I can say with a good amount of certainty that since they opened at the end of October, Yakitori Taisho has been a favorite of the Missus. It is one of our two current favorite places (I'll do a post on the other) to have dinner. I mentioned in our last post on Taisho, some of the great items we've had from the specials board. And while none of them made the same impact as that stewed beef tongue, we've had two items recently that we really enjoyed.
Fried Squid Beaks:
Nope, not that kind of squid beak, but this kind.
Loved the batter on this; somewhat lacquer like with a nice crunch. The almost sweet flavor of the squid comes through very nicely. Loved the chewy texture….this was much better than I thought it would be. We went back recently and they had it on the board, but had just run out…….bummer!
Babylon Snails:
From what I could gather, these are Babylonia Areolata? Regardless, the mildly toothsome snails really absorb the bincho flavor.
It does so well with a moderate amount of salt….sadly, we've only seen this on the menu once.
Fried Baby Octopus:
This was a nice version. Chewy but not tough……
I enjoyed it more than the Missus…loved the crunch, the flavor, the chew.
Gizzard Skins:
The outer layer of the chicken gizzard. Quite chewy.
Grilled Beef Tongue (gyutan):
As a whole, just ok. I prefer mine a bit more charred on the edges and crisp. Good seasoning though, not too salty.
And then there are the items we always get. On many occasions, akahimo (chicken vein) will be put right on the grill as soon as we walk in the door.
Along with chicken livers for the Missus.
As I mentioned in my previous post we'll always get these (when they have the akahimo).
Along with the Tsukune.
We were once coyly asked if we preferred the version here to the version at Yakyudori. Though they both have the same owners, I'm sensing a bit of competition. The version at Yakyudori has changed over the last 2 years or so, the flavor has gotten milder and there seems to be a bit too much filler. So it was easy for us. We preferred Taisho's version. That's when the Missus asked how he got the meatball so moist and tender. The answer……with a laugh, "sorry….it's my secret!"
The one "secret" that was shared with us, was the ingredient that gave the karaage here and Yakyudori that extra umami……
Wouldn't you know it's Shio Koji one of my favorite ingredients….I'm going to need to try that soon.
There are, of course other items that are fine.
But we've pretty much got the core of our meals here set. Of course, I'm looking forward to what will be on the specials board the next time we visit!
If you're planning a visit, you might want to make reservations – (858) 752-0468. Also, the hours have changed slightly.
Yakitori Taisho
5185 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
New Hours:
Tues – Sat 5pm – 11pm
Sunday 4pm – 10pm