So here's the thing - never go to a random restaurant on the weekend in Sydney without checking if it's open first.
Yesterday, after a session of surf/sun/beach, we decided to treat ourselves to a place we've have our eyes on for a while - Ju Ge Mu for okonomiyaki. We took the half hour bus ride from Manly Vale down to Neutral Bay only to realise the place was closed on Sunday lunchtimes!
Better luck next time...
With Japanese in mind, we spotted a subtle gem called Samurai Sushi across the road and decided to feast here instead.
Ravished by hunger, we ordered 3 starters and a main each:
Starters:
Sushi Tamago - that's right! This is the same stuff that comes on the Tamago Nigiri but just in huge chunks and minus the rice blocks at the bottom. It's strange because it is sweet. After I had the first block of tamago, I almost felt like I've eaten my dessert's worth!
Atsuage Tofu - kind of like Agedashi tofu but minus the sauce dipping. It's fried to a chewy texture on the outside but firm and fleshy on the inside. I love tofu and when going to a Japanese restaurant, I would feel compelled to order a tofu dish. However, I felt this didn't come with enough flavour so had to splash it with soy sauce for extra taste.
Prawn Takoyaki - Generous portion of 8 takoyaki drizzled in kewpie mayo and bonito flakes. Bit disappointed by lack of "prawn" in the takoyaki but nevertheless the texture was crispy on the outside and soft and flavoursome on the inside.
Grilled Seafood Salad with Avocado - bit of fusion here. So the middle consisted of salad leaves while the outside was piled with grilled seafood (of what I spotted - slabs of salmon/swordfish/tuna?!) with splots of fish roe - all drenched in kewpie. The concoction came on a gigantic plate and accompanied by it's own tong for mixing!
Wagyu Beef Okonomiyaki - Not is all lost on our hunt for okonomiyaki as Mr. P ordered this dish. Quite a modern twist on the traditional dish - it comes on a sizzling plate on a bed of beansprouts. The pancake is folded so that the oval shape fits into the shape of the hot plate. If anything, this neo-okonomiyaki is even more delicious than the normal "cook in front of you" ones. It's got more texture and the hot plate sears the beansprouts so it gives a more smokey flavour. Rather delightful!
We were stuffed to the brim after we finished. I'd definitely come back for the generous portions and authentic Japanese food. The price was reasonable and staff really friendly. Food was relatively fast to come (except for the okonomiyaki - which took a while to come).
Overall - def recommend!
Have you been here? - what did you eat and what did you think?
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