Sitting at the counter leaves you a bit cramped for space, however it's worth the squeeze as you'll get to see the chefs in action. Watching the itamae in front of me hard at work- skillfully slicing sashimi, lovingly molding rice into beautifully-formed shari, brushing citrus zest over his sushi masterpieces (interesting!)- served as wonderful entertainment while I waited for my order to arrive.
Sushi Bento ($30.90++) After photographing the bento, I looked up to see the itamae with a bemused expression on his
face. Jovially, he said "I'll help you to take a photo!" Never thought I'll hear that from a chef lol!
I got a photo of Chef Watanabe too haha (:The Sushi Bento is one of the several value-for-money lunch sets available, perfect for folks with shallow(er) pockets. It included tempura (two pieces of okra, a piece of eggplant and two prawns), miso soup, and a cup of superbly smooth chawanmushi with a refreshing twist of yuzu. While the batter of the tempura wasn't greasy, I found the them to be just alright.
But it doesn't matter, because the reason why I came here was for sushi.
♥The toro and kappa makizushi here were the most delightful ones that I've ever had. (I'm a secret fan of kappamaki). Equally good was the sweetish and spongy tamogoyaki, as well as
the California roll, sprinkled with fresh tobiko which happily popped away in my mouth.
Aburi otoro sushi But everything pales in comparison to the exotically-decorated aburi otoro sushi which I ordered in addition to the set lunch. Superbly tender, rich and smooth are the adjectives I'd use to describe this absolutely ambrosial piece of torched flesh. If only it didn't cost $18++ per piece (minimum order of two pieces)...
I'm convinced. I'll be going for the Tokusen sushi set, or even omakase during my next visit to Tatsuya!!
Your lunch is pretty expensive too!
ReplyDeleteChef Watanabe's very nice. Japanese chefs would never stop anyone from taking photos coz they're very proud of the artistry & beauty in their food.
Love Tatsuya.
Oooooohhh. That looks real good!
ReplyDeletewow. your lunch is so extravagant. But I'm sure you are really spending for quality sushi and sashimi. I was just wondering if the lunch bentos are available on weekends?
ReplyDeleteice: wow you're an early riser! yup this lunch was one pricey treat, but worth all the saving up for. (maybe i should write a post about how i budget my allowance lol)
ReplyDeleteglad to hear that japanese chefs don't mind people photographing their food!
Glenn: go visit tatsuya if you haven't!
Bella V: yes, it is available during weekends (:
hi stargirl, you are brave :) i still don't have the guts to dine alone in a chi chi restaurant despite my age!
ReplyDeletePY: haha perhaps its cos i was sitting at the counter between two couples, and perhaps also cos the ambience in tatsuya is pretty busy with waitresses shouting orders. if you're dining alone, perhaps you could start off with a counter seat at a sushi or robatoyaki restaurant.
ReplyDeleteeating solo at a japanese restaurant is fun, i do it all the time! most of the time the staff will think i'm a japanese esp since i always order booze when eating alone.. usually by the 3rd visit, u'll get free appetizer and dessert! <^;^>
ReplyDeleteCavalock: really? cool! maybe i will try that when i grow up lol xD
ReplyDeleteyay to tatsuya! I tried that same bento set too! super yums.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely worth splurging on Japanese food :) Reading this post of yours makes me happy!
ReplyDeletefoodaholic: haha it was naturally the best choice 'cos tatsuya's specialty is its sushi (:
ReplyDeletefoodoshot: do visit tatsuya if you're looking for great sushi!
I just stumbled onto your blog looking for sushi and it's quite a nice foodie blog! Tatsuya is great for sushi, I want to go there someday for their yummy set lunches!
ReplyDeleteBtw, don't mind if I add you to my blogroll :)
Disco Asian: you definitely should! yup feel free to add me on your foodroll (:
ReplyDelete