. . "10"^^ . "2010-08-04T00:00:00"^^ . . "9"^^ . "7"^^ . "5"^^ . "Hmm, so this is where all the Celebrity Vegas Chefs come to eat huh?\n\nRaku is an Izakaya joint, so you will not find bento boxes or sushi here. Instead, you will find an array of Japanese Tapas that's simply cooked and prepared in a way that highlights the superior quality of the ingredients which is exhibited in the taste and texture of the food. If you're visiting Vegas, Raku is a destination spot must!\n\nRaku is a hidden gem located in a small Korean Plaza off the Strip on Spring Mountain Road. It's a short 8 min cab ride which is about $9-10 each way which is not bad considering the high prices of Asian food on the Strip which all, if not most lack authenticity. \n\nReservations are a must b/c it's a very small restaurant (seating for 30). Walk-ins are accepted, however, the wait was 6 hours on the night we went (they close at 3 AM), so again reservations are a MUST! \n\nI called one day prior, and we were fortunate to snag reservations for Friday, 7.30.10 @ 6 PM. WOOT!\n\nFOOD/DRINKS:\n*Lychee Cocktail ($8): Although strong in lychee flavor, it was a bit too syrupy sweet for me, so I had to chase it down w/ beer. If you like Muscat, you will like this cocktail.\n\n*Blue Fun Sashimi (Special -$25): AMAZING! I'm very picky when it comes to my sushi and sashimi and for the most part, I will only dine at Japanese owned establishments. The quality and taste of the Blue Fin surpassed any I have tried in the past. It was the perfect temperature (not like most places where sashimi can taste fresh from the freezer) and had the most amazing buttery creamy texture w/ a hint of the ocean sea. It was accompanied w/ FRESH wasabi which gave a ever so light tingle in my nose.\n\n*Asparagus Tempura ($4): YUM! The asparagus was coated w/ Japanese rice crispies and fried. It was lightly crisp on the outside and tender in the inside.\n\n*Enoki Mushrooms Wrapped w/ Bacon ($2 for 2 skewers): GOOD! Enoki is very delicate in taste, so naturally it took on the salty, fatty, and smoky flavors from the crisp bacon. \n\n*Butter Scallop ($7): YUM! The scallop was soft, tender, sweet, savory, and smokey.\n\n*Manila Clams (Special -$12): WOW! I've never tasted such tender and sweet clams as if they were freshly plucked from the ocean that AM. The accompanying broth was rich and comforting w/ a natural sweetness from the clams. \n\n*Steamed Egg Custard w/ Foie Gras ($9): OMG! The custard was velvety smooth and the foie gras flavor was prominent which added a luxurious richness to the custard. It was floating in dashi broth that was rich, savory, and sweet and the scallions added the perfect pop of freshness. \n\n*Tsukune ($3.50/ skewer): GOOD! The chicken meatball was perfectly grilled. The chicken was light, airy, and tender and very well flavored from black pepper. The char from the grill added a hint of smokiness. \n\n*Pork Cheek ($2.50/skewer): YUM! The cheek has the texture of a soft gizzard and the tenderness and flavor of a lean pork belly. The pork cheek was crisp, juicy, savory, and slightly sweet.\n\n*Kobe Beef Filet w/ Fresh Wasabi ($9/skewer): SOOO GOOD! The Kobe (cooked medium) was succulently tender, moist, and very flavorful from the marbling. You can taste a hint of smokiness from the char marks and the fresh wasabi added a delicate pungent spicy and sweet flavor w/o masking the true flavor of the Kobe. Fresh wasabi is not like the pasty ones you find at most Japanese restaurants that makes your eyes tear and nose run. Although it can be pungent in big doses, it has a very smooth finish. \n\n*Live Uni Udon (Special - $28): DELISH! I'm an uni-whore, so I know good uni from bad ones. The uni was soft and creamy and tasted like a fresh ocean breeze (bad uni is slimy and tastes pungent and bitter). The handmade udon was perfectly cooked to a tender al-dente. The combination of the two was like a lighter version of pasta carbonara.\n\nSERVICE:\nEXCELLENT! Raku exudes Japanese hospitality. Upon entering, the waitresses were very warm and welcoming. Before ordering, our waitress brought a chalkboard of all their specials and went through each one, as well as, how it's prepared and served. As Ejay D. mentioned, you better ask how much the specials are b/c they are pricey compared to the regular menu items ($2-$15). And, b/c it's \"tapas\" style, your bill will rack up fast. \n\nOverall, the staff is very attentive, however, once it gets busy, the attentiveness wears down and you have to speak up if you want something.\n\nAMBIANCE/D\u00C9COR:\nRaku is sleek and modern. It follows the \"Zen\" approach that \"less is more\" and is simply decorated w/ fresh orchids, koi paintings, and small turf w/ cobble stones that lead to the bathroom.\n\nAlthough small, tables are well spaced out, so you don't feel cramped and it was easy to maintain a convo.\n\nChefs DO know all the best places to eat b/c they're in the industry after all. So, if you're a hardcore foodie or an adventurous eater, Raku is a \"THE\" place you must go to when in Vegas!"^^ .