The New Year always seems to bring with it a sense of anticipation, although of late, also a sense of “Oh, please don’t let this year be worse!” Januarys tend to bring fad diets, trips to the gym after a multi-month hiatus, weeks filled with no alcohol, and resolutions. Now that we’ve made it to February, it’s safe to say that 2022 doesn’t quite look like the year of the zombie apocalypse, and let’s face it, the diets have already hit the skids, so I bring you a list of comfort staples to spice up your year.
Shiso Crispy; Dirty Rice 1/2 Beef Short Rib and 1/2 Ahi Tuna
Start off by perusing Instagram for this week’s locations of Shiso Crispy Food Truck or ride down to their permanent spot at the new Par Bar for a side of mini-golf to go with your yummy bites. Regardless of where you find them, the Dirty Rice is a must! Come hungry because this sticky rice is topped with gyoza sauce, gochujang, crispy onions, scallions, sesame seeds, and a choice of protein. Either the beef short rib or the ahi tuna is the way to go. They also have some great vegan options as well.
The second spot on our list, Twisted Indian, is also of the food truck variety. Catch them at the Saturday Morning Market or other spots around the Burg. You can’t go wrong with their bowls, tacos, “curritos”, or naan, but their real star is the yogi fries. These addicting fries are topped with tikka masala, mozzarella, slaw, raita, and cilantro and they are oh so good! If you bring a friend, make them order their own. You won’t want to share.
I found our next spot, Anju, years ago, when they started making the rounds as a food truck, but more recently have settled into a brick and mortar spot on 16th St. What’s dangerous about this move, is now they fall within my UberEats radius, so have definitely become part of the weekly food roundup. I fell in love originally with their K-Pops, boneless Korean fried chicken bites in sweet soy garlic, but now I almost always go for the Combo, so I can try more of the menu. Their Osaka tots drowned in Japanese mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, aonori seaweed powder, smoked fish flakes, bacon, scallions, and benishoga are definitely a diet-buster, but worth it as well!
Our last spot is slotted to open their doors in St. Pete in 2022. Portillo’s is synonymous with Chicago dogs and I am so excited that they found a spot in the Tyrone area. There is just something about that relish, celery salt, and sport peppers. Be on the lookout for their opening, so you can get all your Italian beef and hot dog fixes without crossing the bridge.
If you can’t wait until March to see what I’m eating, then check more content out on Instagram or Facebook @baybeswhobrunch or contact me at [email protected]. In the meantime, if you need me you can find me standing on a barstool or holding my food up to a pretty wall with a camera in my hand around the Bay and beyond!
