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2009-08-22
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I discovered the Facebook Discount Offer somewhere and having previously put this Izakaya on my 'wishlist' during a previous visit to the Main St Deli Cafe opposite - I booked and was here in in early July. 1st things 1st. On the Yagura Website, they advertise that you can get 15% off the bill, which is completely different to the 50% off I was expecting but after submitting my 'special booking request' by email, I ended up getting the 50% Off the Bill Promotion afterall. But that is restricted
Upon arrival, I was surprised Yagura's front entrance had undergone major refurbishment and completely evolved from a few months ago - now there is an open Sushi Bar counter at the front rather than being inside, and its operated by a Chinese chef and not Japanese chef anymore. Not only that, but the whole Menu's been redesigned from scratch and bears no resemblance to the last one. In the past - I have seen the menu filled with certain Kaiseki Course offerings as well as some high end food options. Nowadays, its all strictly concentrating on cheaper, tapas like Izakaya dining. So beware if you've been here before, nowadays its not the same anymore. Its toned down a bit, perhaps too much so...
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Since I was restricted to 6 types of Courses for my Facebook booking, I read through the Set Menu carefully with options ranging from $148 - $328 per person but which I would receive Buy 1 Get 1 Free. I already knew and even disappointed that the menu is very Hong Kongnised compared to in the past, plus most other courses weren't too attractive for the prices despite an Wagyu offering in the $328 one. I opted for Set C $148 instead, in case I needed damage limitation. Afterall, to me, this was only the 1st 'test' of this restaurant's food quality.
Appetiser -
Fried Eggplants with Bonito Flakes. Its good but not creative!
8/10
Miso Soup -
This was about average but wasn't very Japanese in taste for some reason.
7/10
Grilled Items -
1 Grilled Asparagus with Pork skewer. 1 Grilled Chicken Yakitori.
These were actually quite nicely done, it even had a nice Chargrilled aroma which is quite rare these days, at least in Hong Kong. They were a bit over-cooked and drish but the flavour and correct seasoning made up for them. I would come back for these.
8.0/10
Small Tempura Set with Lemon & Salt plus also Tsuyu Dipping -
3 x Prawns, 1 x Okura, 1 x Mushroom, etc. These were not entirely Japanese in execution and result, plus they were really way too oily, it reminds me of HK tempura. Tempura in Japan has roughly '4 main types' and slight variations between them all, not counting Ebi-Furai or other unique styles.
Its just not very good here. Look at the Absorbent Paper afterwards to judge for yourself, in case you think I'm being overly critical - its a bit daunting as an aftersight. I think its much more complex than only oil temperature control being set at 170-180C. Think about it - anyone can control oil temp in theory easily. Its not as simple as it seems on the surface. I know that because I've made tempura myself, in case you were wondering.
Rice with Tsukemono Pickles -
The rice was actually really very good, one of the best Pearl grain rice bowls I've had. Credits to that.
Green Tea Ice Cream -
Its average in Green Tea flavour. Acceptable and enjoyable!
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PROS
- The service here was actually really Top Notch with very friendly and helpful staff, despite us ordering the cheapest set available and it only worked out to be around $85 per person.
-The initial tea given was a weaker yet aromatic enough Green Tea but during dessert this was swapped to a stronger Genmai Cha version - someone below complained a bit falsely about the tea part so I thought I should give it justice. Its a very nice gesture by the restaurant.
- The Yakitori Grilled items were surprisingly better than many restaurants with its smoky flavouring but not perfect, apparently the old Japanese chef is still controlling certain aspects of the restaurant in the background. The rice also very good.
CONS
- The food test I came here for didn't impress in its latest, refurbished and redesigned menu guise, it can still improve.
- The tempura wasn't very environmentally friendly with its oil wastage and from what I saw of the sashimi/sushi on the next table, those aren't attractive anymore compared to the past photos.
- The other food menu items are very Hong Kong style like, I think it should revise slightly again.
Around a low to high '3', or low '4'
张贴
