I just ate at Mifune Don in Japantown’s Peace Plaza. It’s not at just at any Japanese restaurant that you can get okonomiyaki.
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き?) is a pan-fried Japanese dish cooked with various ingredients. Okonomi means “what you like” or “what you want”, and yaki means “grilled” or “cooked” (cf. yakitori and yakisoba); thus, the name of this dish means “cook what you like, the way you like”. (wiki)
I was with the family this time, dining at Bushi Tei – one of those higher-end Japanese restaurants where you pay a fortune to eat a little. Actually, despite being expensive, I really enjoyed this meal. Service was almost impeccable – I really want to say it was perfect but nothing can compare to Gary Danko’s service – and the food tasted better than it looked, and boy did it look good!
The meal was okay and the service needed a little work, but at least I was around great company.
Thanks Weldon, Andy and Regina!
-jonas
Iroha Restaurant
visited 12/27/07
Sorry Jen – The ramen here does not even compare to Santa Ramen’s. After thinking about it, the ramen was pretty bland; however, they did give free kimchi, they do close fairly late at 11pm, and I did think the counter-seating layout was cool. It’s probably a good way to meet new people, like that little boy who sat beside us and had to keep listening to Nhung’s swearing.
-jonas
Ramen House Ryowa
visited on 10/20/07
What is “Kissako”?
“Most Japanese people today don’t know about ‘kissako,’ ” he explains graciously, having become accustomed after many years to my endless reservoir (river) of questions. “It has two meanings. One, ‘Don’t be in such a rush.’ Yes you can go on your way, but first, drink tea. And then you can go. “Also it means, whoever you are, you can drink here some tea, with other people, together, high or low caste. I offer you tea. In ancient Japan, this was, of course, not common. That’s why it’s a Zen proverb.” (Source)
I feel like I’m sitting outdoors except I’m indoors. People come by and stare at me eating, or maybe they’re staring at the food, or maybe they’re staring at me taking pictures of the food.
It’s so hard to find places that serve fresh onigiri (rice ball). Unlike the ones from the Japanese supermarkets, these have less vinegar and come warm. I’m going back for more. And the takoyaki! I always have to order takoyaki whenever I see it at a restaurant because it’s so rare. Kinda pricey for five pieces but they make some of the better ones around the city.
The ramen was good, but I still prefer Santa Ramen because they have more choices and because they put more things inside. My meal ended with dessert – see below. Food coma never felt so good.
Seating is limited (three two-seater tables) so come during an off-peak hour or just wait. It’s worth it!
Fact: Sweets (mochi, cake, etc.) are imported from LA.
JONASAPPROVED!
-jonas
Kissako Tea located at SF Japantown
Visited at 10/15/07
Rice ball (onigiri) set with salmon inside and pickled veggies on the side
Jann enjoying her rice ball
Takoyaki
