Japanese Restaurants – Page 14

Sunday Stuffs – Tenkatori Replacing TJ Dumplings, Tan Ky Mi Gia Has Closed, and Do Mushrooms Communicate with Each Other???

April 10, 2022 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants, yoso-silly

Well, after the recent record heat we had here in San Diego I was going to put up a sandwich post….but now it's back to the mid-60's here……so let's just do a short round up, ok?

Tenkatori Replacing TJ Dumplings:

I had read about Tenkatori replacing TJ Dumplings last Monday and was waiting to drive on by to check things out.

I then read about the change on two other websites and "FOY" Junichi mentioned it in the comments of my Chicken Wing Wednesday post as well. So, since I wanted to do another revisit/price check at GyroGrill, I dropped by Miracrest Plaza to see what was going on. Well, TJ Dumplings does indeed looked closed and as I left GyroGrill with my lunch, a truck pulled up and some folks went into the space and started doing some work. So yes, it looks like TJ Dumplings is gone and now I can cross off visiting Tenkatori in Gardena off my list.

6780 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Tan Ky Mi Gia Has Closed:

Per "FOY" Elle (what would I do without all of you???) in the comments of my recent 777 Noodle House revisit post; mentioned that Tan Ky Mi Gia on ECB closed a while back. Man, talk about a a blast from the past. My last visit there was at the end of 2019; which seems like decades ago. Of course, I used to visit when it was, well Tan Ky Mi Gia, then when it became Hing Ky Mi Gia, then returned to being Tan Ky Mi Gia….I think; though on my last visit the menu and the sign on the street still said Hing Ky Mi Gia….go figure. The folks working were always the same though…

So, on my way to Northgate Market to pick stuff up to make Pozole, I dropped by and it is indeed closed. Sad, it seems like the end of an era……I still remember posting on Tan Ky Mi Gia in Mira Mesa all the way back in 2006 which closed in 2014 and became Tim Ky.

5237 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Do Mushrooms Communicate with Each Other?:

And here's one from the "I am a cesspool of useless information" files (at least that's what a friend of mine "back home" called me). Read an interesting article in the Guardian where a Professor from the University of the West of England theorizes that mushrooms communicate via electrical impulses. Whoa….

Of course I instantly wondered what the mushrooms I used in any number of my recipes thought of me? I truly hope they thought I was a "fun-guy"…ok, I hit my limit of dad jokes for today.

Have a great week!

Saturday Stuffs: Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken, the Sign for Kumo is up, and Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa

April 2, 2022 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Exploring San Diego, Japanese Restaurants, Sandwiches, Thai Restaurants, yoso-silly

Just a couple of things for a damp and chilly Saturday.

Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken:

I had been wondering when I'd see signs (no pun intended) that the Hot Chicken fad was hitting saturation point. Well, on a recent visit to City Heights I drove past what is now the former location of FireBirds Chicken. It looks like it'll be replaced by "Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant".

So, like Poke Bowls, Ramen, Korean Style Hot Dogs………

4155 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105

The Sign for Kumo Is Up:

Back in June of last year, I read that a Japanese Sando shop was opening in the Plaza Sorrento Food Court. According to what I read, both in the Eater post and on what I'm assuming is the businesses website, it was going to open during the summer of 2021.

During my visits to Nanay's and Sue's Korean Kitchen I took a look around and did see empty businesses but no definite sign of the place.

Fast forward to my last last visit to Sue's….well, there it was.

The shop is actually suite 108, right next to Sue's.

I'm guessing all this Covid-ness and such has caused a delay in the opening.

6755 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121

Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa:

I'm finally starting to get out a bit more; though I'm still a bit cautious and "gun shy".

Recently, after doing some shopping at Nijiya; I decided to take "the long way home", via Aero Drive. For a few years our office was located near Montgomery Field. But I really never visited the area much once we moved our offices. And since Covid, other than a single takeout visit from Kokoro; I can't say I've been in the area at all.

So, I decided to just take a quick drive to see how things are.

Just along Aero Drive; well, there are noticeable changes. The long time Argentinian restaurant Pampas Grill closed in 2019 and the spot is still empty.

Though Pear's Thai, which was previously Ka Ti Thai is still there.

Down on Murphy Canyon Road; well, there's a lot more changes.

Pho SaiGon Bliss is now Luxe Boba & Tea.

3755 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

And the mall seems to have a lot of vacancies.

And the Sizzler closed down in 2020, around the time the chain filed Chapter 11. This space is also still empty.

I believe there's one location left in San Diego….not that I'm going to plan on eating there anytime soon. Though Sizzler was a regular stop after working the evening shift back home in Honolulu, though that location closed down years ago as well.

It does seem things are a lot more stable around the strip mall off Sandrock and Greyling.

I'm sure "Mr Z" will be happy to note that Thai Pepper Cuisine is still open! Hope all is well Mr Z!

3361 Sandrock Road
San Diego, CA 92123

And both Kokoro and Maggie's Cafe are still open.

3232 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123

And heck, I passed this business with the Grand Opening sign……but no other signage….I'll check them out; along with Soup Du Jour (formerly Carve Modern Deli) hopefully soon.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Midweek Meanderings – The Missus is Juicing (from Stehly Farms), Kumi Cafe Replacing Chopstix Too, and Saying Goodbye to Chowhound

March 9, 2022 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Markets & Grocers, yoso-silly

Some "stuffs" for a Wednesday.

The Missus is Juicing (from Stehly Farms):

Sorry, couldn't help it. The Missus has been wanting fresh juices and it seems that only Stehly Farms fits the bill. Sadly, the the Morena location closed at then end of 2020. So, Kensington, here I come.

The young lady who works the juice bar on weekends is so sweet; I think her name is Joanna.

I've been going almost every week…..she knows my name now….sheesh….

Anyway, she works really hard in making fresh squeezed carrot and beet juice for the Missus.

The Missus blends the juices with some stuffs….I think tumeric, etc….and either Grapefruit or Blood Orange juice. Super healthy!

It's one Her latest "things"……..

Stehly Farms Market
4142 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116

Kumi Cafe Replacing Chopstix Too:

Well, I hadn't been to Mitsuwa in a while. So I dropped by to do some shopping and was surprised to see that Chopstix Too was gone! Whoa, this one was a surprise. Over the years Cathy has posted on Chopstix Too several times, the last time back in January of 2019. Heck even Vicky did a post back in 2009.

I did a quick search online and found this from Eater. So perhaps another ghost kitchen is going brick and mortar?

Sadly, it's the end of an era it seems.

4380 Kearny Mesa Rd.
San Diego, CA 92111

Saying Goodbye to Chowhound:

Talk about the end an era……

I was looking thru some CH posts and found this post. If you don't want to follow the link; here a bit of the post:

"After 25 incredible years of sharing culinary insights and mouth-watering recipes, we are saddened to inform you that Chowhound will be closing down on Monday, March 21, 2022.

This incredibly difficult decision is due to limitations in the capabilities and resources required to maintain the site on an ongoing basis. Rather than allowing the site experience to degrade, we have opted to close down the site."

I'm certain many of you have never heard of Chowhound….but for me, it was a nice source of dining information after we moved to San Diego in 2001. I had read some stuff when we lived in the SGV, but it became a good source for dining info for San Diego. Of course there were many changes over the years and participation waned…….I'll just leave it at that.

I have met some great folks from CH and after hosting a CH dinner at Ba Ren I met the wonderful Ed from Yuma and we became fast friends.

I think my FOY "Candice" put it best; it's "the end of an era". 'Nuff said.

No Sandwiches from Sandwich Island

March 1, 2022 mmm-yoso Asian Fusion/Pacific Rim/Hawaii Style Fusion, Japanese Restaurants, Plate Lunch

I had been wanting to return to Sandwich Island since I'd done my original post back in October. A couple of weeks after, I finally decided to return. I was thinking about getting a sandwich but then I saw this posted.

Whoa, a bento box for $8.75???? I couldn't help myself and ordered it. The container was quite hefty and there was even some miso soup included.

But let me set your expectations right now…..

As you can see; it's a very generous portion of food. Though it's truly "SYSCO – city", if you know what I mean.

Don't get me wrong; I've had worse at many other places for much more money.

But, like that frozen from a package eggroll….

To the very salty; un-miso-ey, miso soup…..also obviously form a package. This was like making a large plate from stuff you have in the freezer and around the house.

Though chicken was nicely griddled on the flat top, it was dark meat chicken which prefer….I've had worse at L&L, the sauce was pure, salty, Yoshida's, or something quite similar. I will say the rice was nicely cooked, moist and tender.

I enjoyed the green salad and the edamame was a nice touch.

And based on recent prices; this was bargain. I feel like I got what paid for here. And how often these days can you say that. Though a coworker told me that they've increased the prices again recently. Still, I know a lot of folks who would pay 10 bucks for this nowadays.

Sandwich Island
7350 Trade St.
San Diego, CA 92121
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 630am – 3pm
Closed Saturdays and Sundays

Yakyudori (again)

February 3, 2022 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back. Today, Cathy is writing while Kirk is relaxing.

Kirk wrote about Yakyudori in 2010, two times then again in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and in 2020. Each of his posts concentrated on the yakitori portion of the menu (only served after 5:00 p.m. now). I wrote a short post in 2014, about appetizer meals. We've done those here regularly, I just have not posted. Since COVID-19, a few things have changed. There are beautiful wood dividers for the socially distanced tables.

When you are seated, the "menu pad" is programmed for your table, so you can order when you are ready.

You can choose your menu with photos (descriptions and options/customizations available upon a tap). or switch the menu to just words. Either way, it is efficient. You can request additional items as well as your check without having to flag down anyone and follow your order:

The last two times we were here, we noticed only one waitress and the system worked very efficiently.
Miso (lunch) ($10). Wonderful, rich deep flavored broth, chewy noodles, fresh fillings/toppings. Spicy Miso ($10.50), customized with no onion (for The Mister). A good, spicy broth with ground pork, bean sprouts, corn and the wonderful ramen noodles.
Fried Chicken Bowl ($11.50) with optional mini salad ($1.50) (can choose sesame or wasabi dressing). Instead of ordering the chicken karaage appetizer (as it seemed every table was doing), the bowl with rice and lettuce, mayonnaise and chopped green onion is a full meal and enough to share.

Of course we have also (still) made meals out of appetizers.
Gyoza ($5.50) (steamed; can also opt for fried) is almost always an automatic order for us. A good amount of pork and cabbage filling inside tender skins and served with hot mustard and black soy, the six pieces along with a side salad could be a meal.
Fried Oyster ($8) was just wonderful, perfectly fried and crisp, not oily. Quite large.
Takoyaki ($6.50) arrives hot with the dancing bonito flakes jiggling everywhere. The small round pancakes are filled with octopus and have crisp edges and are always delightful.
Mini salad ($1.50) and hot tea ($2) are pretty much always ordered here.

So glad it has survived COVID-19. The food quality and people who work here are great.

There is online ordering but no delivery service.

Yakyudori 4898 Convoy Street San Diego 92111 Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.-midnight website

Niban (indoor eating!)

January 28, 2022 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, an old fashioned food blog. Kirk is too busy to write a post today, so this one is being written by the -slightly less busy- Cathy.

My most recent post about Niban is from 2019, when I linked to all of my previous posts, going back to 2006. It's time for an update. While standing in line to order, the "Daily Lunch Specials" sign remains. Of course, the prices have changed.
The Bento lunch($8.75). Inari along with six pieces of California roll, rice and three pieces of fried seafood (fish, squid and shrimp) as well as the seafood side salad. This with a cup of hot tea ($1) is always satisfying.
The regular menu has remained almost the same (sunomono salad has been removed).
The sushi bar is still there, but nobody can be seated. Darn Covid!

We always get some sort of appetizer to share. The tempura vegetables ($6.50) are perfectly fried. The potato croquette ($2) is made with bits of carrot and the panko crust surrounding the mashed potato has such great texture as well as flavor contrast. I could make a meal of three croquettes and a side salad. (and I have)
The chicken katsu salad ($7.50) makes a nice meal. The chicken piece is quite large and moist, again with a perfectly crisp crust. The ginger based salad dressing is refreshing.
On the "Combination" portion of the menu, there are several choices. This is the chicken teriyaki with fried shrimp($11.50). Mushrooms and zucchini are mixed in with the chicken and sauce (which is not thick and not too sweet). The pork teriyaki with fried (or steamed) gyoza ($10.50) is also a good meal. The gyoza are filled with pork and vegetables and, again, perfectly fried.
Vegetarian Delight ($10.50) is a very satisfying Bento and could even be considered an 'appetizer platter'. Eight pieces of Garden Roll, eight pieces of vegetable tempura, edamame, a salad and some marinated bean sprouts.
Katsu curry udon (with pork) ($10) was a craving one chilly day. Quite perfect- curry flavored udon soup with a good size piece of fried pork on top. The udon was something I hadn't realized I had missed.

Another survivor of the pandemic!

Niban 7081 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858)268-0465 Open Mon-Sat 11-2:30, 5-9:00 (until 9:30 on Fri and Sat) Sun 4:30-9:00

COMC – Those Times Before Covid, Song Hak and Tanuki

December 30, 2021 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Korean Restaurants

Periodically, I clean out photos…..since, at least in San Diego, I try to do more than one visit to a place….if things were so bad I had never, nor do I intend to return, after a period of time, they go to the recycle bin. Covid had just made things more difficult….I've been deleting a ton of photos over the last almost 2 years. I kind of held on to my photos of Song Hak and Tanuki; because we had visited three times each. But after almost two years and with things the way they are, I just didn't see holding on to these……

But; I thought why the heck don't I just do a C(learing) O(ut the) M(emory) C(ard) post…..just to kind of create some nostalgia of how things used to and will hopefully be once again soon. Luckily, both places are still open……though it'll probably be a while before we return.

So here goes….just mostly photos.

Song Hak:

We enjoyed Song Hak which specializes in Gopchang, basically small intestine, but also have typical Korean BBQ proteins and also Dae Chang (large intestine), Mak Chang (abomasum), etc.

A wide variety of side dishes provided…..

Before I move forward, I need to tell a pretty funny story. There was a family who sat next to use during our first visit. The Missus and I were so impressed that the two young girls went thru everything without blinking and eye. Especially since gopchang has this kind of mushy – pasty material inside the intestine. It puts the "gop" in Gopchang. It does look a lot like well………we just cracked up when the younger girl asked her dad really loud, "Did I just eat POOP…..it really looked like POOP!"

You gotta love it….

The Missus especially loved the fried rice as a finishing touch.

Last visited in January, 2020

Song Hak
4681 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111

Tanuki:

**** An updated post on Tanuki can be found here

It was Xiāngjiāo that initially recommended this place to check-out. And while we didn't enjoy some items on the menu (the sushi/sashimi), we had a couple of items we liked.

We enjoyed the vibe….picking out your sake glass of choice reminded us of a dinner in Kanazawa.

I actually first visited for lunch back in May of 2019 and found something I knew the Missus would enjoy.

The Kakiage.

This just reminded me of Japan.

And so, while nothing quite hits the heights of the kakiage, other items are not bad.

Including the Shiokara.

And there are some items we'll probably not have again though…..

I also tried some nigiri which I didn't care for….but still; there's something we really enjoyed.

Last visited February 2020.

Tanuki
4191 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116

Hopefully, one day in 2022!

Are there places you first visited and enjoyed right before the pandemic that you are waiting to return to?

Sushi Yaro’s Last Day of Business is December 30th

December 26, 2021 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi

On December 20th I received some sad news……first from FOY "YummyYummy" who told me that Sam was calling it quits as of December 30th. Soon enough I received a couple of emails and then FOY Denver posted a comment on my last Sushi Yaro post from back at the end of March letting me know as well. So, I think I've only dined in for one dinner and perhaps one or two lunches in San Diego since I made that visit to Yaro back in March…..but…..like I've mentioned in an earlier post; I've known Sam for over 20 years. So, ok….I decided to head on over on Christmas day, right at 530, thinking that the place would be empty and it was when I got there.

I ordered some sashimi and chatted with Sam a bit.

Sam is still feeling the residual effects from his stroke and finding dependable staff and supplies and all of the things that go along with the pandemic…..well, he feels he needs an extended break. And after talking to him, I feel he needs time to take care of himself.

On this evening, it was a one man show….and in spite of it being Christmas Day, the phone kept ringing and by the time I left there were 9 more customers in the place. I asked Sam if I could wash dishes or bus tables, but he cracked up for the first time on this evening and said, "I don't have time to train you Kirk-san……"

And so, I'm hoping that Sam will take the time off to take care of himself….I've always said that the relationship from the Itamae to the regular customer is a special one. Especially since I've known him since the days at Katzra, to Sammy Sushi, to Wal Mi Do, and of course Sushi Yaro. And heck, I've even run into FOY Lynnea at Sushi Yaro!

So, if you'd like to visit before he closes his doors on the 30th, unless you go right at opening time, it might be good to call – 858-560-1782.

Yaro will be open from the 28th to the 30th of December. Posted hours are 530pm – 10; but Sam told me he closes early if things are slow.

Sushi Yaro
7905 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Good Luck Sam and take care of yourself!

Sushi Yorimichi

October 6, 2021 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Loco Mocos, Sushi and Sashimi

**** You can find an updated post on Yorimichi here.

Sushi Yorimichi replaced Thai Papaya back in June. While I was still working from home a couple of days a week, until the Delta variant got out of control, I managed to make a couple visits between the middle of June until the middle of July.

I visited right as the place opened on all four visits and was the only customer in the place.

The interior has changed slightly from the days of Thai Papaya' the tables a bit more spread out (perhaps for more Covid "distancing"), there're seats in front of the counter.

Like "FOY" SomTommy described to me in an email, having visited soon after they opened, "there's everything on the menu from sushi to ramen to yakitori". And Junichi mentioned that the yakitori is done over on a gas grill, so I wasn't going to be ordering that for sure.

And yes indeed, the menu has everything from karaage to katsu don, to a "loco moco", sushi rolls (of course), yakitori, yakisoba, ramen (both tonkotsu and birria), poke……. The prices though, except for one exception seem to be quite reasonable.

On my first visit, I decided to try out the Katsudon (I chose Tonkatsu – $9). The portion size was quite generous……especially in terms of rice. A good lesson as I'd order just "half rice" the next time.

This was not bad, the egg nicely doused and tender, a bit on the salty side, but that's something to be expected. The tonkatsu was decently breaded, but over-fried and the panko really dark and starting to peel off of the slightly dry pork cutlet.

The rice was decently done, no complaints there. I've had worse….

Junichi had mentioned enjoying the Dashimaki Tamago ($7), so I decided to get that and some other appetizers to spare me all the rice on my next visit. This version had mozzarella cheese and mentaiko (cod roe).

I did enjoy the mentaiko in this version of the Japanese Rolled omelet, it added a much needed savoriness to the tender egg, which I thought was on the bland side. I really didn't enjoy the milkiness of the cheese in this either.

I also ordered the Agedashi Tofu ($5).

I really didn't enjoy this very much. The tentsuyu really tasted like mentsuyu…..the really salty bottled soup base. The tofu wasn't evenly fried; half of it brown, the other half pale white which fell right off the tofu. The texture of the tofu was quite "wet-mushy"….I don't think it was drained properly before making this.

The Chicken Karaage ($5), looked pretty good and it was indeed decently crunchy.

I thought the cutting of the chicken was interesting….some small cubes, some slices where I could tell the cook was checking to see if the chicken was done. The color was dark and rich looking, but this was pretty bland.

My favorite item of the day was the Kawa-su ($5).

While the chicken skin was on the thick side and some bites were overly chewy; the sauce was quite good; balanced soy, sweetness, and sour/acidity. There was a mild spiciness to this as well.

A few days later I decided to return and actually try some of the fish; I went and ordered the Chirashi ($22), easy on the rice.

This was a mixed bag; not the best quality fish, the cutting was a bit on the "thicker" side, and definitely not even in the same league as even Chef Jun, not to mention other places. The rice was terrible, hard and dry, the sushi meshi very mild…perhaps as to not offend? That albacore was dry and cut much too thick, the maguro had a metallic finish, the scallops somewhat fishy. The uni was decent and the salmon standard issue.

I left somewhat disappointed. I guess this place is really just for rolls……

I really wanted to find something that I'd really enjoy here; so I went with one last try……I was somewhat fascinated with the Yorimichi Style Loco Moco ($9)….and you know me and Loco Mocos. I guess Justin Young is right, "You can take the boy from the island, but not the island from the boy". I'd had my eye on that from the first time I opened the menu, so I finally went ahead and ordered it.

This was an interesting dish. The rice, while still a bit on the dry side, was better in texture than what I'd had previously. The egg was decently cooked, still somewhat runny, with no off flavors. The burger had less filler than I expected, but was moist, tender, and mildly beefy. The menu claimed that the burger was topped with Hayashi Sauce, which makes me expect sort of a demi-glace beefiness, along with earthy mushroom-onion flavors, with perhaps a tangy tomato-ness. This was like across between Hayashi style sauce and Japanese Hamburg style sauce, both are similar in many ways. I believe I detected a hint of Worcestershire in this. This wasn't too bad and wasn't overly sweet. Totally Yoshoku.

In the end, I think of Yorimichi to be kind of a "diner" of sorts. There's still ramen/curry/teriyaki/etc on the menu. The prices are quite reasonable, the service efficient. I tend toward the "specialists" when it comes to Japanese cuisine, with a few exceptions. I'm not quite ready to make that exception for Yorimichi yet……

Sushi Yorimichi
2405 Ulric St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Hours:
Daily 11am – 830pm

Takeout from CoCo Ichibanya

September 28, 2021 mmm-yoso Chains, Japanese Restaurants

I think many people were quite excited when it was announced that CoCo Ichibanya was opening in San Diego, I know that I was. And finally, in March of this past year they opened. And of course there were the lines, so I decided to wait….until they did online ordering which took quite a while. Each time I'd drive by I'd see all the folks waiting. When I saw a trend of shorter lines. And they finally did have online ordering at the beginning of this month, I went ahead and placed an order when I was in the office and was given a time.

I went ahead and drove down to Convoy. I had placed my order right at 11am and was given an 1130 pick-up time. I drove down and arrived at 1125.

As I pulled into the parking lot I received a text telling me that my pick-up time had changed to 1150-1200…..at 1125? Really? Five minutes before pickup you move the goalposts? It was a work day, so I waited 10 minutes and just walked in to check on my order. The folks working were really nice in spite of seeming to be quite harried. And guess what, my order was ready……I asked when I should have picked it up…the answer? 1130.

Ok, I figured that they are busy and still working out the kinks; I returned to the office with my Tonkatsu Curry, sauce level 2 (50 cent upcharge)….I usually order level 5, but I thought I'd just see how spicy this curry really was.

Good lord, this was terrible. From the unevenly fried tonkatsu…notice the breading was peeling off the super dry pork. To the super watery curry, to the dry and hard rice. Man, to think I criticized Zen Curry. I know of a few CI loyalists who will say, "well, because of ingredients and such you can't compare the food to Japan". Well, let me tell you, I'm not comparing this to CI in Japan. The first CoCo Ichibanya outside of Japan opened in Honolulu. In fact it was in McCully and was just a few blocks from where my apartment used to be before I moved to the mainland….the service was terrible and they only took cash, but the curry was nothing like this. Also, when I was doing work in Irvine, the folks I was working with went to CI in Irvine, which was also much better than this…..it was like a whole different restaurant.

A few weeks later the Missus told me She wanted to try CoCo Ichibanya…….so I did the online ordering thing again…….I was given a time 1215 and I went off to do some shopping where I was then sent a text telling me my order was ready……at 1120! Sheesh, so I rushed on over to pick-up my order.

Returning home we got to opening things up right away. I had ordered the Missus's Chicken Katsu Curry with vegetables ($2.80 upcharge), just in case the curry didn't line up with Her expectations. Well, that didn't help at all.

Man, that chicken was so dry…..and like before the breading was peeling off, which means really bad quality control in terms of the temp of the protein and the oil used for frying. Having a taste of a piece I noticed it was barely seasoned. I couldn't hide how watery and bland the curry was behind the vegetables. The Missus looked at me and said, "this can't be Coco Ichibanya".

I'm afraid to say it was.

I got the Karaage Curry and having had the curry on my previous visit, I went with level 5 spice ($1.25 upcharge). Opening my container I knew this was not going to be the curry from Coco Ichibanya I enjoyed.

The chicken was so pale, flaccid, the batter mushy, bland, and the flesh dry. At least the curry had some "zip", but it was watery, and lacking in all that makes Japanese curry enjoyable to me; a nice tongue coating umami richness, some beefiness, a hint of sweetness……

We didn't even finish half.

The folks here are working super hard, the prices are reasonable, it's just that there seems to be a lack of quality control. CI has been open for over 6 months now, so it's hard to blame grand opening jitters. As for a pandemic personnel shortage….well perhaps….. But this isn't the Coco Ichibanya I know.

I was going to try a third takeout visit; but in the end just decided to wait….perhaps down the line, when I'm ok with dining in again, I'll give them another try.

You can read about Kirbie's takeout visit here.

CoCo Ichibanya
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Hours:
Daily 11am – 10pm