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
Glad you posted on this, was also not that thrilled with Zen curry but didn’t realize Yakyudori offered it. In general, they had fallen off of my rotation but looks like I’ll need to make a revisit.
I had gotten takeout from Yakyudori a few weeks ago, and couldn’t put my finger on why the tent seemed weird. I really liked their karaage, too. I also didn’t realize they had curry – next time!
Hi Jason – I enjoyed the curry with karaage; there’s something about that combination I like. I wish it were a bit more spicy, but man it was quite rich and filling.
Hi Sandy – Yes, that tent set-up didn’t make sense to me. Try out the curry with karaage and let me know what you think.
I had the curry at Hinotez once when their patio was open. It wasn’t as good as before but under covid nothing’s really normal anymore.
No, there’s really no “normal” anymore Junichi! I gotta say; I really enjoyed the curry I got from Yakyudori.
glad the curry was good!
Me too Kat! ;o)
That curry looks wonderful. It’s been 14 (!) years since I’ve been to Kanazawa. I don’t remember too much other than some great food. Will need to remember to try the curry when I’m there next (hopefully in a year or so)
Hi Greg – It’s very nice to hear from you; hope all is well. Wow, 14 years! I’m sure you might find quite a few differences from when you last visited. Especially since the Shinkansen connection to Kanazawa was completed I believe in 2015.It’s hard to ignore all the wonderful seafood in that city! Take care!
Bummer the wings weren’t seasoned right.
Yeah, but that curry made up for it Soo.
Looks good. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you too ST!