"Austin “Kemuri Tatsu-ya’s menu is equal parts Japanese izakaya and Texas barbecue, and it’s the best (and only) place to find smoked brisket, ramen, and yakitori under one roof in Austin. When the world fell apart, they took a pause, and briefly reopened as a takeout sandwich shop. But the real pivot came in the fall, when they closed their dining room, doubled the size of their patio, and created a new omakase experience that channeled the restaurant’s izakaya/barbecue roots beautifully. Dishes came packed in a little wooden box - which made the entire meal feel like opening presents. The box filled with brisket burnt ends, fermented hot sauce, nori, and an array of pickles for DIY hand rolls still might be the best thing anyone’s given me all year.” -Nicolai McCrary, Austin Staff Writer" - team infatuation