Just some revisits for today……
Kayaba:
***** Kayaba has closed
Sometimes just the mention of something can really get me going……. Yesterday, all it took was reading one of the daily posts from one of my favorite food blogs, Our Adventures in Japan. Kat, much like me, is an ex-pat Kama’aina, and is currently on vacation visiting “home” which, of course, would be Hawaii. Obviously I’m glued to each and every one of her posts. So yesterday, what does she post on? Why it just had to be Tonkatsu (albiet a Tonkatsu Sandwich), from Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin. The worst thing was that Kat, who usually includes a few photos from every meal, didn‘t do that for this meal. With good reason as she was having lunch with a good friend, and I‘d do the same. The problem was, that all I could think about was their $36 Tokusen Kurobuta Tonkatsu Teishoku. Sorry to say, there’s no Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin in San Diego……but I just had to have some Tonkatsu. So I settled for Kayaba:
It did a decent job of “scratching that itch”…..it ain’t no Ginza Bairin, but was bit a bit cheaper at $8. I think if I’d missed the boat at Kayaba, I’d have even settled for shredded cabbage with tonkatsu sauce……weird, I know, but much like Kathy, I can’t resist slathering katsu sauce all over my cabbage. One does need 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day right?
Kayaba
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd Ste 119 – In the Mitsuwa Marketplace
San Diego, CA 92111
(Yet) Another Visit to Izakaya Sakura:
Yes, you can say it now…….how many posts can one do on Sakura? It’s bad enough that Ed, Cathy, and I have all done posts on Sakura. But to make matters worse, we’ve each done multiple posts. I have however, taken comfort in the fact, that I haven’t even come close to the level of obsession with the place as displayed by Dennis in his wonderful food blog, A Radiused Corner. Oh, and in case you missed it, here’s his latest post on Sakura. Now that’s dedication!
And our recent weather had a nice visit to Sakura written all over it. On this visit, the Missus and I sat in the “smoking section”…… just joking, we sat on one of the tables outside where I’ve seen guys taking surreptitious puffs of cancer sticks in the past. You can’t drink alcohol on these tables, but you can sneak in a few stealth puffs if you need to.
On this visit, the Missus had one dish in mind, while I had several. I started with one of my favorites Maguro Yamakake. Simply cubes of Maguro topped with Yamaimo (mountain yam) which has been grated to give it a gooey texture. Along with a bit of soy and wasabi, I find this a refreshing dish. Though a good FOY (Friend of Yoso) calls it “snot on tuna”. (You don’t want to know what he says Shiokara smells like) It really has a mild flavor, and is more of an acquired texture than anything else.
I followed that up with the Albacore Tataki, slices of seared Albacore in ponzu sauce, topped with sliced onions and scallions. The meaty Albacore, which sometimes can be on the dry side, does well with the citrusy ponzu, and just as red meat goes well with sweet, acidic onions, the Albacore does the trick.
In need of something rich, I also ordered the Ankimo (steamed monkfish liver), another of my favorite dishes:
I realize that it’s not the optimal time for Ankimo (which is winter), which is probably why this wasn’t the best Ankimo that Kazu has ever created. It was very fishy, with a more wax like mouth feel than the usual pate texture. It was too strong for the Missus, who also loves Ankimo.
When it’s hot, I love Zaru Soba (cold soba), and I enjoy the version at Sakura.
The Missus was still waiting for Her dish, and wanted a a taste of my soba. I had forgotten how She eats Her Zaru Soba; She ended up dumping the entire ball of wasabi into the tsuyu(the broth), creating a nasal singeing experience for me. I had to keep reminding myself, “real men don’t cry in their soba”…… ouch! On the good side, my sinus problems were a thing of the past……
Finally, the Missus’ Chirashi arrived, looking mighty good.
The Missus attacked this with gusto, and based on Her reaction it sure must’ve hit the spot.
Of course, I got my share of the Chirashi as well, in the form of the very plump oyster, as well as some of the Ikura and rice:
While eating the Chirashi, the Missus thought of the perfect item to top off Her meal……
Shishamo of course, which She can eat like french fries.
We left Sakura as we always do after a nice dinner there…..maybe a bit lighter in the wallet, but satisfied.
Izakaya Sakura
3904 Convoy St #121
San Diego, CA 92111