Man, the Missus sure had changed over the last couple of years…..it used to be that She would only go for the Albacore, Hamachi, and Salmon at sushi bars…..and I'd get the "good stuff". But Take-san at Tadokoro has changed all that. The Missus has come to trust him totally….and Take-san has really picked up on what the Missus enjoys and has gotten Her to try things She never would have.
I think it all started with the ankimo. She loves the version here.
And of course the sashimi, which is how we usually start our meals…..
What has really amazed me is how eagerly She'll go for items the She "never knew were so good!"
Like ika……
And tako…..
Culminating in the Missus actually trying Shirako (cod sperm sac) tonight!
Which the Missus loved! This was melt in your mouth soft, with a slight milky edge to it. I'd had it many times…..with it being more often than nought…well terrible. This was very good. I didn't even realize it's Shirako season.
We'll often get a something a bit different, like this hobo (robin-fish) wrapped around ankimo(he knows the Missus loves his version) and scallion with ponzu.
A wonderful contrast of textures……..
Or perhaps some anago broiled over bamboo leaves…..
Which is such a nice surprise when you give yourself over to the man behind the bar.
And of course there are our favorites like engawa, the dorsal fin muscle of hirame (halibut).
Or any number of other "standards" done well……
Take-san paid us a very nice compliment the other evening when he told us, "most people who order Omakase don't really know what that means, but you, you really do."
And it's quite easy when someone understands your taste and still tries to push the envelope a bit when he believes he has something top-notch on hand. This is what makes dining enjoyable. Whether it's a simple bowl of noodles from a stand in Luang Prabang or dinner at Urasawa it's all about experiences, learning, and enjoying. And we've been enjoying Tadokoro quite a bit recently.
Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
Open: Mon – Sat 5pm – 10pm
Like I said before:
Go early for best selection and a more relaxed pace and atmosphere. Even better, make reservations and go early.