Meeting fellow food bloggers for the 1st time was akin to going on a blind date. Will there be awkward silences? What if we don’t click? Well, butterflies in the stomach begone! Because with food as the universal icebreaker, we were laughing and chatting like newfound old friends. And it was such a cool sight as 2 DSLRs and 2 compacts (all Canon supporters!) started snapping away simultaneously once the food arrived!
The meal started off on a nice note with the fresh Sake Sashimi ($10++). Hard not to like the firm texture of the fatty salmon.
Rolled omelettes are indispensable at any self-respecting Japanese restaurant. This rendition of Atsuyaki Tamago ($6++) was juicy enough to please.
I like natto and I like lotus. So you would have thought I’ll be partial to the Renkon Natto ($8++) but nope, it was too salty. Though the taste of the sticky and stringy fermented soybeans was not nearly as pungent as I would have liked, the mildness made it suitable for those who are trying it for the first time.
Supposedly one of the more popular dishes, the Spider Roll ($8++) was found wanting. Too much rice and not enough fried soft shell crab made this forgettable.
The Stamina Roll ($14++) fared so much better! Avocado added a creamy and velvety dimension while the roasted unagi was soft and moist.
I always save the best for last! Maguro Yukke ($18++) is something I’d order again in a heartbeat. Lush and rich avocado formed a bed for freshly chopped tuna sashimi, topped with a cute raw quail egg and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. This one definitely had both looks and substance!
I like Rakuzen with its nice decor, soothing ambience and prompt service. Of course, the company was even better! Lunching with like-minded food bloggers was such an enjoyable affair that I want to do it again soon! Shall we?
Meet my newfound foodie friends:
Angeline and Janelle from Sistafood;
Elaine from Divine Essentials;
and Justin from j2k3blogs.
Seems like Maguro Yukke is everyone’s favourite!
haha and looks like im the slowest, oops! =p