Experiencing traditional country style cooking: Robataya NY

One of the fascinating things about NYC is how the level of Japanese restaurants are really high quality compared to other states in America. I think it's the number one city that serves so many different types of Japanese food, from comfort to authentic food, and it's usually VERY good.

Well, Robataya is a place that blows Japanese- New Yorker's minds away. Everything is just perfect in this restaurant, and you can't ask for more. The food quality, the service, the ambiance, the way they present their food, it's just an experience that you will never forget.

Of course, it's a high end restaurant so the price is on the expensive side, but it's worth paying for. Once you enter the restaurant, you will be greeted by a large robata grill, where two chefs sit behind the grill. The customers will be sitting in front of the grill, getting the experience to see the chefs cook up authentic Japanese food. The way they serve the food to the customers is something you will not be experiencing at other restaurants so I highly recommend you sit at the grill instead of the tables in the back.

                                                                       (pictures taken from google images)

As for the food, they will grill vegetables, fish, meat, and even onigiri (rice balls) so take a look at what is displayed and choose your favorites. The one dish you CANNOT miss is the Kamameshi (rice cooked & served in a earthenware pot), which you will want to order fist because it'll take about 30 minutes to cook. My favorite is the salmon one, but if you do not like fish, than go for the chicken or the mushroom. They also have a variety of sake so ask some recommendations from the server.

Information on Robataya
Location: 231 E 9th Street (btw Stuyvesant St & 2nd Ave)
Phone: (212) 979-9674
Hours: Mon - Thur, Sun 6pm - 11pm
            Wed- Fri 12pm - 2:30pm
            Fri - Sat 6pm - 12 am
            Sat- Sun 12pm - 3pm

Up for some chicken skewers? Yakitori Totto is the place.

So, what is Yakitori? It's basically chicken skewers but grilled one by one by the chef using white charcoal, which makes the chicken tender and delicious. Yakitori Totto is the place to go if you want some really good chicken and other skewers.


Yakitori is popular among Japanese people, especially for business men who goes out for an after work drink. Draft beer in one hand and Yakitori in the other hand is the way to enjoy this food. Usually, the chicken comes in bite size with 4 to 5 pieces on one skewer. You can either have it with a special Yakitori sauce, or dip a pinch of sea salt. I love eating yakitori with beer because it also serves as a good appetizer too.

Yakitori Totto not only offers chicken, but also serves various kinds of vegetable skewers, beef, and fish. Ordering one is not enough, so plan to get at least four skewers of your choice. I always order Negima (chicken & scallions) and tsukune (chicken meatball) because these two are the basics. Finish off with Tokusen oyako don (chicken & eggs over rice) or Negi tori don (scallions, chicken & eggs over rice) to complete your meal. Oh, yeah, and don't forget the beer!

                                                                      (pictures taken from google images)

Information on Yakitori Totto
Location: 251 W 55th Street, 2nd floor (btw Broadway & 8th Ave)
Phone: (212) 245-4555
Hours: Mon - Fri 11:30am - 2 pm
            Mon - Thur 5:30pm - 12 am
            Fri - Sat 5:30pm - 1 am
            Sun 5:30pm - 11pm

Tofu turns into desserts at Kyotofu!

Have you ever imagined tofu cheesecake? Tofu ice cream? Miso chocolate cake and brownies?
Well, if the desserts caught your heart, than you must try this dessert bar called Kyotofu, which is located in Hell's Kitchen.

This place is inspired by the soy beans that is used to make tofu, miso paste (for miso soup), soy milk, and other soy based products. In an area called Kyoto, which is the traditional (or historical) area in Japan, there are many tofu artisans who make soy- based food. Bringing the tofu idea and adding a touch of American taste, this place is not just an ordinary dessert place. It's a place where you feel like you are eating cheesecake, but it's tofu. I know it sounds weird, but I can assure you it's really good. When I go to Kyoto, I always get the tofu ice cream which is sold in stores, and I love it!

They change their menues each season, but they usually have the signature sweet tofu, which melts in your mouth. Tofu cheesecake, anmitsu, and tofu ice cream sundae are other delicious dishes that you may want to try. It's not just the taste, but also the visual that makes this place special. All the desserts are beautifully presented, and you just have to take a picture before you start eating!

                                                                (pictures taken from google images)

The restaurant also has food dishes, but I recommend you just go for desserts here.

Information on Kyotofu
Location: 709 9th Ave (btw 48th St & 49th St)
Phone: (212) 974- 6012
Hours: Mon 5pm - 11pm
            Tues - Thur, Sun 11am - 12:30 am
            Fri - Sat 11am - 1:30 am

Moderate Price but Good Nigiri Sushi: Mishima

Walk around NYC for 10 minutes and you will see at least 3 signs that will say SUSHI.

Sushi has become such common food in NYC that I feel it's become one of those "on the go" type food. I know, it's just me thinking this way. 

Well, out of hundreds sushi places in NYC, the place I go to when I don't want to pay too much but want real nigiri (hand-formed by the chef) sushi (not those California or Boston or Philly Rolls), I go to Mishima, which is located in Midtown East. 

(pictures taken from google images)

 
I always order their "Sushi for two" which is $50 ($25/ 1person). The sushi they serve depends on the seasonal fish they have that day, so it's fresh. The dish comes with 20 sushi, 18 assorted sushi and two types of rolls to share, so your stomach will be pretty satisfied by the last piece. You can always ask the server about the types of fish they will be serving so that incase if there's a piece you don't like, they will exchange it with another one.

So, if you're desperate for a sushi that's not the one's you can get at Whole Foods, go to Mishima. Get a bottle of sake and sushi, and you will be able to experience how Japanese people enjoy sushi.

Information on Mishima
Location: 164 Lexington Ave (btw 30th St & 31st St)
Phone: (212) 532-9596
Hours: Mon - Fri 12pm - 2:30 pm
            Mon - Fri 5:30pm - 10:30pm
            Sat - Sun 5pm - 10:30pm