Over the last couple of months I've found that depending on the context and situation, certain words will bring on a sort of nostalgia….taking me back to certain places and times. I had been wanting to get dinner from Hinotez while it was open for takeout. But after outdoor dining shut down, Hinotez went into hibernation. One evening, when the Missus was working; doing a night shift to help out in the South Bay, I just went over to Yakyudori's website and found that they were doing takeout. And then I saw it…….Kanazawa, a city we enjoyed visiting, and of course Nagoya…..bringing back memories of having yakitori at the original Yakyudori and also Hinotez 2 there.
Well, I just had to place an order.
I placed an order for the "Kanazawa" Curry Rice and recalling how much I enjoyed the karaage curry version at Hinotez, got it that way. And also an order of Nagoya Teba as well. Things were ready when I arrived….I had been kinda leery of Yakyudori when they put the "tent" up for outside dining as it was closed on three sides, which for me is bad for ventilation. Now with outdoor dining shut down it was totally removed.
I unpacked upon reaching home and set about to devour dinner immediately.
This was quite promising as the curry was still hot and the karaage….well, I just had to try one, was crisp with decent savory tones….well marinated. It perfectly mirrored what I had when I did my Yakuyudori versus Taisho posts years ago.
I eagerly poured the very thick curry over the karaage and rice.
The curry was thick and beefy (a hallmark of Kanazawa style curry from what I understand), like a good ragu of sorts. While it could do with having a bit more spice for my taste, it was just like a wonderful hearty, beefy, curry gravy for the crunchy, salty-savory karaage. Every bit as good as what I had enjoyed at Hinotez in the past…perhaps even better; darker, richer….nearly teetering on "too much of a good thing" but I enjoyed it, especially after what I recently got from Zen Curry.
Sadly, the Nagoya Teba did not meet expectations. Even though it had held up pretty well on he drive home.
It was more crunchy than crisp; but was missing the distinct taste of black pepper, not enough sesame seeds, way too sweet; even with regards to Nagoya Teba. 
But I really didn't mind, the curry was a winnah! And while we didn't have curry when we visited Kanazawa, we will be sure to try some when we get back there. And while those wings didn't deliver; heck, I was happy just to remember our trips to Nagoya and Kanazawa and all the great memories. And perhaps, for a moment, when dreaming of being able to travel again….there was a slight glimmer of light at the end of the pandemic tunnel…..one that I hope will be shining brightly soon.
Yakyudori
4898 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 268-2888
Current Hours:
Daily 1130am – 2pm, 430pm – 8pm
