Japan too has several izakaya in every neighborhood, but the regulars usually stick to the one place they always go. I find that a little curious. You could call it loyalty, I suppose… or maybe it’s just that eating somewhere with an owner you don’t know feels awkward… and since everyone is one degree of separation from everyone else, that may be part of it too… Anyway, a neighborhood-rooted shop has its pros and cons, I guess.
Today’s menu
It seems to be pretty much the same every time.
Sashimi
If I remember right, it was mochi katsuo. On days when a special ingredient comes in, the dishes revolve around it…
Grilled eggplant
Tasty, too…
Asahi Dry Zero
Non-alcoholic beer tastes pretty decent these days.
Yam
Things like this yam are popular in Japan, but you hardly ever see it in Korea…
Edamame
A regular order, of course.
Shrimp
Crispy right down to the shell, and delicious.
Seaweed, I think…
Gyoza
Not a bad taste at all…
Unagi kabayaki
Not bad as a snack with drinks.
Grilled pork
An unusual flavor…
Nitsuke (simmered fish)
I forget the name of the fish, but I think it was pretty good…
Ika tantan
Squid dressed with a bit of a spicy kick.
Motsu nikomi
Just about edible, nothing more.
Udon
Surprisingly, dishes like this turn out well here… nice and chewy, too.
Salad
I ordered it just to see if they really had one, and it turned out to be surprisingly substantial. Didn’t expect avocado on top…
Somen
Same thing, just different noodles…
Yakisoba
Whenever I come here I end up ordering the yakisoba. On days I can’t finish it, I get it to go and eat it at home… it’s soul food…
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