My AEP Diary

I had a ESL experience when I went to High School in Canada. The ESL class was a perfect place for me to meet foreign friends because I was new to the environment. Unfortunately, I made too many new friends with similar background as I did and I did not practice my English after class time (I spoke Chinese and Cantonese in class sometimes as well). Then I went to the University, I was frustrated and you get the idea.

In the AEP class, I do not feel like I was in an class with international students. The class was more like how to become a better English writer, reader and speaker. In fact, I appreciated that every students manage to communicate in English even they speak the same language. This gives me a feeling that everyone is looking forward to learn more about English. The content is very specific, mostly related to academic aspect. I do not feel like I have an advantage over others because in these months I learned academic skills, especially in writing, which I was supposed to learn back in Canada. The content of class did not mainly just focus on words. I absorb knowledge of academic skill but at the same time, I learn new words indirectly. This is important because I understand the usage of these new words in different scenario or situation.

The presentation and writing skills are essential because I clearly understand what my future classes are expecting from me. I believe every student has a brilliant idea and concept but the only barrier is the usage of acknowledged expression.

About the blog, I actually enjoy writing food reviews and I like the idea I can write anything on my blog. It gives me a motivation to dig out Austin's restaurants during my free time. In the future, I might do posting once in a while if I found a restaurant that I think it is worth to mention. At the end, I wish everyone could provide me a way to connect with each other, emails or facebook, if you guys do not mind. I believe sometimes people are meant to be meet because of reasons and I valued it. (Just like I can accidentally find a good restaurant)

Da Small Hunting Diary, Greek Cuisine

My name is David Chui. I travel, I eat, I play, I eat, I sleep and then I gain weights.


This week we are looking into Greek Cuisine. I have never tried Greek Cuisine before but I think the cuisine has some dishes similar with Shawarma which I have tried before. I assume I will not experience any cultural shock. Of course, if there is no surprises to add into my diary, I will not post the restaurant. 

However, I do not have much knowledge about Greek Cuisine, so I will just jump into what I have ordered. 

House Salad

The house Salad include a dressing that tastes like Caesar Salad. The dressing tastes quite different from other Casesar dressing I tried in Austin. In fact, this restaurant's dressing has a strong sense of garlic. The taste of garlic dominates other flavor such as the sourness. Interestingly, the cheese on top is Feta Cheese but not Parmesan. I have never tried Feta cheese before and I need to say, you can really taste the lamb. If you are a person who is lamb-smell-intolerant, you can simple for a substitution for a different kind of cheese. Although the vegetable component is the same as the ordinary salad, the convincing or attracting part is, in fact, the dressing and cheese. They are the little things that bright up and make the salad distinctive.

This photo is one of their main entree, Marinated Chicken Kebob. To my understanding, the Greek Kebob is different from the middle east Kebob. However, there is similarity between the two countries' dishes. For example, Hummus, plenty of Hummus. To my understanding, the hummus is made of chicken paste and several ingredients such as olive oil and spices. Interestingly, each restaurant has their own hummus which is completely differed from others. In my opinion, sauces are the most valuable ingredients in the restaurant. A good chief is able to cook a regular meal into one with features because of their knowledge in sauces. I have to say, this restaurant has done it. The hummus has an interesting texture but not strong scent at the same time. Yet, they are very filling. On the other hand, the white sauce is named Tzatziki. All I know about this sauce is that it tastes nothing like mayo and I like it. Although I do not know what a traditional Tzatziki should taste like, I prefer Tzatziki also has a strong scent of herbs. Thus, the combination of hummus and Tzatziki make this meal becomes something I have never tried before. They still lie in the range of "acceptance".

Now, and finally, we are going to talk about the chicken. The meat is tender, so tender that I am surprise. It taste nothing like chicken breast. The amount of juice in the meal is like a sponge that has been soaked in lemonade for 24 hours. When you bite it, along with the sourness comes from lemon juice, you can also experience that something is so juicy that it sort of exploded once your teeth begins grinding the meal. To my surprise, the chicken is as tender as a steak fillet. The fresh lemon juice taste also triggers your appetite. I enjoy the fresh taste because the tastes of hummus and Tzatziki can overwhelm my taste bud and "synthesize" every ingredient which I do not want.

And what is so special about this Pita bread? It is ALL YOU CAN EAT pita. Therefore, I order a few just to dip in hummus and enjoy them as a snack.


I do not know if this is a traditional Greek cuisine but personally I like the food the way it be. Although I do not have a chance to skim-taste the food, I am confident that the other dishes will not be the same as my order but taste as good as the marinated chicken



p.s. remember to have space for Amy's Ice cream which is next to the restaurant



Zorba Greek Diner
9600 Ih 35 S #200, Austin, TX 78748