Gastro Monkey // 美食家

One of my favorite spots in Sacramento is Binchoyaki. I've already posted before about them , but that was two years ago. I think it's ready for a quick update. What's great is the food is still just as good as it was two years ago, and with a few updates. The dollar oyster deal has been going on a bit I think, I just haven't had a chance to go yet. Since it's still May, we decided to check it out. I was enjoying myself too much to ask what type of oyster it was that was included for their dollar oysters, honestly. And, dollar oysters usually mean super ocean-y-gotta-really-like-seafood-and-its-smells kind of oysters. But, I am happy to report that those dollar oysters are good! They're a little on the bigger side than what I would pick for myself, but they weren't overwhelmingly big (I'm lookin at you, Pacific Oyster). They were slightly briney, but not too much. The vinaigrette was very strong. Since I like oysters and their natural flavor, next t...

For my very brief visit to Scottsdale, I ended up going to Roka Akor. It is yet another selection based on Instagram. The boyfriend follows  Kai Torcuato , the executive chef at said restaurant, and said if it's in the area that I'll be staying I should pop by. Looking through his Instagram pictures I could not help but salivate. Wide varieties of fresh fish, incredible knife work - of course I had to give it a try! Located in what looks like a strip mall, the interior of the restaurant looked almost like a night club. The sushi bar is immense compared to what I'm used to. I took a seat in the middle of the bar, and Kai introduced himself. He asked if I had any questions with the menu. I told him I trust him and that I would like to get the omakase. Note to those who are used to more traditional Japanese restaurants - the omakase here is very different. Since Roka Akor is a restaurant that specializes in sushi and steak, you'll get a combination of the two. Had I...

When I heard that Sacramento was finally getting a real izakaya, I was intrigued. Who doesn't love grilled meat on a stick (yes, vegetarians and vegans, I know... but grilled mushrooms are just as delicious!)? Newly opened after some delays, we finally made it out to give it a try. Located in the former Doughbot location, it's a bit small but cozy. By the time we left, there was a wait. If you get there earlier, you can pretty much have your choice of where to sit. Their menu is available online, but they also have daily specials. I wanted to try everything, but kept myself in check as I ordered the following:  * Negima (tender chicken leg and sweet green onion) * Nankotsu (cartilage) * Strip loin * Kurobuta jowl *  Tanuki (shiitake stuffed with tsukune, Binchoyaki sauce) * Duck breast with wasabi * Heart * Liver All of the items were grilled to order. Great place to go for a conversation while enjoying some yakitori. Most of the beers are Coedo, whi...