Japanese – Page 2 – Rays Picks NYC

Hiroko’s Place

Hiroko’s Place
75 Thompson St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 625-1303

*This venue is now closed.

Lost among all the high end shopping and boutique stores in SOHO is a small Japanese restaurant called Hiroko’s Place. Located along Thompson St., it feels more like a café than a restaurant. There are eclectic patterned seat covered steel Windsor chairs, different shapes of tables, and plush sofas and chairs. The walls are nicely decorated with Japanese watercolor art, a curio cabinet is filled with porcelain tea sets and figurines, completed with bookcase filled with Manga books. The floor to ceiling store front windows brighten up the inside on a sunny day.

Hiroko’s Place specializes in a Japanese style of cooking called yoshoku (meaning Western Food). Unfamiliar with the general public, yoshoku was first introduced during the Meiji Restoration in the mid-19th century. A period when Japan transformed from a secluded nation into adopting Western ideas which the emperor believed was a means to the nation’s future progress. During this process Japan adopted Western food and put a little twist to it.

Like many first time diners I was baffled on my initial visit at Hiroko’s Place. Expecting the staple Japanese dishes – rolls, udon, and yakatori – on their menu. Instead, I was presented by what we Americans call comfort food.

There are a few Japanese inspired appetizers like the crab and shrimp shumai and the Kara-age (Japanese style fried chicken) which is a great way to start a meal or just to snack on. The entrée choices are broad, from spaghetti and casseroles to sandwiches!

The Mushroom Spaghetti greets you with its earthy aromatic mixture of mushrooms making it one of my favorite dishes in this restaurant while its Sea Food counterpart is just as delicious. Their Chicken and Vegetable Curries has a gentle touch of spiciness and when the curry sauce is mixed with the white rice it becomes a hearty dish. The Pizza Toast and Casserole Sea Food gratin are both similar in that they are filling dishes. On my last visit here I had the Fried Shrimp, one of their specialty dishes. Deep fried jumbo shrimp covered in panko (Japanese style bread crumbs) served with rice and eggs.

The best dish that I’ve tasted at Hiroko’s Place is the Omu Rice (rice omelet) that is stuffed with fried rice, chicken, and vegetables. For a dollar more the omu rice is transformed into Anpan-Man Omu Rice, presented with a smiling face and Japanese inscription designed in ketchup.

Hiroko’s Place offers desserts that are not too sweet and go well with the in house made coffees. A Green Tea Parfait served in a tall glass and the Custard Pudding A La Mode are both packed with fruits and ice cream while the A la Mode is served with a glass of liquid sugar to sweeten it up to your liking.

Unfortunately there are no alcoholic drinks served at Hiroko’s Place which can be discouraging for some, but the siphon coffee maker behind the bar brews a potent cup of coffee that any caffeine snob can appreciate. They offer an array of teas and milkshakes as well.

Food prices are inexpensive, large plates are no more than $20 dollars and appetizers average at $8, a surplus for an individual to do more shopping in the neighborhood!

Guests are greeted in Japanese by the staff when you walk in and as you leave. It is a popular spot among native Japanese diners which occupy the restaurant at any given day of the week. On one of my visits I overheard a guest talking to his companion that the food that they serve at this restaurant was close to the one that he had served in Japan. Hiroko’s Place is authentic as it gets!

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Yuba Restaurant

Yuba Restaurant
105 E 9th St
New York, NY 1000
(212) 777-8188
Official Site

It’s not hard to find a good Japanese restaurant in New York City, especially if you’re in East Village where there’s an unlimited amount of cheap sushi and ramen places flocked by NYU students on a budget. Then there is Yuba Restaurant, a restaurant that might be a tad too pricey for the neighborhood’s inhabitants but it’s where sushi aficionados can indulge in quality nagiri’s and rolls.

Located on one of the only few blocks where pedestrian traffic is limited in the neighborhood, this modern Japanese restaurant can be easily overlooked while walking along East 9th St. A sign hanging above is all that shows that this place exists. There are a few intrigued passersby that will take a peek inside its large store front windows.

The restaurants simple interior and absence of music from its speakers gives the impression of a relaxed atmosphere were diners can have a peaceful conversation in a normal tone of voice. The décor is so uncomplicated that it seems almost dull. Dark wooden tables are spread throughout the space; paintings of Brooklyn Bridge adorn the wall and a sushi bar located toward the back. Completing the space are round lights on the ceiling that illuminates the surrounding area appropriately. The long leather tufted back bench along its walls and bar on the opposite side looked as if it has never seen an alcohol service.

Yuba Restaurant opened in 2010 by two of Masa Takayama’s disciples, George Ruan and Jack Wei. This restaurant is no stranger to incorporating luxury ingredients. There is foie gras, caviar, and truffles in their menu, but unlike other high end sushi spots in New York, the prices here are decent that it makes you wonder if they are operating at a loss. Their omakase starts at $50 per person which consists of 12 pieces of sushi that includes special pieces with fish shipped directly from Japan and the a la carte sushi is priced between $3 and $6 per piece. The menu is extensive, with selections of small, large, and hot and cold plates which can be ordered if you’re not in the mood for sushi. Special lunch sets of sushi, sashimi, and rolls range from $11 to $15 are also available. The sets include the restaurants version of miso soup, made with yuba (tofu skin).

Sushi pieces like the medium raw wagyu beef, squid with a lemon zest, and the octopus were very good. There are also enjoyable small plates like the crunchy and flavor packed Sweet Corn Tempura and the servers’ recommendation of Layered Yuba Pouch with mushrooms braised in a thick Asian sauce.

The drink list is nothing to brag about, but good enough to say they have a nice selection of sake that compliments the food and Japanese beer that is also available. Don’t even bother with the wine, especially if one is a connoisseur.

On my recent visits at Yuba Restaurant, I ordered the sushi omakase for dinner and sat at the sushi bar where I was able to witness the sushi chef’s artistry. He began with a small plate of pickled vegetables, preparing my palate for a night of aquatic goodness. Then one by one the sushi is placed in front of me, no extra soy sauce needed as he glazed them each perfectly while the chef and owner, George Ruan, looked on. Just when I thought the meal had reached greatness from the first six pieces, to my surprise, it was just the beginning. The second half of the omakase was amazing. It started with a snapper with truffle, an off the menu item. The blend of the sharp truffle taste with the flavor and texture of the blow torched snapper was memorable, followed by salmon, then tuna, and afterwards the mackerel and uni. He then ended with an Anago Sea Eel that melts in the mouth. After the meal, the friendly Chef Ruan freely chatted about his days at Masa and his experience as a sushi chef. It was an interesting and fun conversation.

An absolute East Village gem, the staff make you feel at home, especially the manager, Nina, who’s welcoming and warm attitude is an attribute to this unpretentious restaurant.

The fish that is used are fresh, clean, and of the highest quality. The focus and the precision of the chefs are showcased in their food. If this restaurant was located outside of New York City this would have been buzzing in the media; but then again this is New York where high quality sushi restaurants are everywhere and some are even comparable to the very best in Japan. Yuba Restaurant can be easily lost in the conversation of the top sushi restaurants in New York. High end food, casual settings, and prices that won’t break the bank, that’s Yuba Restaurant.

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Tori Shin

*This venue has moved to another location

Tori Shin may not be your idea of a typical Japanese restaurant; they do not serve seafood but rather specialize in chicken “yakatori” or skewered grilled chicken. But don’t sleep on this Upper East Side Michelin starred restaurant. Its use of high quality organic ingredients, meticulous arrangement of food, and exotic mix of flavors will leave you mesmerize with a new appreciation for Japanese cuisine remixed.

Entering Tori Shin through its sliding black wooden doors feels like entering a restaurant in Tokyo. The hostess and the grillers behind the bar announce your arrival in Japanese for the entire audience of diners and staff. The authenticity of the atmosphere begins with the people, the Japanese staff and predominately Japanese clientele. On one occasion, I overheard a Japanese guy, explaining to his American friend what “yakatori” is and how it is very similar to the food in Japan.

The restaurant has an authentic Japanese dining interior. In the middle a three sided bar (similar to a sushi bar) built with maple wood is paired with red leather chairs all of which occupy the majority of the small intimate space. A long red swayed bench sandwiched between 2 Japanese plants serves as a waiting area. Some uncovered tables by the windows are also available. Soft lighting and minimal noise allows for a very subdued setting.

Whenever I come to Tori Shin I always sit by the bar to witness the artistry of the grillers. The grillers are masters at their craft. Knowing the exact timing for turning the skewers to get the right balance of heat, and knowing exactly how much soy sauce to add to bring out the right flavors takes years of intense practice. The highly specialized techniques they use are unmatched. During a lunch visit I saw the same grillers meticulously butchering chickens and preparing skewers with ridiculous precision for the dinner service.

The omakase dinner is highly recommended. Priced at $55, it consists of 10 skewers (6 meats, 1 special meat and 2 vegetables,) grated daikon (to clean the palate,) a rice dish, pickled vegetables and dessert. Submit yourself to the chef, as I did and he will wow you as you watch him work. With over 40 chicken skewers grilled in charcoal, you will want to try all 40; the skewers are that good! The freshness of the organic chicken prepared with various types of sauces is amazing. Skewers like the chicken meatballs are moist with an indescribable chicken flavor. The special chicken meatballs with egg yolk sauce are enough to make you want to return again and again. The rice balls are as good as the skewers especially the Special Oyako Don made with chicken and egg over rice, it was definitely a sublime taste. I enjoyed the texture of the rice, soft and watery. Contrary to my previous posts where I mention that Asian cuisine is not known for their desserts, Tori Shin is the exception; the “Shiso Sorbet” or “Japanese Mojoto” was a unique threat. It tasted like a mojito but 10 times better.

Lunch is also good and affordable. Their $20 lunch omakase comes with 5 skewer (3 meats and 2 vegtables,) salad, miso soup, rice and kobachi. The option of A la carte is also available for both lunch and dinner.

In the past Tori Shin was only known to the locals and hard core foodies. Hopefully with exposure from entrance into the Michelin Guide, Tori Shin can become a destination restaurant not just enjoyed by the Upper East Siders. Great friendly service and amazing unique food are the makings of a winning combination.

Tori Shin
1193 1st Ave
New York, NY 10065
(212) 988-8408
Official Site

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other humanity even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

Matsuri

Matsuri
369 W 16th St
(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10011
212 243 6400
Official Site

*This venue is now closed.

Housed in Chelsea’s Maritime Hotel along with similarly chic bar/lounge and dinning hot spots is Japanese restaurant Matsuri. I was both intrigued and delighted on my visit to this exquisite restaurant. This is one of the places that come to my mind when I have a craving for some Sake and exceptional Japanese food.

Upon arrival to Matsuri guests are greeted by a female hostess dressed in Geisha attire who then escorts them directly to their table or to the lounge area called the “Sake Room” for some pre-dinner drinks. The restaurant is dark, intimate, not too crowded and has a relaxed atmosphere. After the entrance the “Sake Room” (resembling a balcony hanging over the dining area) is the first section of the restaurant. Then from there guests make their way down a small staircase into a spacious and dim dining room that feels like a place where a Shogun calls home. Japanese aesthetics can be felt and seen throughout the space, hanging above are beautifully decorative paper lanterns inscribed with Japanese characters, wall panels are painted with Japanese motifs and bonsai trees sparsely placed throughout. The high ceiling’s curved wooden beams have been described by “Blackbook Mag” as “like the bowels of a samurai ship. ” Guests can sit at tables in the center or in wooden booths that line the sides and corners of the space and elevated on a platform. At the center of the dinner area is a sushi bar.

Acclaimed chef Tadashi Ono who has mastered the art of Japanese and French cuisine helms the kitchen at Matsuri. Dinner is incredible and the price tag is the average range for Japanese food and the location. A $69 five course tasting menu (with decent serving sizes) that can be paired with Sake is the way to go. Their Sake drink list maybe the most extensive collection in NYC. Among the appetizers I’ve tried: the Yellowtail Sashimi with yuzu green pepper sauce and the Crabmeat Shumai steamed dumpling with ginger. The sashimi was very good – fresh and clean, while the crab meat was not bad either. For entrées I’ve tasted: the Sake Black Cod, grilled and marinated with sake paste and the Short Rib of Beef, braised slowly with dark miso sauce. The Sake Black Cod has a perfect salty taste that was not overpowering; and Short Rib’s texture was smooth and delicate with an amazing taste. Finally of the desserts, I’ve tasted: the Green Tea tiramisu with red bean ice cream and the Chocolate Cake with raspberry sorbet. Both were very good considering deserts are not usually noteworthy among Japanese cuisine.

Overall Matsuri has a good vibe, friendly servers, good food and nice décor. With an extensive Sake list and great food, it’s a great place to start out for drinks or dinner before heading out to party in the neighboring Meatpacking District. I always have a great experience at Matsuri every time I come. “Matsuri” being the word for “festival” in Japanese, every meal at this exotic an exquisite restaurant is surely a festivity!!!

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

MEGU (TriBeCa)

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Megu (Tribeca)
62 Thomas St.
New York NY 10013
Official site

*This venue is now closed.

Located in the heart of Tribeca, Megu is an elegant and exotic restaurant that I would classify as semi trendy, one of hot places to be. Megu wowed me with its slick interior combining modern with traditional Japanese. The chairs, tables and wall units were more or less modern, whereas the Japanese flag, a huge ancient looking bell suspended above an awesome Buddha ice sculpture (the restaurant’s center piece) were among the ancient touches.

My first stop at Megu was the bar or the “M Lounge,” there I had a drink while waiting for my friend. The M Lounge is pretty cool with very dim lighting and walls decorated with Japanese wallpaper (rolls of wallpaper of various designs encased in a glass.) A side section of the M Lounge allows you to view the main dinning room below through a huge glass partition, a great view. While at the bar I had Megu’s signature cocktail called “Blessing” – ”Megu” is the Japanese word for “Blessing.”I was blessed by the taste: Russian Standard, strawberry, and pomegranate juice, a rich strawberry/pomegranate taste, slightly sweet and mildly tart with a zing – yummy. Definitely Bless yourself at the M Lounge.

When my friend arrived and we got to the main dining hall, we were amazed by the ice Buddha up-close. Glowing from the light reflected around it and seemingly hovering above its watery seat filled with red rose petals, you get the feeling that the spirit of the Buddha is alive.

While waiting for our food we noticed a lively group behind us who at closer inspection we realized were members of City Council, of course Megu is often visited by celebrities, political figures and the like.

Megu lived up to the hype when it came to its high-end modern Japanese cuisine – the food was great!!! I began with Madai oriental salad, and then followed with Silver cod for the entree, and finally the Matcha Greentea Crepe for dessert. Everything was delicious especially the cod which was incredibly soft and flavorful. My friend started with sautéed scallops, and then had the Kobe beef for the entrée and finished with chocolate cake for desert. My friend raved about everything. The Kobe beef served on a bed of stone was everything it was supposed to be, the tenderest, smoothest and most appetizing meat you will every sink your teeth into.

The serving sizes are very small, but if you order a three course meal, at the end you will be satisfied but not full. Hardy eaters with homegrown stomachs may have to get some pre or post eats…lol. Appetizers are about $15-$30, entrees will run about $30 and up, and drinks are $17 up depending on how high-end you want to go. It’s pricey but worth the experience.

Before you leave Megu make sure you pour water on the ice Buddha and make a wish or say a prayer. Overall I highly recommend Megu, food and ambiance are great for impressing a date or a client.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In supplement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.