Suika - an Izakaya

A nice little Japanese place on the corner of Broadway and Fir.  We ventured here after a movie preview last week.  Sadly with the security in place at advance screenings I left my camera at home (not leaving it with security! uh uh!). Good thing for camera phones, so the photos here are courtesy of my friend Kathy.

First off, this is definitely a place I will go back and check out the rest of the menu plus the decor has a really great flow and looks fantastic with the bottle chandelier, mahjong tiles on the bar wall and nice leather booths you'd find in lounges.

Drinks-wise, there's a good selection, even for the non-alcoholic. If you order a green tea, you get your own teapot (not too exciting I know, but I liked it). They also have a fresh ginger ale which Kathy says is refreshing.

To the food: 

photo by Kathy L

Ebi Mayo - a staple that many seem to order. Generously sized prawns (batter aside) that was flavorful, batter was light and the mayo was just right.

photo by Kathy L

Agedeshi Tofu with Ebi on top - nothing surprisingly good or bad as we just had Ebi Mayo so it may have too much ebi for the night. Wouldn't order this next time, but only for that reason, though there's no craving to order it again either.






Hamachi Carpaccio - Kathy's recommendation. Excellent in taste, combined with the fresh salad, left us wanting more hamachi - next time.

photo by Kathy L

Finally the Stone Bowl Rice with Pork Belly (can't remember what the official name is).  The server brings it unmixed to the table and then mixes it for you. Tasted great especially on a cold day and adds a nice filler to the meal. Hard to go wrong with rice if you're eating so not to be hungry.

photo by Kathy L

photo by Kathy L

Of course, saving the best for last: DESSERT~
Here's to the matcha creme brulee.  I'm normally not a fan of matcha (gasp) but having had a surperb matcha tiramisu at Zakkushi, I figure why not a matcha creme brulee?  If you're not a fan of the green tea-ness, this dessert is still good for you. The creme brulee taste is rather light but it's there.  Texture though, it's been frozen, so it tastes a bit like ice cream without the meltiness. Nice, eh? 

photo by Kathy L

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