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| - This is such a fun and lively place! My new favorite place to eat, drink and be merry!
I wouldn't advise bringing a large group here as they don't take reservations and waiting to be seated together could be a very long wait. Also going on a Friday or a weekend is not advisable, as there are often a line of people there who don't mind waiting for an hour or two.
On a very cold night, there was a group of people that were willing to eat in the enclosed patio than to endure the wait. The patio is enclosed and heated, but was still very drafty and not the greatest place to dine. You know you are in for something good.
The food is great. I especially like the Salmon Natto Yukke, which is a salmon tatare mixed tableside with raw egg, natto, wonton and garlic chips. I love the mixture of textures and while I was hesitant about the natto, I actually like the subtle flavor. It is served with nori sheets where you wrap it up with.
Actually everything on their cold/raw menu is excellent, including the beef carpaccio and salmon tataki. The grilled mackerel is very good, be sure to order it earlier in your meal as it take a little longer to prepare. I also like the grilled black cod with miso, eventhough you see this dish in most Japanese restaurant, I could never get tired of the buttery soft sweet fish balanced with the mellow salty miso sauce.
The BBQ pork is similar to what you find in a Chinese restaurant, but not as tender and succulent. Definitely eat it with the freshly ground horseradish (not as green and hot as wasabi) served on the side, as it makes a big improvement.
I was surprised to see a number of dishes served with cheese, which is not very Asian and sounded odd. I didn't order them as someone in my group could not eat dairy, but I will be sure to try it next time.
While many Yelpers rave about the pumpkin croquette, I thought it was just okay. Other than the sweet pumkin layer, it lacks much flavour (could be more savoury) and wasn't crispy enough.
One good tip: if you are going here in the winter or on a cold night, be sure to wear a sweater or a warm layer, as the front half of the restaurant gets very chilly from the cold drafts coming in from the front door and the patio, especially with the hoards of people poking in constantly to guage the wait time.
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