Coasting to a second chance...
Came here the first time during its opening week after seeing it popped up on IG. Did a walk in and didn't know reservation was needed or recommended, but the wait was short.
Some of the staffs were still in training, the atmosphere was casual yet vibrant. Nice little place.
After trying the food from each category, some fell quite short during the first visit, almost deterred me from coming back, but the chef/ owner came over with kind gestures and before leaving I promised I will come back to give it a second chance (although he said by the sounds of my concerns I won't).
Anyways, VOILA! Here I am back for a second try (unfortunate already forgotten a dissatisfied customer lol). Here's the result second time around...
After being seated, here were the food I ordered;
1. Miso soup. Pretty basic but it was more luke warm than hot, simple inexpensive item but restaurants should take note that sometimes little items could set the tone for the experience.
2. Appy 4pcs (appetizer tempura. It's pretty good. Had that light soft crunch to the batter without the greasiness.
3. Oyster motoyaki. Nice little layer of cheese and used a few fresh whole oysters to complete the dish but wish it was less watery and the outside a bit more caramelized.
4. Wagyu aburi carpaccio. It was tender but lack depth and taste ( and the fried garlic slices were as hard as rocks?!?)
5. Seafood tower for 2. Everything was okay, I wouldn't say it's a great deal but it did add up to its value (out of kusshi oysters, had to replace with another kind but cost $4 more, not about the money, experience restaurant or business would've simply absorbed it)
6. Bluefin sashimi trio. It was okay but the Akami could be better with a more bold red colour, it was almost a chutoro. As for the chu toro, a bit lacking in that nice rich buttery taste. The otoro was buttery but wish it was more of a center cut to have a bit of texture.
7. Madai, wild salmon, foie gras, A5 wagyu, ikura nigiris. The wagyu and foie gras were on the drier side, missing that rich buttery taste. The rest of the nigiris were pretty fresh.
8. Uni nigiris. Pretty good, good balance of uni and rice ratio.
9. Okra fry. It is what it is.
10. Truffle cream udon. Yes and no.... Yes it's nice that a few small slices of truffle sprinkled on top but no because besides that the dish just wasn't it?!? Udon swimming in a little pool of light cream sauce just didn't excite my tastebuds.
This place is definitely a nice little addition to the Joyce neighborhood. It's vibrant with high ceilings, and cozy with a welcoming atmosphere.
As for its service; very friendly and attentive staffs throughout the course of the meal. In addition, explain the arrival of each dish.
The food overall was decent and improved a bit since the first visit but could be better in certain areas still but that will come with time. Hopefully one day if I do return to give it another try, it will be better.
Anyways, as promised to the owners: chef, I went back to give it a 2nd try (honestly, if it wasn't for the nice gestures at the end of the 1st visit from the chef/ owners, I wasn't planning to be back lol). Unfortunately, it fell short abit 2nd time around, nevertheless, I do recommend a try if you are in the neighbourhood and reservation is recommended during peak hours. read more