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October 17, 2006 |
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Anytime I walk into a Japanese restaurant, I’ve got three things on my mind: sushi, sake, and chopsticks. My expectations were no different walking into Tokyo House off Six Forks road a couple weeks ago, but walking out of this wonderful Asian Bistro raised my standards for this specific cuisine. Here are the reasons why, based on my specific experiences with those three things always on my mind: Chopsticks—They once were the bane of my existence, but now that I’ve been eating sushi and Asian food frequently, my fellow cuisine adventurers have shown me their handy techniques implemented for the maximum food-to-mouth ratio. What I like about Tokyo House is that regular silverware is not readily accessible; you are forced to try the chopsticks, lest you embarrass yourself by asking for the lazy American way of eating. The Asians do it right, just like the French—eating slowly and in small bites allows you to savor the flavors and textures of your food, while giving time for your stomach to recognize when it is full. But despite the slowed intake of my food, I couldn’t help stuffing myself on Tokyo House’s specialties. Sake—It doesn’t feel right to eat Japanese food without partaking of the heart (or liver)-warming sake. I just ordered a small carafe of their house sake so as to not partake too much, but it kept on refilling my little shot cup. Know that the Tokyo House portions, even with the sake, are generous. There are a few sakes to choose from, and the differences of each are explained in detail on the drink menu. I always appreciate detailed descriptions on menus, because they allow you to make informed decisions on what you are about to eat or drink and you can plan on the style or theme of your meal. All sakes at Tokyo House can be served warm or cool, whatever your preference. For the full effect, I suggest ordering warm. Sushi—Not everyone can handle eating sushi, and I completely understand. If you’re not a “texture-eater,” then you won’t like it. If you’re not into eating anything raw, then you won’t like it. If you don’t like seafood, then you obviously will not like 95% of the sushi rolls offered. But if you are a sushi lover, then Tokyo House is one of the best places in the area to get it. This restaurant boasts a vast, thorough menu of Japanese and Thai food including well over 30 different sushi rolls to try. The ingredient list for the rolls seems endless: scallops, shrimp, eel, snow crab, baked conch clam, spicy mayo, spicy tuna, avocado, pickled ginger, tempura, cucumber, bonito flakes, scallion, Japanese mint leaves, salmon, octopus, and more. I could not believe the variety in Tokyo House’s sushi, and it comprised only 1/3 of the menu—there are still hibachi entrees, soups, salads and desserts to try. I could suggest many of my favorites at Tokyo House, but I must limit myself to mentioning only a select few... Everyone has heard of or tried lettuce wraps filled with beef or chicken before, but Tokyo House serves a delectable seafood lettuce wrap filled with salmon, white fish, tempura, scallion, smelt fish roe, and spicy mayo sauce. The spicy mayo adds just enough taste to the seafood making it an all-around flavor and texture feast. Among the appetizers, the smoked salmon ball is one of Tokyo House’s signature dishes, and its presentation is unique. Two round balls of rolled up smoked salmon garnished with a spicy mayo and ginger sauce are filled with the spicy crunch of tempura flakes. These are not extremely spicy, but for those who enjoy the burn will like the smoked salmon balls dipped in the surrounding garnish sauces. I’ve seen a lot of different sea-faring animals served in Asian restaurants, but as a true Carolina fishin’ girl I was surprised to see that one of Tokyo House’s entrees Oolong Fish Fillet can be served with Sea Bass. Bass is an excellent tasting fish, and when prepared with appropriate ingredients the combination is a knockout. Tokyo House wok-sears the fish fillet, marinates it in oolong tea, and serves it with fresh vegetables. Oh my goodness, the taste! That’s all I have to say about that. Lastly, if you want to delight in a little bit of everything, try one of the sushi and sashimi dinners. The portions are tremendous, and the sushi dinners come out on wooden boat-like serving trays with each type of roll placed together with garnishes completing the solid presentation. Try the Deluxe Sashimi which is the chef’s choice of 5 different kinds of fish, or the Sushi Lover for Two which includes 10 pieces of chef’s choice, 8 California rolls, 8 Crunchy rolls, 8 triangle rolls, and 8 Philadelphia rolls—that’s over 40 pieces of sushi for less than a dollar a piece. Besides the fact that Tokyo House’s food is very reasonably priced, its selection and presentation is undeniably excellent. And it doesn’t hurt that the restaurant’s interior design is stylish and welcoming, and there’s always staff around to politely and efficiently serve you. They even bring warm towels before your meal to freshen and clean your hands with—it’s rare that an Asian restaurant provides that service anymore. I highly recommend Tokyo House to anyone looking for a unique dining experience, great food, and a non-intimidating atmosphere. Sit at the large semi-circle sushi bar and watch your food get prepared, take your date and sit in an intimate booth, or have a party with your friends in one of two private dining rooms—each with a traditional low-top table and pillows to relax on while you eat. Tokyo House owners recognize the necessity of not only providing an appetizing cuisine, but making a unique experience out of dining at their restaurant. When you check out Tokyo House, be adventurous and inquisitive—you’ll learn a lot and give your taste buds a flavor-feast at the same time. Tokyo House is located at 7439 Six Forks Road in the Celebration Shopping Center—phone number 919.848.3350—Open for lunch and dinner, except lunch on Sundays |
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