Saturday’s lunch out took us to Akina Sushi & Asian Food Bistro, which—let’s be honest—is the only Asian place Barbara will agree to. Why? Because every other option has allegedly failed the “someone said something once” test. We’ll suggest another restaurant, and she’ll reply with something like, “Oh no, I heard from a lady at Publix that her cousin’s neighbor’s son got food poisoning there.” Solid. Ironclad logic.

I ordered the pepper steak, and as usual, it was fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, cooked just right, with crunchy veggies that weren’t soggy or sad. The only letdown? Those crispy sweet potato ribbons everyone else loves—I just don’t get the hype. Crunchy, sure. Tasty? Meh.

Stephen had the sweet & sour chicken, and it looked exactly like it tasted: beige. Crispy? Yes. Saucy? Yes. Memorable? Nope.

The miso soup and house salad were right where they always are—dependable, sidekicks to the meal. The soup was salty and comforting, the salad was there, it had dressing, and that’s all we really need to say.

📷 Photo Journal

Exterior shot of Akina with bold red signage and covered patio seating on a bright sunny day.

Miso soup with tofu cubes served in a white square bowl, next to a tall glass of yellow-green soda on a dark wooden table.

Basic side salad with lettuce, carrot shreds, and a slice of red onion in front of a glass of red wine and wood-backed chairs.

Breaded sweet and sour chicken strips with dipping sauce, fried rice, and shredded salad garnish, served next to a fizzy lime-colored drink.

📝 Saturday Notes

This wasn’t our most exciting meal of the week, but it definitely wasn’t the worst. I finally got something good—that pepper steak was actually worth eating again, and I don’t say that lightly. Stephen’s chicken was just… there. He didn’t complain, but he also didn’t comment, which tells you everything.

Barbara was happy because we went to the one Asian restaurant that she deems acceptable based on absolutely no verifiable source. Seriously—mention another place and you’ll hear some version of “Oh no, I heard from someone at church that her hairdresser’s cousin got sick there.” So… Akina it is.

🎬 Behind the Scenes

The lighting in that dining room was a dream—until I tried to photograph the salad and it started wilting under pressure like it knew it was being judged. The sweet & sour chicken refused to look exciting no matter how much Lightroom encouragement I gave it. And the wine glass? That little diva insisted on stealing focus in every shot.

📷 #OurEverydayFoodJourney

Tag us with your version or tell us what your mom irrationally refuses to eat based on gossip. We’re all in this together.

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