is it Ikko, Japanese Steakhouse or is it Heaven?
Now, I have a new found love for sushi. I never used to eat it, I actually used to be a pretty picky eater.. There was more I didn’t eat than what I actually did eat. I was always open to trying things, I just didn’t like a lot. I like almost everything now, literally. A few things can be a little overwhelming flavor wise, or I could have a slight aversion to something. But I believe there’s another way to prepare the same thing, or use that ingredient some other way to make it more enjoyable. Wow, got off topic a bit..
Anywaaay. I went out on a sushi date with a friend sometime last week. It was really nice. Refreshing. Good wine, great food, and even better company.. This all took place at Ikko Japanese Steakhouse in Brick, NJ. If you know where I’m talking about, don’t let the fact that it’s in Brick plaza fool you. This place is legit. Most of you probably know that, but if you haven’t been, you haven’t lived. The hibachi side of the restaurant is ahhh-mazing as well. Everytime I go to Ikko for sushi, I get the same exact thing. To start, a green salad, with their carrot ginger dressing that I just die for.
The salad is just ice berg lettuce and a few shreds of carrot and radicchio, but the dressing is just criminal. My favorite part is the spoonful of dressing left in the bottom of the bowl.
Next is always edamame, I think it’s my rule of thumb that when I go to any Japanese restaurant I MUST get edamame.
For my rolls I got the “San Francisco roll.” Here’s why… It’s crab, spicy scallop, avocado, and seaweed. That’s all I need to say. I use tons of wasabi, but you have to take a good 1-2 minutes to break up all the wasabi in the soy sauce using your chopsticks. Almost like emulsifying it into the sauce. No clumps. It’s the way to do it, I’m telling you. It makes a world of difference. It doesn’t sneak up the back of your throat and punch you randomly like clumps of wasabi will do. You need the pickled ginger on top too. It’s a must. So fresh, and good.
Now, it’s time to get serious.. What I’m about to tell you about is unbelievably delicious, dangerously addictive, and reasonably priced. Grilled New Zeland Mussels with a spicy eel sauce and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Unlike anything you’ve ever eaten! They aren’t too too spicy, but the sauce is glorious, they are cooked to perfection with a slight smoked taste from grilling. I have no way to describe them other than ridiculous. I get them every time no matter what. I’m telling you, you NEED to eat these. It’s like winning the lottery, if only for a few minutes. Go there, and get them, you’ll see what I mean. I dream about these daily.
