Yataimura Maru: a Japanese Izakaya

Yataimura Maru is a Japanese Izakaya in SE Portland. "We make as much of our food from scratch as possible; house-made ramen noodles, stocks and broths that are simmered all day, and sashimi sliced from whole fish. We serve the food we love to eat with the beverages we love to drink, including beer, wine, sake, and cocktails."

On our quest to experience new dishes and flavors from Japan, I found a description, and excellent reviews of a type of restaurant called izakaya -  a type of informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks. Izakaya are casual places for after-work drinking, similar to a pub, a Spanish tapas bar, or an American saloon or tavern.

We skipped going out last week because we were under the weather, but Saturday was both a glorious day and the perfect day for a good meal. Though we were not disappointed with our meal, neither were we especially impressed. 

The place is designed to have the welcoming feel and style of a traditional izakaya with paper lanterns and banners and a large bar area. We were in time for happy hour, which gave us the opportunity to try a number of dishes. Our very charming server was happy to explain all the dishes and pointed out the noodles and dumplings are hand made in house. We started with sake, then pork gyoza in a vibrant sauce. They turned out to be the standout dish. Next tako yaki - a fried ball with octopus. Good. The noodles in the dry ramen were plentiful and tasty but lacked lots of toppings. Chicken katsu curry was served with rice, but I still don't like curry. H ordered a side of tempura shrimp - good. Since all the dishes were small, (and we ate everything), we had room for dessert - tempura banana with vanilla ice cream. The bananas were over battered and had no sweetness. Ice cream was a good finisher.

All in all, we scarfed down the meal, but it felt like an ordinary meal.  Bar food, great snack food, but no opportunity to try new tastes and dishes. 

total $80  = 16 = $96

7 for food, 10 for service

Rave Review: Seasons and Regions

 April 12

Seasons and Regions Seafood Grill features farm to table produce, locally sourced seafood "recipes inspired by diverse global regions," was on Diners Drive ins and Dives showing the chef making cioppino   - and got rave reviews online. This is another rave.

We entered laughing because I was unable to locate the entrance, the Get In Here sign confused me (not too bright) and I walked around the restaurant twice, in the rain, until H rescued me. Were seated at a too small table in the covered area. I tried to get a better table, but the restaurant was full and busy, a very good sign.

We drank prosecco while we read the mouthwatering menu. There were at least ten things I wanted to order - Alaskan Halibut Almandine for me, cioppino for H, and a loaf of focaccia with herb butter.

Every dish was delicious - my fish had crunchy almond slivers and beurre blanc - so textures and flavor. The cioppino was rich flavorful broth, lots of seafood and topped with a fried crabcake and crunchy toast.

Our lovely server asked what we were celebrating - we got free (handmade) ice cream for dessert.

Ten out of ten from us both. 

Oasis Lebanese Cuisine

Oasis Lebanese Cuisine 

Wednesday April 1

A lazy day, too lazy to cook, so we decided to go out. H had researched Oasis several weeks ago, but we went somewhere else - this was a good time to try somewhere new for one of our favorite types of cuisine.

This is the second restaurant we've visited located in a Beaverton area mall - and both have been extremely nice inside. Oasis is complete with a stage set up for musicians, a sign on the door offers belly dancing events, our table was draped in cloth like a Bedouin tent and lovely brass chandeliers hang throughout.

Not many people at 5pm on a Wednesday. H ordered a Meat Mezze plate - a sampler with enough variety and food for two - and as it happened, plenty to take home and enjoy later. It was served with two plate size pita which he liked very much. I had excellent lentil soup and mixed fatayir - little pies, which were disappointing when compared to Barbur World Foods.

With Passover seder just two days away, a simple healthy meal was just right - 

$47.85 

6 out of 10