What My Craving? Gyokai Natto Don from Izakaya Sakura

Man, it was a bajillion degrees today…another record high for April. I wanted a respite from work so decided to head out for lunch to Izakaya Sakura a favorite of us folks here at mmm-yoso!!!

This would be my second visit since Izakaya Sakura finally put up a sign at the end of last year. I usually know what I'm going to order; the Ebi Kakiage Zaru Udon, but this time, I opened up the menu…..and to my surprise I saw Gyokai Natto Don! I'm not sure when they actually started serving this favorite of mine for lunch. Serves me right for not even opening the menu……

And while it wasn't quite as good as what I'd get when Kazu is behind the counter, this was more than enough food for me. A nice variety of fish; ranging from maguro to some shiromi….I did miss the ika which really adds a nice textural component to the earthy, stringy, flavors of the natto. Served with agedashi tofu, and the usual salad with egg yolk dressing and miso soup (that actually had flavor), this was a nice, hefty lunch.