One of my favorite restaurant back in New York City is called Yakitori Totto. In fact my friends and I went there so often that we became regulars and note all the chefs by nickname. It is also a cool, take-a-visitor kinda place because the vibe and space is just right (although the wait may be long!) and the food (especially the chicken meat ball) is really good for New York standard. Since yakitori Totto, I became an yakitori addict. In fact I will even say that my favorite type of Japanese food of all IS yakitori. Unlike yakiniku (which of course is delicious here due to all the perfectly patterned fatty meats), you do not feel like you just chucked half a gallon of oil after eating the yakitori. Yakitori is a relaxing, drink a few beers, nibble on one or two (or in my case too many) skewers and enjoy the time with your companions kind of cuisine.
I just realized that despite my love for yakitori, I have not blogged about a single one! This time, coming to yakitori Sasaya, I came prepared with a camera strapped to my wrist; Must-take-photo-before-eating!
This is not my first visit to Sasaya. It was introduced to us by, of course, our regular dining companion, H. After having been to several yakitori places around the Meguro, Ebisu area, I can say that this is by far my favorite yakitori spot. It seems that the crowd is catching on as well, since we sat down at 6pm on a Monday night, the place became completely full within minutes! I would suggest making a reservation prior to going.
What I love about this yakitori shop is the seasoning. The chef has it perfected, where the balance between the salt and pepper is just right. I suspect that they use a very special pepper as well, which really gives the skewers a distinct flavor. My favorite skewers here are: liver, chicken soft bone, shitake and the cheese! In the a la carte menu, the egg plant and the esophagus are both absolutely delicious. While I have always eaten yakitori with beer, this place taught me that pairing it with a white wine (Chablis) is actually a match made in heaven. I would recommend this place to all yakitori lovers!
焼き鳥笹や
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