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| - Perfect place to go when you want to try Japanese food that doesn't have the words "teriyaki", "sushi" or "roll" attached. I've been to Ichiza on a couple of occasions, and each time the place has been busy. Add to that fact, the restaurant is small with limited seating; but people don't seem to mind because the food is good and the atmosphere is unique. Ichiza isn't trying to win people over by turning up the "fancy" switch like some Japanese restaurants do; they are about serving their customers authentic Japanese cuisine. The regular menu is nice, but the real reason why people keep coming back to Ichiza (besides the Honey Toast) is the special Japanese "tapas" menu written on paper and then attached to the walls.
I guess I don't practice what I preach because on my most recent visit here, we ordered strictly from the regular menu.
First up, an order of Takoyaki- 6 balls of dough, similar in consistency to pancakes, but crispy on the outside and soft (almost undercooked) in the inside, and filled w/ pieces of octopus and veggies. Topped w/ Japanese mayo, takoyaki sauce & bonito flakes. Yummy! Perfect snack food.
Next, we ordered a bowl of Ramen- lots of veggies, large delicious pieces of char siu (pork), full-bodied broth & nicely-cooked ramen. No complaints
Finally, we ended our meal w/ Monjayaki (We wanted Okonomiyaki at first, but they didn't have it and recommended this dish instead)- a thick pancake w/ fried eggs on the bottom, kimchi and pork in the middle, and topped w/ the same Takoyaki toppings. This was my least favorite dish of the evening. It wasn't memorable, but it wasn't bad. It was just a so-so dish, and definitely on the heavy side.
I've tried the Honey Toast here, and while definitely Yummy w/ a capital Y, it's a very easy dish to make at home at a fraction of the cost.
If you're in Vegas, you have to check out Ichiza (at least once). Don't miss out on the hottest thing to happen to Chinatown...
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