Set Lunch at Rakuzen

If you think you know what ikan kembung or mackerel should taste like, then you should really try out the grilled Japanese version . The last time I had something as good as this, was many, many years ago in Baiyoke Bangkok ( don't take my word for it, it's different there today , gone downhill since )

The japs call it Saba, but as you know, these waters in Southeast Asia are where the best tasting ones thrive.

Couple that with skillful cooking method and walla...what you get is a fantastically creamy, tender, lightly crisp, juicy piece that can take you to heaven.

Rakuzen - Gurney Paragon Mall

Japanese cuisine fans were super excited when the Super Dining group, finally made it's entry up north.

Decided to wait it out, to allow things to settle down a bit.

So they placed us here. In this chic looking basel wood section which allows you to peek at other diners, now and then. Was bothered by the temperamental air conditioning. One minute it's cool and the next minute a little stuffy. Maybe it's because we're near the glass kitchen that's just next to the main entrance.

(NH) Sumida Japanese restaurant - Set Lunch

If you haven't noticed already, I'm making a slow and steady transition in my diet, since the beginning of this year. Japanese cuisine, seems to be becoming, part and parcel of my life now. Late bloomer , I know, I know ....
Somehow when we travel, it changes our outlook and influences our decisions. While it wasn't my trips to Japan that changed me, rather, Bangkok plays a starring role in this, especially after I saw the explosion of Japanese joints all over the city being wholeheartedly embraced by the Thais themselves .

Coming back to Sumida, it's been around for some time already. The fact that I wanted to try another new place, brought me here. Rumour has it that the place was originally helmed by a Japanese owner but not anymore.

Sushi Tei - Set Lunch revamp

The darnest thing about this place, is that it remains open even during the odd hours, when other restaurants have gone on break shift . So yeah, while I said I might not return the last time, in the end, I had to eat back my own words .

This is exactly the same set as we ordered on our last visit, on an overhaul.

Learnt to eat Cha Soba noodles while in Japan, as I am absolutely and completely NOT ....a fan of Ramen. When I returned, I taught shortie and that's how you always see on our table, whenever we go Japanese. 
Basically, it's a cold dish that's an acquired taste.

Sakae Sushi - Gurney Plaza ( PF )

Today, let's compare the pictures of dishes from the menu, to the actual item sent to your table.

Fire Engine kids meal ( RM $9.90 )

Chicken Nugget, Golden Fish Cake, Panda Fish Cake, fries, assorted vegies

Reality : almost the same in terms of presentation.

Set Lunch at Sushi Tei, Penang

Sushi Tei has everything going for it.

Exciting open sushi kitchen, classy looking interior accentuated by massive mirrors and panels, beautiful food, great lighting .

But my goodness, I sincerely hope someone from their Singaporean head office reads this review of mine, because their local ushers and local floor staff have got a huge attitude problem. They absolutely hate interacting with customers and are reluctant to help. 

Luckily I sat in the area where foreign staff were assigned to. Now, these foreigners, on the other hand, were sincerely welcoming and incredibly nice .

Aji Noren - Prima Tanjung (NH )

8th March 2013 update :

Popped in for lunch and some concerns turned out to be true. Yes, the rice was too moist especially when you get to the bottom. Plus my favourite tempura/sashimi combo was not on the menu.
Think I prefer to come at night, as it just doesn't feel as cozy during daytime.

Earlier post :

Aji Noren is well known in Penang, for serving absolutely tasty, Japanese food, at moderate prices .

The cozy, inviting setting, reminds me of coastal street restaurants in Japan.

Pepper Lunch - Chamchuri Square ( NH )

I've never seen so many Leng Chai and Leng Lui's per square metre elsewhere before other than in Chamchuri Square .

 These kids in uniform , are so pretty, so beautiful,so suave and sooo handsome, you'll feel as if you just walked into an advertisement set for toothpaste, facial wash and haircare !

Actually, it was the smell coming from the outlet that made me cave in . How to resist, when it made my stomach growl so loud ?

I've not been to the outlets in KL, yet , I could not stand it one minute longer and proceeded to place my order at the counter.

Oishi Grand Buffet - 3 hours to feast

After the one hour wait , everyone, and I mean everyone ! went craaaaazyyy, emptying the super popular, super fresh sashimi counter, of fish that is so tender, firm, glossy, thick, moist, goooood !

If you're not a fan of raw fish, it's because what you've been eating so far, has leaked blood and therefore smells.

What they have at Oishi is just a notch below those offered around the Tokyo fish market, which is sweet, succulent and pleasant to the bite.

Absolutely must try !

Round the corner ..... tuna !

Next to more salmon covered in so much roe, you'll wonder why you ever bothered to eat elsewhere after this experience!

Oishi Grand Buffet , Siam Discovery ( 1 hour wait )

We stumbled upon this place by chance.

What got our attention was the long line of diners waiting to get in which is quite a rare sight in Bangkok. 

Wanted to be part of the action.

Ended up at the entrance only to be told that the waiting time would be ONE hour.

YEA- Shabu Shabu christmas ( NH )

YEA's got a way of showering their customers with small surprises...

 ...especially when it comes to festive periods.

Set lunch at Shinju Tei ( NH )

Atually wanted to try out another restaurant out but it was closed, so I walked round the block since I remembered that this shop has been around for quite a number of years already

It was 2.30pm and I got a little worried when I slid open the door.

 A lady in her fifties ( I think !) gave us a big welcoming smile together with a nod when I asked if they were still open

Oh Sushi ! ( NH )

Sick of the holiday crowds, we fled to this corner today for a little bit of peace and quiet .

At first I wondered why the waiter herded us to the back as the front portion looked much cosier.

I soon found out why.