of the salsa dance that erupted when the spicy dishes arrived. I was practically pulled into the rhythm as I sipped on a refreshing drink, trying to cool the heat that danced on my tongue.
Salsa to me isn’t just about the rhythm; it’s the culmination of bold flavours and lively conversation. The vibrant salsa they serve alongside their meats is nothing short of a fiesta on my plate. Each mouthful was a burst of freshness, tomatoes, and just the right amount of kick to keep me on my toes, much like trying to stay in tune with the salsa music playing in the background. With every bite, I felt like I was not only savouring the essence of the Andes but also clearly learning the salsa dance steps – even if my partner was just the chair next to me!
AJI ICHI
Your taste buds are in for a treat at AJI ICHI! Nestled in the heart of the city, this delightful spot serves up sushi that is so fresh, it’s practically swimming onto your plate. I’ve had my fair share of dining escapades here, and let me tell you, each visit is an enjoyable roller-coaster of flavours that leaves me grinning from ear to ear. Every bite is an adventure, and you’ll find yourself wanting to savour every delectable moment.
Sushi sabotage story
Sabotage struck one fateful evening when I confidently declared I would master the art of sushi rolls. As I proudly arranged my ingredients, a rather over-enthusiastic cat decided to leap onto the counter, sending my carefully crafted sushi plummeting to the floor. I ended up with more cat hair than fish in my rolls, and let’s just say, AJI ICHI’s sushi has since become my go-to rather than my homemade attempts!
Drunken noodle adventure
Little did I know that a simple order of drunken noodles would lead to one of my most memorable (and slightly embarrassing) nights out. The dish arrived with a mountain of flavour; anticipating a culinary delight, I went in with all my gusto. However, a few sips of sake later, I was attempting to twirl my noodles like spaghetti, with little success.
ICHI vividly remembers that night, as I made quite the scene with my noodle-twirling antics. With each failed attempt, I found myself laughing harder while my companions looked on in a mix of amusement and horror. As I dragged the noodles across the table like a culinary tug-of-war, I could only hope the staff didn’t think I was a complete noodle novice. Spoiler alert: I may have regretted the quantity of sake, but the laughter and camaraderie made it worth every slurp! AJI ICHI, you’ll always have a special place in my heart (and stomach).
BIZEN Okayama Wagyu Steakhouse
Unlike any other steak experience I’ve had, dining at BIZEN Okayama was simply sublime. The moment I walked in, the earthy aromas of sizzling beef embraced me like an old friend. It’s the kind of place where you just know that the steak is going to leave a lasting impression on your palate – and oh, it really did! The attentive staff guided me through their Wagyu offerings as if I were a royal guest, which made me feel rather fancy, even if my last royal outing was just a trip to the local bakery.
Wagyu dreams fulfilled
Some culinary experiences feel as though they were plucked straight from a dream, and my visit to BIZEN was one of them. As the waiter presented the marbled masterpiece before me, I thought, “This must be what angels eat!” The steak was so tender, it practically melted in my mouth and virtually gave me butterflies. Who knew a piece of meat could inspire such joy? My heart soared as I savoured every bite, and for just a moment, I was in a beefy paradise.
Tasty beef poetry
Wagyu is not just beef; it’s an ethereal creation that sings a symphony in your mouth. At BIZEN, the experience of savouring the Wagyu was akin to reading a beautiful poem. Each bite was a carefully penned verse – a story of rich flavours dancing on my palate, leaving me in utter bliss. It was simply a culinary sonnet, where the tender meat, marbled fat, and a hint of char were harmonised in a delightful crescendo of taste.
Beef poetry isn’t merely an art; it’s a divine call to all meat lovers. I found my senses captivated as aromas wafted around me like a warm hug. The tenderness was unreal, making me question if I had somehow entered a parallel universe where cows were serenaded. Each slice was a lyrical moment, compelling me to recount tales of my gastronomic journey to anyone willing to listen, like an eager bard spinning yarns in a bustling tavern. I left feeling like a true connoisseur, ready to inspire others with stories of my glorious beefy adventure!
CHIC-A-BOO
Many of my meals at CHIC-A-BOO have been nothing short of a clucking good time! The ambience is casual yet vibrant, just like the chicken on the menu. I particularly love their cheeky chicken dishes that come with a side of delightful humour, leaving me in high spirits and stuffed to the brim.
Chicken with attitude
Little did I know, this restaurant serves chicken with more personality than a reality TV star! Each bite bursts with flavours that make me swoon, all while teasing my taste buds with a hint of sass.
Saucy secret revealed
You’ll find that the real magic at CHIC-A-BOO lies in their sauces. The secret blends are like a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered and devoured.
CHIC-A-BOO takes chicken to a whole new level with their signature sauces that pack a punch! My personal favourite is the sweet and spicy blend that transforms simple chicken into a taste sensation. Every time I visit, I feel like an archaeologist unearthing culinary wonders as I dip, drizzle, and dunk my meal to new heights. Trust me, you’ll want to stock up on their sauces to take home; it’s like bringing a bottle of happiness along with you!
East
After sampling a few of the delightful offerings at Astons, I found myself particularly enamoured with their East branch. The vibrant atmosphere and the tantalising aromas wafting from the kitchen had me salivating before I’d even placed my order. It’s a feast that feels both celebratory and comforting, where each dish transports you to a bustling street market, all without needing to leave the comfort of the restaurant. Trust me, it’s a culinary trip I’ll happily take over and over again!
Noodle Slurp Competition
You’ll want to gird your loins for the noodle slurp competition – it’s a battle of epic proportions! Picture this: me, determined to out-slurp my friends, looking like a socially awkward octopus as I juggle chopsticks and a bowl of noodles. Spoiler alert: my competitive spirit didn’t quite match my noodle-handling skills, resulting in a splatter zone that made the table resemble an abstract art installation. Yet, the laughter and camaraderie turned my noodle fiasco into the highlight of the evening!
Dim Sum Dilemmas
East, I thought I was ready for your dim sum temptations, but how wrong I was! Faced with a mountainous menu and my famous indecisiveness, I was like a kid in a sweet shop, wanting it all but unable to choose. Imagine ordering a basket of the exquisite dumplings and finding myself horrified that I’d only managed to pick half of what I truly desired. It’s a real conundrum when every option is calling your name, but I assure you, it’s a delightful dilemma I wouldn’t trade for anything!
It turns out that tackling dim sum is a sport of its own! I was met with a range of small plates—each cuter than the last—making it ridiculously difficult to choose. From those little steamed buns that look like fluffy clouds to the prawn dumplings that sparkle with freshness, it’s an explosion of flavours. I found myself in a joyful debacle, trying to allocate the sad remains of what I thought I could consume, all the while my eyes were scanning the table for “just one more” option. Not that I’ve ever been one to say no to a second round of anything, especially when it comes to dumplings! Honestly, if you’re not wrestling with dim sum dilemmas, are you even doing it right?
Summing up
Now, as I look back on my dining adventures at Astons and its delightful eateries like ANDES by ASTONS and the ever-satisfying ASTONS Steak & Salad, I can’t help but chuckle. I mean, who wouldn’t find it amusing when my first attempt at BIZEN Okayama Wagyu ended up being an eloquent way to say, “Oops, I’ve over-ordered.” Yet, every bite of that marvellous steak felt like a hug for my taste buds! So if you’re seeking culinary experiences dripping in personality and flavour, join me in this mouth-watering journey!
FAQ
Q: What is the story behind ASTONS Steak & Salad?
A: Ah, the legendary ASTONS Steak & Salad! It’s a place where carnivores come to—let’s say, ‘meat’ their destiny! I once ordered a steak so big they had to bring it out on a small trailer. They say size doesn’t matter, but my tastebuds were waving flags of victory! On a separate occasion, I tried the salad, thinking I was making a healthy choice. The moment I revealed my culinary intention, the waiter raised an eyebrow and said, “Aren’t you meant to be eating steak with that?” Lesson learned: in ASTONS, steak must reign supreme!
Q: How does dining at ANDES by ASTONS differ from other restaurants?
A: Dining at ANDES by ASTONS is an experience that feels like a culinary journey to South America without the need for a passport! My first visit began with a plate of juicy Peruvian chicken. I was so enamoured that I nearly serenaded the waiter with a love ballad—the chicken nearly stole my heart. One amusing moment was when I ordered the ‘spicy’ option and moments later was chugging water as if preparing for a marathon. If you’re brave and love a bit of tango with your meal, ANDES is the place to go!
Q: What’s the deal with AJI ICHI? Are the Japanese dishes authentic?
A: AJI ICHI takes you straight to Japan with each mouthful! On my first visit, I attempted to order in Japanese, which was more ‘chopstick chaos’ than ‘sushi savvy’. Long story short, the waiter chuckled and said, “Sir, feels like you’ve swallowed a dictionary!” The sushi was so beautifully presented that I admittedly took more pictures than bites. If you fancy a taste of Japan without the jet lag, AJI ICHI is a fantastic option—just leave your Japanese vocabulary at home!
Q: Is BIZEN Okayama Wagyu Steakhouse really worth the hype?
A: When I first heard about BIZEN, people described it as a ‘meat paradise’. I walked in, and I kid you not, I swear I heard angels singing! The Wagyu steaks melted like butter on my tongue. During a rather entertaining evening, my friends and I made a competition out of who could eat the most slices of their famed beef. Let’s just say, one friend ended up in a food coma whilst I crowned myself the ‘Wagyu Whisperer’. If you want a steak with a side of laughter, BIZEN is worth every penny!
Q: What’s unique about Chic-A-Boo, and why should I visit?
A: Chic-A-Boo isn’t just a chicken place; it’s a chicken CONCEPT! I visited expecting a standard meal, but what I got was a laugh fest. On my first bite of their famed fried chicken, I accidentally let out a ‘mmm’ so audibly that I surprised myself—and the couple at the next table! Their chicken has a crispy coating that would make any fried chicken lover weep with joy. If you’re feeling a bit cheeky and in the mood for some crispy antics, visit Chic-A-Boo—there’s nothing like chicken that brings people together (even if it’s just to giggle at your unexpected noises!).
