I'd been craving some Tonkatsu from EE Nami for a while. And even though they they reopened at the beginning of June, I just couldn't find a good time to do takeout.
Finally, I had waited long enough and I decided to order the Pork Loin Katsu for dinner. Previously, at least when I last ordered at the end of 2020, prices didn't seem too crazy. But this time, when I looked at the online choices for pick-up the Pork Loin Katsu Combo the prices ranged from $26 to $31.50!!! What the heck? I took a look at EE Nami's website and the PDF takeout menu and the combo is now priced at $22….. Now the online prices do not include tip either. It's getting pretty crazy these days. Heck, I'd rather have EE Nami get that extra money as a tip….so I went and called in my order. Which, by the way was a fairly hefty $23.71 anyway.
I drove on over and I gotta say, the place is doing some good business as folks were waiting for tables outside so I didn't take any photos. My order was waiting when I arrived, I paid, added in cash to make it a straight $27…….let me quickly ask, are you tipping for takeout?
This is what I unpacked at home.
So, first off, let me say that the former "weak link" in the combo, the miso soup, while still being kind of weak overall, was much better, less watery. The rice however was hard and very dry. So, perhaps it's not worth the extra three bucks for that? I can probably do better with what I have at home.
There was a smaller portion of the shredded cabbage and they've replaced the tofu with edamame; which wasn't a favorite of mine.
But of course, I didn't order this for the edamame, right?
Man, the tonkatsu is the best I've had in a while, even better than on my previous takeout visits. Notice that the breading isn't falling off the pork loin, this tells me that it's been fried at a good temperature and time. The panko breading was crisp and light. The pork was so tender and moist. It was just so good. I've gotten used to the sweeter katsu sauce form EE Nami and use it sparingly.
I guess it's really worth the prices these days?
EE Nami Tonkatsu Izakaya
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (858) 246-6903
Hours:
Wed – Sun 1130 – 2pm, 530pm – 10pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday