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| - I was on my way to try Thai food from Archi's after an earlier appointment, however as I drove past the intersection of Rainbow and Sahara and looking for the name of a Japanese restaurant that I have wanted to try but somehow never did, I noticed that it has been replaced with a new Japanese restaurant and a big Grand Opening banner. This restaurant is Sato-Ya.
It is literally a family run business that has the dad working at the sushi bar, the mom and other Japanese cooks working in the kitchen and I believe the son running the front as the waiter and cashier.
I decided to try their lunch combo and picked Yakiniku and Pork Cutlet and also Salmon Roll out of the available options. A House Salad dressed in Miso dressing was quickly served (it was nice but a little too much dressing, as there were still a lot left after I was done with the greens). The Miso Soup followed shortly and it is comforting. After a short wait the main entree was delivered to the table, which I took pictures of, but have to quickly devour so I can be on time for my next appointment. The Yakiniku was okay. It tastes fine, but the thin slices of beef was overcooked for my taste, but the tonkatsu was good.
While I waited for my meal to be prepared I also checked out their dinner menu, which has a larger selection and also a Dinner Special section. They also have Happy Hour from 8pm until they close at 10:30pm, which serves 1/2 items from the HH menu.
The thing I was most impressed with is the fact that it is actually run by Japanese, and not Koreans, Chinese or other ethnicity, and in a subtle way you can taste the difference if you know what to look for. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with those other Japanese restaurants, but when you are looking for pure Japanese, especially with an Okinawan flavor, Sato-Ya is the place to be.
Plus the service was impeccable. The waiter checked on all the tables to make sure we were okay, and bring out whatever we ask (more water, tea, etc.) in a timely manner. And when you pay your bill and is on your way out, he walks quickly ahead and opens the dorr for you. Now you don't see that everyday, and certainly not at a non-Michelin Star restaurant.
I will definitely be back soon to try more of their menu. So stay tuned for the updates and the photos of the menu and the food to be uploaded after my class.
4 Stars for the overall dining experience, especially on the account of the superb service.
-- Review of Dinner on 9-22-10 --
Leos called me about doing dinner at a new Japanese restaurant, and it turned out to be Sato-ya, where I ate lunch earlier in the day. So we agreed to go after our class, and I can check out their other items. We ordered off their HH & Daily Specials menu and also an Okinawa Soba Noodle (looks like udon, but tastes different, and the meat is really tender) and I thought it was good.
Albacore - good and expert attention was applied.
Goyo Chanpuru - Okinawan Bitter Melon sauteed with Spam and egg. Homey and I enjoyed it.
Futomaki - A little different from what I have had (no spinach), but still good.
Chicken Tatsuta-age - Fried marinated chicken breasts. Alright.
Crispy Rice w/ Spicy Tuna - Sushi rice that is fried so it is crispy topped with spicy tuna. Different from your typical sushi places. Reminds us of MOS Burger items.
We spoke to the owner and sushi chef "Habu" (a poisonous snake in Okinawa) and you can tell he is very passionate and an artisen in his craft. Totally cool in my book! And he made a decorative Japanese Stork (C. Boyciana) out of 1/2 an orange! Plus showed us his avocado seed carvings!!! - again didn't know you can do that. I eat at a lot of AYCE sushi places, but you almost never get that kind of connection with those sushi chef like we did with Chef "Habu".
We will be back for more.
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