**** Izakaya Bincho has closed
Before leaving for Gardena/Torrance I emailed Akira a list of places, about seven, that I wanted to try. On that list was Musha and Izakaya Bincho, a darling of many CH's and Food Bloggers. Apparently, Akira's been to Musha more than a few times, it's his favorite Izakaya in the area, so he wanted to try Bincho. Akira called and made reservations, and I arrived at the Redondo Beach Boardwalk a bit early just to walk around a bit. It's been at least twelve years since I've been here…..
The Redondo Beach Boardwalk you might ask. I think most people knows Quality Seafood.
But an Izakaya? On the boardwalk? Among the fish joints and bars(don't forget the churro stand)?
It would seem to be a bit of a odd location. But yes indeed, there smack in the middle of the boardwalk was Izakaya Bincho.
This little shop is run by a husband and wife team, just the type of shop I love. Strangely, we were approached with a bit of reserved caution. The shop is strangely quiet for an Izakaya…..people speak in hushed tones, closer to a library than an Izakaya.
I let Akira do most of the ordering, except for a couple of requests…… the Butakakuni and the Ginnan Yaki. I also wanted Nankotsu (deep dried chicken cartlidge) but they were out. All chased with a pitcher of Sapporo.
So without further ado…. the Ginnan Yaki (salt roasted ginko nuts):
Shelled Ginko Nuts roasted on a bed of salt, mild salt flavor, slightly bitter, quite a nice combination of flavors. When I last spoke to Akira this past weekend during one of his visits to San Diego, we both thought this was the most memorable. For Akira, it's comfort food, for me perfect in it's simplicity.
The Butakakuni (Briased Pork Belly)…..
Redolent of sweetened soy yet mellow in flavor, this was good. It fell short, being a bit more stringy and tough than I'd like. Still it was rich without seeming greasy or fatty.
The Tori Karaage fell substantially short.
I prefer my chicken karaage to have some crunch, and to have less ginger flavor than this version. There was also a few very tough pieces. I actually enjoyed the sesame dressing on the shredded cabbage more…..
Nasu Dengaku.
The nasubi wasn't broiled/grilled enough, and was also pretty bitter. The miso based concoction was much too salty for my tastes.
Though we both had eaten fairly substantial lunches (I also had the benefit of a pretty hefty breakfast). We decided to order one more dish. I suggested the Agedashi Tofu, which comes with some high recommendations. In the end we decided on the Agedashi Nasu.
I once had a version where the nasubi was positively creamy and volcanic, barely held in place by the katakuriko (potato starch). The eggplant was just slightly North of what I enjoy in doneness. The tentsuyu was excellent though, balancing the mild dashi base with sweet and salty.
After the meal, I asked Akira where he rated Izakaya Bincho. He had it about where I did, good, but not great. In fact, he thought that Izakaya Sakura was every bit as good.
Izakaya Bincho
112 N International Boardwalk (The Redondo Beach Boardwalk)
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Still, you can't get this view on Convoy, can you?
I heard so much about this place I’ve been curious. Didn’t know it was such a hole but very cozy feeling. Sakura was serving grilled Hokke fish for lunch the other day. The folks are so unpredictable totally cracks me up sometimes (in a good way..).
Musha is my fav as well and I just had my birthday dinner there. None of the dishes we ever ordered would disappoint.
too bad it was just average.
Hi Dennis – The location makes it unique. The tentsuyu is really good. Not quite as good as expected though.
Hi Jess – I told Akira, it’s Musha all the wya next time!
Hi Kat – Yes, I thought it was going to be something special.