This evening, Yvonne was very fortunate to receive the invitation of Naomi-chan and her hubby, for an authentic home-cooked Japanese dinner. Tis’ another thing money can’t buy. Nicknamed the Izakaya, their doors are only opened to special guests.

Knowing Eddie is like striking jackpot. Naomi and Ayumu are readers of the cooknengr.com. By car, they live just 5 minutes away from my temporary den here in Brea.

Being Japanese natives living on American soil, the Izakaya became a product of immigrants passionate of their roots. including the table setting. Cooking isn’t enough. Proper presentation, mood setting and a well-planned menu were also thrown in.

Dear readers, I hope you can read the menu, because Yvonne is not good at reviewing food. I only know to show off photos.

The moment I sat down, my eyes rested on this big dish of fishes in the center. Those are super fresh octopus, Yellowtail, and seared Jack fish. The Jack fish had crispy fried skin while the meat was kept raw. I am impressed!

The first dish of vegetables, readily served when I came, were white carrots. Next to it, rested three types of homemade sauces.

Blue Fin Tuna, prepared and served Mexican style with sesame seeds. This was my favourite!

My first time tasting fried green pepper this way. A good variation of taste among the dishes.

This plate of Idako had some tasty yellowish light gravy. A good change from the usual plain Idako.

I believe cawanmushi was served due to my specific mention last week. The best Cawanmushi ever! If only I can show you how light and smooth it was. When scooped, it DID NOT break into tiny bits at all.

Finally, beef salad. The beef is grilled barbeque style with some tasty sauce, which spiced up the vegetables as well. Needless to say, this was the best salad I ever had.

Besides cooking, Naomi flexes her creativity in pottery, extending to the interiors of her house. Behind closed doors, this little Izakaya is a Japanese haven - for the tummy, for the eyes, and for rest.

A big round of applause to Naomi and Ayumu-san. Now my taste excitory threshold for Japanese food has increased, all thanks to you.

And the Cooknengr for introducing. All photographs here belong to Eddie unless otherwise stated.

Posted in Reviews |