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.
I am a total fan of Ota and Kaito and Takodoro is equal to them.
Takodoro is still relatively unknown so I can get reservations there at the sushi bar on a weekend night fairly easy…so far but thanks to you that may end soon.
The fish is perfectly fresh and artfully prepared with a wonderful edamae at the helm. This is truly a top notch sashimi restaurant. And to top it off, there’s a warm ambience with jazz softly playing. Hands down my sushi favorite.
Keep it quiet!! I love being able to get a last minute reservation here!
nice that the Missus’ tastebuds are changing π that place looks great!
Hi Keena – LOL! Ok, I’ll keep it really quiet ssshh…. For now this place is by far the Missus’ favorite.
Hi Kat – The Missus really enjoys this place.
There must be something wrong with this place if he didn’t serve you California rolls. What’s up with that?
Your sushi posts always make me so hungry. I need to come back here. Haven’t had a chance since my first visit where I ran into Dennis.
OK, OK, that looks so dang good. But like Keena said, maybe you shouldn’t tell everybody.
Ugh, Shirako. You and the missus are awesome for being able to deal with it– like you mentioned, my first experience was terrible and I don’t think I’d ever be able to try again. Mental block and such.
Amazing omakase otherwise.
Aww now I’m hungry. Reading food blogs before lunch is not a good idea. It looks delicious though – I’ll have to try it out soon π
Wow, that all looks amazing! I wonder if I could find a restaurant in Ottawa like this, because this looks fantastic. π
LOL Jan!
Hi Kirbie – I hope you have a chance to check them out soon.
Hi Ed – But then I wouldn’t have told you????!!! ;o)
Hi HH – Ha….I was pleasantly surprised by the Shirako.
Hi Jinxi – You should go and check them out.
Hi Virgina – Welcome and thanks for commenting.
Hi Kirk, I love the texture of engawa. I remember Sam prepped me up some good stuff way back when he was still at Walmido. My Tadokoro post is still buried in my long queue for some reason, but you’re right in that you should come as early as possible. Not good for large groups either.
We just went there last night for a belated V-day dinner. Had a fabulous time and had many of the same things in this post. But yeah, even getting there at 5:30pm we were glad we made a reservation. It filled up really quickly and there were a ton of folks showing up without a reservation and leaving sad. Like Kirk mentioned, I think i’ll try to show up even earlier and maybe try a slower night next time, Take-san was pretty swamped.
Dang, the word is out now. π Boy, all those dishes look so good!
Hi Dennis – Yep, that’s the ticket, make early reservations.
Hi Jason – I’m glad you had a great dinner at Tadokoro.
Hi Carol – I think I’ll just “lay low” from now on!
Looking forward to visiting this place when I’m in SD in the fall. What did you mean when Take said that you understood omakase?
Hey Sawyer – It’s because a vast majority of folks use the word, but then go about ordering what they want. It’s kind of funny…..I’ve actually seen it happen there. They’ll order “omakase” then start saying “I want toro….ummm, hamachi….do you have uni tonight?” What’s the point, really??
When Take-san served us the Shirako, I kinda figured what it was and had difficulties enjoying it. =) But my husband kept saying, “What is this? This is really tasty!” Never tried it before elsewhere but I could guess it’s as good as it gets…
LOL Jess……ignorance is bliss, huh?
Thank you Kirk for posting about Tadokoro. Took wife there for her birthday and enjoyed it immensely. Take-san remembered us from PB. Dunno how, but he remembered!
Hey Liver – It’s nice to hear from you, I hope things are going well. A hearty Happy Birthday to the Missus as well! i’m glad you enjoyed your meal! Funny thing, Take actually remembered me from my visits to Surfside, even though it was Aki who served me both times.