Gusto for Japanese food is what my friend and I share together. I can say that we are quite adventurous when it comes to food. Although I cannot consider us the very adventurous ones (we have a certain degree of reservation), we are on the other hand not afraid of trying cuisines that are not familiar.
Once in a while, we would crave for Japanese cuisine. And when we watched 2012 at MOA that craving surfaced. After about half an hour looking for somewhere to eat, we ended up with a decision to get some Japanese food. Since we have decided to try a Japanese restaurant where we haven't eaten yet, we thought of eating at the first Japanese restaurant that we would see.
Finally, we saw one Japanese restaurant at the ground floor near the arcade. It was a little place that also looks like a store. It has shelves on one side where they display things of Japanese influence. They have plates, cups, teapots, Japanese mayo, wasabe, and some other things as well. It also has a mini sushi bar and the kitchen area has glass panes where diners can watch from their tables as their food are being prepared. Although it might become a little crowdy when the place is jampacked (so better to go earlier or later than meal time).
When we have already placed our orders, I took in the place, and the ambiance. The left side wall has images of their food and was created in a way that it resembles an XOX grid. It was illuminated by small bulbs that made the rich colors of the images stand out. Those food pictures looks good and appetizing. And I can just wish the same for the "real deal".
First thing that was served to us is the miso soup that comes with the sushi combo that we ordered. The miso soup was a little bitter for my taste but the seaweed on it was perfectly cooked. Aside, from the bitterness, the soup really has no flavor at all. I am not sure whether it really should be that way, maybe to cleanse the palette or whatever. I was expecting bite size tofu squares in it but aside from the seaweed, there's nothing else in the soup.
Next that they served was fried gyoza. Compared to the other gyozas that I have tasted, the very obvious difference is that their gyoza is big. And I mean big. Next difference is that, those gyozas have thin wrappers, so it can only mean more filling. The meat filling also has a vegetable-herb-like taste, subtle and yet refreshing; a change from the usual just meaty taste of dumplings. The dumplings were real flavorful; and the dipping sauce is good too. It was like a mixture of soy sauce with a little bit of vinegar (just a hint of sourness), and chives. Next dish that was served was Sushi Combo 4. This has four types of maki and a tuna salad. The four makis include Tuna Maki, Tamago Maki, Kani Maki, and the ever famous California Maki. Four the first three makis, I can really say that there are nothing special about those. Except, the tuna is really fresh. The California Maki on the other hand is refeshing as always. The fresh cucumber strips, the very tropical mango cubes, and the crab sticks. But there's one point there that I was almost afraid of picking it up with my chopstick because the appearance of it looks like it might fall into mongrel pieces any time. But, luckily, I did not mess up anything.
My favorite from this Combo, is the Tuna Salad. It makes my mouth water just thinking of the Tuna Salad. Unfortunately though, those who are health conscious should think twice before trying this. Mainly because the Tuna Salad was drenched with fat. It is served mixed with a very generous amount of Japanese Mayonnaise. I do not know what they put to it but it is spicy. Not spicy enough that will make your tongue burn though, but it is hot. I think I can see speckles of green on the Salad but I am not sure if it is Wasabe. The Tuna Salad is simple and yet very very delicious. The salty-spicy taste of the Salad is just perfect. If ever I get the chance to eat there again, this would be a staple, I think.
For the drinks, we tried the Watermelon Shake and it is really fantastic. Unlike most of the watermelon drinks out there, this one is neither too watery nor too sugary. It has the right blend of watermelon and sugar and ice. It is extremely refreshing and perfect for summer. Plus, it ward off the spiciness of the Tuna Salad.
I definitely recommend Sakura both to the Japanese food eaters and non-Japanese food eaters alike. The food here is really excellent. Especially the Tuna Salad. Oishiii!
My favorite from this Combo, is the Tuna Salad. It makes my mouth water just thinking of the Tuna Salad. Unfortunately though, those who are health conscious should think twice before trying this. Mainly because the Tuna Salad was drenched with fat. It is served mixed with a very generous amount of Japanese Mayonnaise. I do not know what they put to it but it is spicy. Not spicy enough that will make your tongue burn though, but it is hot. I think I can see speckles of green on the Salad but I am not sure if it is Wasabe. The Tuna Salad is simple and yet very very delicious. The salty-spicy taste of the Salad is just perfect. If ever I get the chance to eat there again, this would be a staple, I think.
For the drinks, we tried the Watermelon Shake and it is really fantastic. Unlike most of the watermelon drinks out there, this one is neither too watery nor too sugary. It has the right blend of watermelon and sugar and ice. It is extremely refreshing and perfect for summer. Plus, it ward off the spiciness of the Tuna Salad.
I definitely recommend Sakura both to the Japanese food eaters and non-Japanese food eaters alike. The food here is really excellent. Especially the Tuna Salad. Oishiii!
