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| - I'll start with what I DIDN'T like here. It's short so bear with me. I much prefer the more communal setting you get at Ichiza or Shuseki, than here where it feels more like a restaurant than a bar. Maybe a bit darker, have row seats instead of chairs? I don't know, it's a small complaint because with that, I think you would get the complete experience.
Anyway, on to what is great. First, the service is awesome. Our main guy was super nice, and the couple other that brought the food or cleaned up were also very pleasant. I suppose you could find a fault in getting first-class service at an izakaya, if you are wanting to truly experience that bar atmosphere. I will choose not to. The place is new restaurant-clean, which, again, could detract from the bar experience. I don't mind it at all.
And then the food. First of all, they have hands-down the best grilled whole squid I have ever had. Tender and moist and cooked to perfection. We also ordered:
* Yuzu Chili Salmon salad - light and slightly spicy, yum
* Several skewers - pork cheeks was to die for
* Ikamaru - the whole squid I was talking about
* Yaki Onigiri chazuke - great presentation, great taste
* Teppan Ramen - sort of wet chow mein using ramen noodles. This was awesome.
* Shrimp takoyaki - perfectly fried, could have used a bit more flavor
* Fried oysters - perfectly fried, fresh oysters, but the crust overpowered the oysters a bit.
You have got to try the Teppan Ramen, which is on the Specials menu. All-in-all, this was the best food I've had at an izakaya anywhere. I will have to come here for happy hour sometime, they have some killer sake deals for late night! Once again, Vegas proves they can out-do L.A. when it comes to non-sushi Japanese!
Table-for-1 Factor: Hmm... if any izakaya can cater to a single, this might be it. But then, it is an izakaya...
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