. "0"^^ . "4"^^ . "0"^^ . . "2017-12-18T00:00:00"^^ . "The Japanese izakaya is an emerging trend following the American sushi craze. A traditional izakaya isn't a sushi bar, but has a variety of simple, homestyle Japanese dishes that can be enjoyed as small bites. Think of a Japanese version of a tapas bar and you get the idea.\n\nYama Izakaya is a good rendition of a neighborhood joint you might find in Tokyo. The menu is varied and features yakitori (charcoal-grilled meats on a skewer), ramen, and all manner of snacky items. I tried the homemade gyoza and it was one of the few times I've seen it properly prepared in the US. These are pork dumplings that should have a soft texture with a lightly pan fried side; that's exactly how they came out on our plates. Tonkotsu ramen was also delicious and included noodles, thinly-sliced tender pork, soft-boiled egg, and slices of kamaboko (fish cakes). The beef negi featured extremely tender beef wrapped around asparagus and covered in a light gravy sauce that was delicious. Tempura was spot on, lightly fried batter that did not overwhelm the vegetables and shrimp inside.\n\nService was very good and our server kept up with the steady arrival of items from the kitchen. In an izakaya, food is brought out when it is ready, not in courses as we typically expect in other restaurants. In this way, food is always fresh and never sits under a warmer waiting for the rest of the meal to be finished. With its extended evening hours, it would make a great place for a light meal after a movie or other event, or a place to enjoy some refreshments along with some alcoholic beverages. Recommended."^^ . "0"^^ . .