{SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW.}

Friday, 23 January 2009

title:{Japanese Epicurean}

Epicurean: Devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially to the enjoyment of good food and comfort.

I wont dare say I fit that definition, but who doesn't enjoy fine dining?

I went to Yamagawa （山川）Japanese Restaurant for dinner last night, after getting my eyes checked by the optometrist. Both the optical shop and the restaurant were previously located at the Concourse. It is such a coincidence that both have decided to relocate to The Plaza due to the redevelopment of the old Concourse Mall into a condominium.

My family has been loyal patrons of this establishment and I have enjoyed both Chef Gary's and Chef Kelvin's fine culinary skills since I was a toddler. I found its new interior more aesthetically pleasing than before. Also, the restaurant is more spacious and even has tatami rooms now.

A familiar waitress by the name of Joey, greeted us warmly and ushered us to a table. As I was feeling ravenous, I ordered the "eat-all-you-want" buffet meal. My sister followed suit. My parents, however, ordered a la carte.

And we merrily ate to our hearts content. I ate so much that I felt like I had food filled up to my eyeballs! California Temaki, Chawan mushi (steamed egg), miso soup, tamago sushi ( sweet egg sushi), yakinuku ( sitr fried beef), and last but not least, my favourite tobiko sushi! ( flying fish roe sushi)! And I haven't even mentioned pinching on my dad's gorgeous seafood and chicken Teppanyaki set!

Here you can see the remaining pieces of tamago sushi and the finished plate of yakiniku. Yum!

Dessert was served with compliments. Loyalty has its privileges. I ordered matcha (green tea) ice cream, whilst my sister preferred vanilla. My parents were on a diet (haha), so they were served fruits.

As we were happily indulging in our sapid desserts, the chef walked his usual rounds to greet his customers and to ensure that the food and service met their expectations. Little did he expect me to wield a camera and request for a photo with him! He obliged without hesitation.

Me and Chef Kelvin!

I enjoyed my meal at Yamagawa restaurant thoroughly. In my opinion, the most important thing is the time spent with my family. Anyone can go to a restaurant and enjoy the fine food, but it is different when you are in the warm company of your family.

I love dining with my family.

I love my father's jokes.
I love bugging my sister, who would pout and scream at me to stop annoying her.
I love my mother giving me that look when I accidentally knock over something.

I treasure the time eating with my family even more as my dad travels extensively for work and we seldom have the opportunity to sit down as a family for dinner.

Before I go, let me post a funny picture.

I wondered what was in the hu lu ( gourd), so I picked it up and imagined myslef endorsing this product. But later I found out that it actually holds shichimi 七味, or seven spices powder. Uniquely Japanese! My dad also joined in the "lame-ness" and stuck his half eaten hondeydew in view of the camera. HAHA.

LAME!

A hasty shot from the entrance before i left.

1/23/2009 01:22:00 pm;