| rev:text
| - My partner really wanted to try Tavernakaya. Every time we walk by, it is always packed. The menu sounds so tasty. So despite an average first impression, I decided to go back. I doubt there will be a third visit.
The visit started off well. We were seated immediately. The tables are very close together, but that can be a plus as it allowed us to check out what our neighbors on either side were eating. Everything looked and smelled amazing. Our waiter was very friendly and described the izakaya concept. I was a little concerned perusing the dinner menu as the prices seemed rather steep for small plates, but I was game to try. When we ordered our beverages and dishes out waiter assured us that these were his favorites too. Our drinks arrived promptly and they were delicious. They were also rather tiny considering the big-city prices, but I was going to do my best to ignore that.
Once the runners started to bring our dishes, my opinion just continued to plummet. First up, beef short ribs. Two skewers with two bites of beef per skewer. They were pretty, they smelled great, the flavor was delicious, but once you bit into it, watch out! Gristle through-out. I chewed and chewed. I just needed to chew it enough to be able to swallow it otherwise I'd have to spit it out. Worst texture ever. Not a good beginning. Next up were the shishito peppers. This was actually my favorite course. Six tiny grilled peppers. I have no complaint about this dish except there's a place in Iowa City where they are just as good and they serve twice as many peppers for half the price.
By this time, my tiny drink was empty and I was hoping to order another one. A glass of water would also have been welcome. I started keeping my eye out for our waiter.
The runners continued to bring dishes. Third course: pickled vegetables: kimchi, pickles, daikon radish, and shredded carrot. The pickles and carrot were fine. I'm not a fan of kimchi, so I won't hold that against them. The daikon was horrible. I generally like pickled vegetables but this had an almost rotten flavor. Next up was General Tso's Cauilflower. This was a pretty dish and a decent portion size. The sauce smelled and tasted quite good. But the breading was thick and soggy and the cauliflower overcooked. Another let-down. Finally we had the Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. I had high-hopes for this from looking at our neighbor's table. Again it was a nice presentation. But after biting into one, yet another disappointment. If you are a fan of 5-spice powder you might enjoy this. But if not, stay away because that was all I could taste.
At this point, our long-lost waiter came by to check on us. He wanted to know if we would like to order more dishes or perhaps dessert. But frankly, by this time, I had given up on that second drink. I had given up on getting water. I just wanted to leave as quickly as possible.
The check did come quickly. We paid it and left. I doubt I'll go back.
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